Most carbon filters are more efficient and will last longer when sucking through the filter (mounted in the grow area). This is because any dust or other fine air-born particulates are trapped in the prefilter (which is replaceable) and not in the carbon. Unless you're in a really small area (less than 2'), mount it out of the way up near the top of your space.
As far as tent collapse (light, filter and fan crashing down on your lovely ladies), avoid tents that use thin aluminum framing and plastic corners. Instead, consider tents with steel framing and welded steel corners like
Silver Edition Grow Tents or
Gorilla Grow Tents. You'll pay a couple bucks more for these premium tents but it's completely worth it considering what you're risking.
To mount your carbon filter, use zip ties or rope ratchets.