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Old 03-22-2010, 03:02 AM
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Default DIY Carbon air and odor filter

In an effort to please my wife I am taking an idea from our home grow friends. She hates the smell of fruit fly cultures, I mean hates them. Maybe it is a good thing, but she will not even go into the frog room.

Carbon air filters cost more than $100-$200 just for the filter and another $100+ for the fan. I came across a cheap alternative DIY. Here is where I got the idea.

The ultimate Odour control thread - Marijuana Growing


Step 1:

Get the parts.

Click the image to open in full size.

Since my fan has a diameter of 4" this is what I used, adjust to the size of your fan.

1 - 4" coupling
1 - 4" cap
2 - 4" hose clamps
1 - 6" cap
1 - 6" to 4" reducer
2 - 6" hose clamps
1 - 10' x 3' -- 1/4" hardware cloth/wiring
1 - Box of sheet metal screws
1 - pantyhose, I used the opaque, non sheer.
poly "quilt filler" (from craft store)


Step 2:

Assemble the smaller/inside tube first. Use the cap and coupling to make a tube using the hardware cloth. Adjust the length to your needs.

Click the image to open in full size.

I found it easiest to tie the middle (make sure the hardware cloth is lined up) with some wire temporary then use the hose clamps to install the cap and coupling. I wrapped the whole thing with some steel wire to keep the hardware cloth together. I then put on the pantyhose. On the tube not my legs. Be careful not to snag them on the hardware cloth. Loosened up the hose clamps and slid the pantyhose under and re-secured them.

Click the image to open in full size.

The pantyhose will keep the carbon from coming through the hardware cloth.


Step 3:

Slide the 4" coupling into the 6" side of the reducer.

Click the image to open in full size.

Click the image to open in full size.

Click the image to open in full size.
You will want to put some of the poly quilting batting in here to block any small pieces of carbon from getting through, although it should be a fairly tight fit.

Step 4:

Using the reducer and the 6" cap make another tube using the hardware cloth keeping the smaller tube you made inside. You will have to adjust it so the cap from the inside tube will fit snug against the cap of the 6" tube for securement later.

Click the image to open in full size.

Step 5:

Sorry no pics yet as I have not gotten this far myself. Waiting on carbon. Wrap the outer tube in the pantyhose and then in poly quilting batting. The quilting batting will act as a dust prefilter.

Step 6:

Remove the 6" cap and pour in carbon, shake it down, then pour in more until the 1" gap between the inner and outer tube is full. Replace cap and secure every thing with sheet metal screws.

Step 7:

Install fan so it blows out, sucking in air through the poly then through the carbon.

Click the image to open in full size.

Click the image to open in full size.

I got this fan from a garage sale for $5. It is normally used for an air duct booster. Although I would bet a computer fan would work just as well.

If done right, you could use this to vent a room and out going air will be scent free. If not you may be drawing in air too fast for the carbon to absorb odors. I will use it to polish off the room allowing the filter to run and continuously clean the air. We will see how well it works this way.

As far as the carbon, I will be getting mine from Bulk Reef Supply. It is a local company and seems to have the best price.

15 Pounds - 5 Gallons Bulk Lignite Aquarium Carbon - English

I will post more pics when I get it fully set up.

Total cost about $30, not including carbon or the fan.
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Old 03-22-2010, 03:20 AM
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Default Re: DIY Carbon air and odor filter

that is great Jason, How long will the carbon last before you have to change it?
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Old 03-22-2010, 03:44 AM
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Default Re: DIY Carbon air and odor filter

Awesome post Jason! WOW, thanks for sharing.
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Old 03-22-2010, 04:03 AM
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Default Re: DIY Carbon air and odor filter

Quote:
Originally Posted by Julio View Post
that is great Jason, How long will the carbon last before you have to change it?
From what I have read on horticultural websites it should last about a year. I think the quality of the carbon is key to this along with a prefilter. You may find this interesting, keep in mind the data is for aquarium use.

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Old 03-22-2010, 04:06 AM
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Default Re: DIY Carbon air and odor filter

What the heck were you doing on that website?!
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Old 03-22-2010, 04:06 AM
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Default Re: DIY Carbon air and odor filter

So what were you doing on that website where you got the idea from?
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Old 03-22-2010, 04:06 AM
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Default Re: DIY Carbon air and odor filter

Oh jeez, we posted the same comment at the same time. Internet-awkward
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Old 03-22-2010, 04:43 AM
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Default Re: DIY Carbon air and odor filter

Quote:
Originally Posted by ashb View Post
So what were you doing on that website where you got the idea from?
Coming up with a solution for a problem. Now in my college years, I would have had a different answer. Grow rooms are grow rooms, whether it is frogs and bromeliads or medicinal plants. They have a lot of great ideas that can be transfered to our hobby.
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Old 03-22-2010, 06:54 AM
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Default Re: DIY Carbon air and odor filter

Quote:
Originally Posted by ashb View Post
Oh jeez, we posted the same comment at the same time. Internet-awkward
Hahaha, internet-awkward. That's the first time I heard that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason View Post
Coming up with a solution for a problem. Now in my college years, I would have had a different answer. Grow rooms are grow rooms, whether it is frogs and bromeliads or medicinal plants. They have a lot of great ideas that can be transfered to our hobby.
Medicinal plants eh? Haha

In all seriousness it looks like a great piece of equipment. If you start posting that your wife messed up your frog tanks we'll know this thing worked, .
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Old 03-22-2010, 02:22 PM
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Default Re: DIY Carbon air and odor filter

I know what I'm doing next weekend

Thanks for posting this Jason.
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