Does a carbon filter remove smell? - 2020 Updated

Indoor grow tent need good ventilation to keep cool, fresh air coming in and warm, moist "used" air going out. But indoor growing can produce unwanted and even potentially toxic odors and contaminants from soils, fertilizers and the plants themselves. Since the exhaust air often flows into an adjacent indoor area, adding activated carbon filters to your airflow system is the best way to control odors and contaminants. Here's how to set up a carbon filter for ideal odor control to clean your air while maintaining efficient airflow.


The place for your filter is in the exhaust system. Can-Lite activated carbon filters mount easily to Can-Fan and Max-Fan exhaust fans for long-lasting, consistent filtering performance with minimal resistance to cause airflow loss. Can-Lite fans and filters can be hung from grow tent supports or attached to solid surfaces in rooms with walls or ceilings.

How do activated carbon filters work?

Carbon filters sometimes referred to as charcoal filters contain small pieces of carbon, in granular or block form, that have been treated to be extremely porous. Just 4 grams of activated carbon has a surface area the equivalent of a football field (6400 sqm). It’s the massive surface area that allows active carbon filters to be very effective in adsorbing (essentially removing) contaminants and other substances.

When the water flows through active carbon filters the chemicals stick to the carbon resulting in purer water output. The effectiveness depends on the flow and temperature of the water. Therefore most smaller active carbon filters should be used with low pressure and cold water.

In addition to the surface area active carbon filters may have different capabilities in terms of the size of contaminants they remove. One factor is the quality of the activated carbon with coconut shells proven to have the best efficiency. Activated carbon can also be made of wood or coal and sold as granular activated carbon or carbon blocks.

• Has a capacity for virtually any vapor contaminant; it will adsorb some of almost any vapor.
• Has a large capacity for organic molecules, especially solvents.
• Will adsorb and retain a wide variety of chemicals at the same time.
• Has an extremely large capacity to catalytically destroy ozone, a major component of smog.
• Works well under a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions.
• Adsorbs odors and chemicals preferentially to moisture. It is not a desiccant and will release moisture to adsorb chemicals.
• Can be used as a carrier of one material to attract and hold or react with another material.
• Is inert and safe to handle and use.

HOW TO SET UP THE FILTER?

Once you get the adequate filter, if you don’t set up everything correctly, you’ll be throwing all your money away. It doesn’t matter how expensive your setup is if there is still going to be an air leak. You have to guarantee that all the air that’s being pulled from your room is going through the carbon filter.

The most practical way to do this is to include the filter as part of your exhaust system. Either place it before or after your fan. The air will either be pulled or pushed through the filter, neutralising all odours as a result. The most efficient solution is to place the filter as the first passage of the air when it's being pulled. The fan should be the last element before the tubing that leads outside. Make sure everything is well-sealed. As we mentioned, it’s the “make or break” of the whole process.

Our Top Picks for the Best Carbon Filter for Grow Room

iPower 4-inch Carbon Filter

This model comes with a 4-inch flange ducting and has a length of 12 inches. The airflow, on the other hand, is 200 CFM.

The highlight of this carbo air filter is the 1050+ IAV charcoal, which s basically the one responsible for the delivery of superior performance. It is considered as one of the most absorbent carbons in the world.

More so, as it comes with a reversible flange, you can expect it to be long-lasting. Based on the specifications from the manufacturer, the service life can be up to two years.

There is also a pre-filter included. However, the pre-filter should be replaced at least once after every ix months to maintain the peak functionality.

Lastly, it comes with 53% open area, which maximizes the airflow, making it more effective in odor management.

VIVOSUN 4 Inch Carbon Filter 

If you are looking for the best way to rid your grow room of bad smells, then you should look for the perfect product to do. VIVOSUN products are made with extreme quality materials and they are some of the most efficient in the market. The 4 inch is great especially for marijuana grow room farmers. The product also works well in any other place that does not have a celling or roof cavity to displace extracted air. Such places could be cabinets, cupboards, and lower level floors of storeys buildings. The product also works well in air-cooled lighting rooms and window-to-window applications. Made with superior quality carbon, the product comes fitted with imported virgin Australian activated charcoal that has the ability to deliver 100% uninterrupted airflow.

Conclusions about the Best Carbon Filter for Grow Room

When buying a carbon filter for grow tent, make sure to take into account the size of your grow tent. There are many sizes available for most models and the prices do not differ much either for the different sizes. The best carbon filter for grow room would make sure that your weed’s smell is under control and the odor of the room is neutral. The strong smell can travel outdoors quickly and may even cause trouble for you.