Odor is a cannabis cultivation certainty. If you grow ‘the dank,’ you will need to control odors because, by definition, dank refers to the smell (at least in part). These strong odors should be encouraged as well, especially since the odor is often an indicator of valuable terpene content. These terpenes have medicinal value on their own, and when used in conjunction with cannabinoids. So, odoriferous cannabis is good, but we all know that a strong odor will be frowned upon by neighbors, law enforcement, and perhaps even your spouse. As such, you will need odor control. The most available and effective method to control odors is with a carbon filter.
A quick search will reveal a wide selection of carbon air filters. Many of these will work for controlling odors, but there are a couple things you should look for. Be sure the filter you order comes with an external filter (cloth/poly wrap) that you can keep clean. This will extend the life of your filter.
Ensure that the filter is the correct size for your application. Generally, a larger filter can be substituted for a smaller filter, but the reverse isn’t always true. If you select a filter that is too small then you may not be able to ventilate your tent/space fast enough to keep temperatures and humidity in check. I usually recommend a 6″ filter for each 5’x5′ tent.
Whichever filter you decide to purchase, you should weigh it before installing. Record this weight directly on the unit itself. Typically, when a filter begins to weigh 20%-25% more than its starting weight, it’s lifespan is almost complete. This is the point at which the filter begins to smell ‘sour’ and stops properly filtering odors. Damn conditions (over 60% humidity) may also shorten the lifespan of your filter. The additional water vapor in the air can clog the pours of the activated charcoal and quickly negate its ability to properly control odors.
Pay close attention to the cubic feet per minute (CFM) capacity to the filter and match it to the exhaust fan being used in the application. Although many filters can be used by either sucking air through it, or forcing air out of it. I’ve found that using it on the intake side of an exhaust fan is most effective.
You may also need to use a secondary carbon filter at certain time during the grow cycle. When odors are at their most potent even a high-quality filter may not be able to keep up with the smell. It is at these times that an intake and exhaust filter may be in order. Alternately, a second filter openly scrubbing air of the room your tents sit in may also work to remove those last bits of odor from your room.
When you first start growing you may not feel the need to filter air. However, rest assured that by the end of flowering you’ll wish you had a filter in place.
Tell us, what advice do you have for using carbon filters?
Happy Harvests!
— The Lit Farmer —
Well, that was some good information. Thank you. Keep growing strong.
West Coast Weeds
https://www.westcoastweeds.ca/