Super Sun 2 Reflector Venting Question

[JoeRocket2]

What kind of problems can I run into if I try to cool a Super Sun 2 reflector that has 6" vent holes by downsizing them to 4" to match the fan system I would like to use.

5'x5'x6' room with a 170cfm Eco Plus fan and a 4" Eco Plus carbon scrubber.

Do you think running 6"-4" adaptors on each end of the reflector will cause any cooling problems?

Would it be noisier? And if it is noisier, would I be better off just runnung a 6" setup all the way thru and just dial back the fan a bit?

Thanks for your advice,

Joe

 

[Old Yeller]

I'm sorta curious about this too. I have a chance to get the 4" SuperSun 1 (older model with the mixed spectral aluminum reflectors) & a 4" Carbonaire filter & was wondering if a 6" inline fan (with speed control) would be appropriate if I dialed down the cfm's - less noise than a 4" inline?

 

[FunkBomb]

The decibal ratings for the 4" and 6" Vortex fans are the same. The only difference is the size of the fan blades, thus the larger of the two moves more air. I have a Supersun 1 reflector and ran it with a 4" Vortex on a speed control connected to an Elf carbon filter. It worked out very well for me.

As for speed controlling, the more you turn it down the quieter it is. Add some ducting and it is even more quiet. More restriction = less noise based off my experiences.

-Funk

 

[Old Yeller]

FB - What kind of speed control do you use? I'm just not sure of all those $20 ones floating around - saw some 120v Variac's on ebay for between $40 - $80 & I just keep thinking - (buy it right the first time & don't look back)...
Because I've got very little head-room, I was even hoping a 4" inline might cut it, but ahh... the noise issue again.

 

[Hawk]

...I just keep thinking - (buy it right the first time & don't look back)...

I'm with you. $20 speed controller no workie for me. It makes my 6" 440cfm EcoPlus fan LOUDER, not quieter. The "hum" from the motor's commutator was awful. I had better results by boxing up the fan and taking other measures for stealth. I've not used a Variac but I've read they produce zero "side effect" noise. If I buy another speed controller, I'm ponying up for a Variac.

 

[Old Yeller]

Hawk - I'm not sure, but I seem to remember that all you need is a 3amp one to run a fan - they got 'em in lots of different amp sizes, but a I saw decent 5amp one from china on ebay for about $75 shipped

 

[Hawk]

5 amps at 120v is 600w of capacity. That'd handle a huge fan. I believe 3amps would be plenty for most any single fan and would likely control many pairs of fans. I'm almost sure my fan is rated at something less than 150w.

 

[CheifnBud2]

One trick ive heard of is put the ducting into a cardboard box, with some type of insulation in there (foam, styrefoam, with more glued to the walls, blankets ect. Then just cut enough holes in the cardboard box for the air to vent out, pretty efficent muffler.

Also if the fan is in the grow room, it helps to have it sealed with weather stripping or some kind off foam tape.

 

[clowntown]

Larger ducting (i.e., 6" throughout w/o 4" reduction) will create the smoothest, quietest and most efficient flow. Get yourself a speed controller these guys are talking about.

 

[Old Yeller]

Well, you all can see that I have a head-space problem in my growing triangle so I don't think I can get away with a 6" SS2 hood, 6" carbonfilter & 6" ducting in my stairwell. Let alone stuffing my inline into another box. For stealth reasons I have to keep all my exhaust/scrubbing stuff in the closet & I hope that the 4" SS1 hood with 4" ducting to a 4" carbon unit will work for me.
I did have some slight odor problems in my last grow with my 4" 105cfm axial fan attached to a diy Royko style carbon filter but it kept the heat to 80 degrees at the exhaust port with out too much noise. Cold air intake right off the basement floor really saves me from heat issues.
Sorry if I'm hijacking this older thread from JoeRocket2, but if it helps, I have a kick-ass Joe Rocket cycle jacket I'll never give up...