Will a speed controller affect charcoal filter efficiency?

tstick

Well-Known Member
Hi.

I am really considering the Sunleaves Windtunnel 4" fan for my grow tent setup. But I have read that they sometimes cool the tent too much…so a speed controller is called for.

I have been advised to stay away from the cheaper, common speedster controls because they can cause the fan motor to burn out.

My understanding to the solution is to spend a bit more money and get a C.A.P. VSC-DNE variable speed day/night fan controller.

But… will the variable speed control affect the efficiency of the charcoal filter? If so, then is there a threat of odors getting out of control -depending on how hard the controller is allowing the fan to pull air out?

Thanks!
 

drolove

Well-Known Member
make sure you use a carbon filter rated for your fans max CFM and you'll be fine. moving air through a carbon filter slower wont hurt.
and idk what size light your running but if its any HID over 150 watts im pretty sure your 4 inch fan isnt going to be doing any over cooling.
 

colonuggs

Well-Known Member
I have been using speedsters for years no issues...how would they burn out a fan motor???

I have had mine attached to my 1010 cfm fan for 7 years and use one in all my tents
 

tusseltussel

Well-Known Member
I have been using speedsters for years no issues...how would they burn out a fan motor??? I have had mine attached to my 1010 cfm fan for 7 years
you know the answer to this one colon.... fan cools its motor by sucking air past it reduce the air it runs hotter, it runs hotter it burns out faster.. some fans have a safety that shuts it down before it burns out but not all of them.... mine does and thats why I woke up to no fan running when I tried a controller
 

tstick

Well-Known Member
make sure you use a carbon filter rated for your fans max CFM and you'll be fine. moving air through a carbon filter slower wont hurt.
and idk what size light your running but if its any HID over 150 watts im pretty sure your 4 inch fan isnt going to be doing any over cooling.

I'll be running an Area51 LED in a 3 X3 tent.
 

tstick

Well-Known Member
Its noise not killing motors that makes cheap speed controls a poor option. Variac based speed controls work bet.

Well, I was told that the speedsters essentially turn the motor off and on really fast in order to slow the motor…and apparently, that has a really negative effect on the motor.
 

colonuggs

Well-Known Member
my latest buy max fan 8 inch with built speed adjustment replaces my 10 inch


The High Output Max Fan includes a 3 speed switch

  • High - 932CFM
  • Med - 850CFM
  • Low - 750CFM
 

mrblu

Well-Known Member
the slower your air flows through the filter the better it filters it. i use a 20 dollar controller for over a year no problem so far.
 
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