Indoor The problem with exhaust fans.....

[gtron]

is there are so many options, but not many ways to "try before you buy".

My stealth box won't get much notice where I am putting it unless it is drawing attention to itself by making noise or emitting some intense odors. This creates a problem for me as I have a profound hearing loss. What I might not even notice may cause considerable curiosity in one of my housemates.
So I need some advise from some of you gurus out there.
My grow box will be 18"w x 30"l by 36"h = a whopping 11.25 cubic feet
According to the guidelines I have seen, I need a to move 3.75 cfm
That is not much. Looking at inline fans like the http://www.bathroomfanexperts.com/product.php?product=175444 which might be ridiculously small for some, seems like putting a jet engine on a hanglider for my needs.
Would a computer fan like this one http://www.akasa.com.tw/update.php?...=Fans&type_sub=Ultra Quiet Fan&model=AK-FN063 work?
Other suggestions for quiet exhaust?
Also if i used a computer fan what would be the best method of carbon filtering?
If it helps answer any questions, I will be using a blackstar 240w led for lighting and growing in soil.

Thanks.

 

[AutoMan]

I have a 120mm puter fan on my dry box which is bout the same size of your grow box....moves a lot of air very quietly...think I got it from amazon.com....prior to ducting my dry box into my tent so odor is handled by my char can, I used a home made carbon filter outta carbon filters from walmart...works ok but did have to use ona to help with a stinky bud !!
Good luck...let us know if ya need any more help...we are all here to help ya succeed...

 

[Stunted]

120mm computer fans are indeed a good option, I have one running from a mobile phone charger on the right side of my cabinet. Moves plenty of air and is very quiet.
My 120mm fan sits partially under my 250w HPS ballast to cool it with the air it sucks out of the cab

 

[gtron]

So am I correct to think that the 4" inline fans are way to big for my needs? And that they will probably be too noisey?
If I am mistaken. I would like to know.
They are certainly much easier to use a carbon filter with.

As for low odor strains, what are some suggestions?

Thanks for your help.
I really like to tone of this forum. Very friendly.
I pour threw the posts everyday trying to glean as much as a I can, but it is nice to be able to ask specific questions.

 

[Stunted]

I run a 4" inline fan to cool my 250w HPS, it just vents out the back at the moment and can be heard in the room that houses my cab but cannot be heard anywhere else.
With a scrubber or silencer it would be very hard to hear in my opinion.
(soon I will be venting either into my ceiling or wall cavity, and wrapping the tubing in insulation to deaden the noise)

Also note that a scrubber and/or silencer will lower the cfm that the fan can move.

 

[EagleEyes]

I'm not sure where you live but I got a huge carbon filter from kajiji for cheap but same problem its to noisy. So what I did to this summer with the heat I had house fans close to my grow area and everyone just thought it was the fan and its so dry here in the winter I run a humitifer which should mask the noice. I don't know if that would work in your situation just giving you some ideas. :smokebuds:

 

[savoy]

I had a little trial and error regarding exhaust fans. This is my first grow, so mind you I am no guru. My cab is the same size as yours. I initially bought a 4" duct booster ($28) because I don't need to move much air. It was very quiet, however it moved enough air for the needs of my plants, but not enough to keep the cabinet below 90˚. I bought a 80 cfm bathroom exhaust fan ($80) with a sound rating of 2.5 sones. Now temps are 81˚ always. I'm running 230 watts of cfls. Its quiet enough for my purposes, but it is a noticeable sound. If you spend more and get one that's rates 1 sone or less it will be silent, move the air, and keep things cool.

As far as odor, the opening for the intake end is a large square. if you duct tape a piece of plastic or something to cover it and cut a 4" hole in the center you can then attach a diy carbon scrubber to that. I have pics on the first page of my grow journal (though mine attaches to my light hood not a scrubber)

 

[gtron]

Thanks for the replies, I think I can probably get away with some odor more than I can too much noise.
I do need to exhaust heat and move air.
I think I will start out with two computer fans and some aquarium grade charcoal filters to start and be prepared to upgrade should the need arise.
I am not averse to spending money to get it right, I would just prefer to waste as little as possible.

 

[CanadianBudz]

If you have the money you can get a 4" inline fan, with a small 4" carbon filter, and buy a fan speed controller, then just adjust the fan speed to suit your noise requirement

 

[Jackal]

I agree ^ that would be the best way to kill 2 birds with one stone. You can place both the filter and fan on the outside of the box saving room inside. It's a good investment, if you go with a bigger setup in the future.