Odor control equiptment question

[IndieGrower]

Whats up RIU,

I have a novice question for some of the growers here.

I read that the carbon filled cans are good for 12-18 months (according to some manufactures). Is that 12-18 months of continual use? Or is it once you have first started using it you only have 12-18 months till it goes bad no matter if you take a break from growing or not.

I don't have a clue if the carbon deactivates/breaks down over time or use.

Thanks.

 

[growone]

Doesn't break down, it does saturate though. I would think they are quoting for a 'typical use' situation. A heavier odor situation is going to saturate a carbon filter faster than a low odor situation.

 

[sandmonkey]

I was told by my growshop owner that the filter should be good for about 6 grow cycles.

I've also read here that one reactivate the carbon by placing the filter in a lightly heated oven. Not sure if that's entirely true...

 

[IndieGrower]

Ok, thanks guys but what I really want to know is do you only have 12-18 months before it becomes ineffective, even if its not in use?

 

[growone]

Ok, thanks guys but what I really want to know is do you only have 12-18 months before it becomes ineffective, even if its not in use?

if it's in a closed container, say ziploc bag or such, then it should be fine

 

[sandmonkey]

I say if there's no air being scruffed through/out of it the it should be OK for much longer than 12-18 months.

 

[IndieGrower]

Hmm.... well I was thinking about buying one that was used for 4 months and putting it into storage for about 8months. That would put me at 12 just right there. I guess I'll wait. I don't want to take the risk of just buying it and not being able to get any use out of it.

Thanks sandmonkey and growone

 

[LowEnder]

Found at http://www.gcarbon.com/msds.html:

Activated carbon has a shelf life of 3 years. That means it should still be active if used within 3 years of activation. I would guess a carbon scrubber bought from a shop would have been made within the past 6months, unless it for some reason sat on the shelf in the shop for an extended amount of time. So the one your thinking of buying more than likely should be ok for another 1.5 years. If your trying to save money on a carbon scrubber, why not just build one to fit your needs. There are diy articles all over the interweb with how to make one on any budget.

 

[BeefSupreme]

Ona products work really well, it kills odors in the air with a gel you expose to the air or a spray and leaves a bit of a lemon scent. Something to consider if its small enough

 

[IndieGrower]

Found at http://www.gcarbon.com/msds.html:

Activated carbon has a shelf life of 3 years. That means it should still be active if used within 3 years of activation. I would guess a carbon scrubber bought from a shop would have been made within the past 6months, unless it for some reason sat on the shelf in the shop for an extended amount of time. So the one your thinking of buying more than likely should be ok for another 1.5 years. If your trying to save money on a carbon scrubber, why not just build one to fit your needs. There are diy articles all over the interweb with how to make one on any budget.

Thanks LowEnder +rep. I just think that the manufactured carbon scrubbers have to do a better job than a dyi

 

[IndieGrower]

Ona products work really well, it kills odors in the air with a gel you expose to the air or a spray and leaves a bit of a lemon scent. Something to consider if its small enough

I looked at ona too, but its going to be a medium sized op. So Im not sure that ona would be the best choice for me. Plus I don't want anybody knowing about it, So I cant take any chances on odor control.

 

[LowEnder]

Thanks LowEnder +rep. I just think that the manufactured carbon scrubbers have to do a better job than a dyi

I built a diy carbon scrubber that cost me about the same price as buying one, but its refillable. I only did it because I like building everything I can, it helps me learn a shit load more of information than I would have if I had just bought a product off the shelf. For how much better the store bought ones work than a good diy one, well it depends on how well you make one and if you don't mind spending the same amount of money in building one. Most of the cost comes from the activated carbon, which you can buy bulk at fountain and pond stores and online. The price they sell the store bought ones for is worth the price and its all a personal preference on how much your time vs how much your quest for knowledge is worth.