New Elf filter really need advise

I have been waiting a couple of weeks for a elf filter from HTG supply. Got it yesterday started to take it out of it's box and carbon dust everywhere. The bag it was in was covered in black dust. Is this the way these things come? If I hook it up in my room some how where is all that dust going to go? I'd say in my fan getting in the berrings and frying my fan. So the point of this is, Is this the way they come or should I send it back? Is it normal to clean these things before you put them in a room. Iam at week 4 of flower I can just imagine getting carbon dust all over my buds. I just need advise on if this is normal. Thanks to all who see fit to reply!!

I've got the same one. Just tap out the residual dust and hook your fan up to it outside of your box...(garage, backyard etc..) not very much more should come out. I didn't have problems with mine. If a ton comes out call HTG, I'm sure they will replace.

Yeah these things naturally loose carbon dust when shaken.

It is a byproduct of design. The DIY versions are much worse.

Clean it up real good. then shake it pretty good, then RECLEAN.

its a bitch but I tell you the DIY version can be much worse.

then again Im not sure how much carbon dust were talking about here.
maybe a pic to help demonstrate?

Mine didnt put that much out at all. Although the packaging was lined with dust when it was hooked up to the fan, no problem. They loose a little no matter what. If you do a DIY just use nylon stockings to in case the outer and inner filter, it stops the dust pretty darn good.

Thanks everyone, Hey someguy did yours come in a growbrite box. Just asking because it doesn't say ELF anywhere. I was just wondering if I didn't get a switch. They were having problems getting them in and was on backorder for a couple of weeks. My main problem I have no fan to blow it out with. I live in a doublewide Manufactured home or mobile home. anyway I mounted the fans under the house and ran ducting up through to the room. Going under there to blow out some dust and try not to get it all over the place and myself doesn't sound like a viable option. Thanks for the suggestion though. As far as dust, A LOT. Opeing bag hand got BLACK. My white cover has two huge black stains on it. Have to call HTG later.

I just got mine in yesterday with the same issue. I did what SomeGuy suggested and hooked it up without issues. I heard a few carbon pieces ping through the fan at first but nothing that seemed to hurt anything.

GardensGrow said:

I just got mine in yesterday with the same issue. I did what SomeGuy suggested and hooked it up without issues. I heard a few carbon pieces ping through the fan at first but nothing that seemed to hurt anything.

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This is all normal. I shook out my prefilter and put it back on. My hands were all black when I pulled it out of the plastic as well.... I would definatley not blow it out in my grow area... Dont know how you would do it without a fan... maybe just tap it out REALLY GOOD.

Thanks for the replies. Hey SomeGuy when you got the filter did it come in a growbrite box. That said a Pure flow 4 JR carbon filter. Nowhere on the box or filter does it say ELF. Just wondering if I got switched because the thing was on backorder for more than 2 weeks. As far as the sugg. to blow it out. I live in a doublewide, My fans are mounted under the house. Crawling under there to blow it out and not get it everywhere including myself would be impossible.I have no extra fans, And as far as dust there is a lot, my hand got black just opening the bag. The cloth cover has two big black stains on it. The dust is thick and heavy. I guess I will have to call HTG.Thanks

If you're sending it back anyway, I'd suggest upgrading that filter. I have an Elf, actually, I bought the combo filter/fan combo from them. The Elf isn't worth a crap, you have to keep the fan turned down a pretty good way for it to take the odor out. Otherwise, the fan pulls the air through to fast and you still have a good bit of odor. I'v seen a lot of others with the same complaint.

Well I took the fan outside and with my shop vac I sucked and blew out the dust. It worked great. The filter itself is one of the best purchases I have made. I run the fan on full and couldn't be happier! I have 5 white widows now and not a bit of smell outside my grow room! I have some humidity problem so i will probably buy a new one after another grow. You know I did a hell of a lot of research and DIDN'T find hardly any complaints here or other sites that is why I purchased it! Sorry for your disappointment you are experiencing with yours but mine is golden!

Good to here you like it WWgrower!! I knew you would for sure!!!

How far into flower are you?
Don't get me wrong, I still use the one I have but I also know that HTG Supply will upgrade you to a goblin without a hassle if you tell them it's not working for you. I've seen a bunch of posts on other forums with people sending them back and upgrading to the goblin filter.
Best of Luck!

How far into flower are you?
Don't get me wrong, I still use the one I have but I also know that HTG Supply will upgrade you to a goblin without a hassle if you tell them it's not working for you. I've seen a bunch of posts on other forums with people sending them back and upgrading to the goblin filter.
Best of Luck! Hey what are you not getting I love this filter it is doing everything I am asking of it. I don't need to turn it down or anything. On top of that i can't get a Goblin my fan is only a Dayton 265 and not enough power for the goblin which I don't need anyway. The Elf has my vote and most everyone's on this site. Thanks