Organic Air Chracoal Filters/Scrubbers

I used a 4" Organic Air Charcoal Scrubber attached to my 435cfm fan and still had some odor problems. I used a Homebox XS tent and both the fan and filter were outside the tent (directly above). I stunted all 4 of my autoflowers on the first grow with the tallest being at about 7" and others between 5-6" so couldn't really tell whether the filter worked.

Anyone have proof that these filters work well or should I upgrade to a carbon filter that needs to be replaced every 12-18 months? I just noticed that these Organic Air filters are just supposed to be sprayed out by a hose and can be used for years.

Thanks.

I use activated carbon charcoal in my scrubbers and replace it once a year. Since the carbon is porous, I highly doubt you can simply 'rinse' it out and start again. That's not how it works. The particles in the air get pulled thru the carbon pores and get trapped inside. Over time the pores will become too plugged to remove any more and should be replaced. I call BS on whomever told you that the carbon can be rinsed and reused, sorry. If this was true then owners of fish tanks who use activated carbon could also wash, rinse and reuse their carbon...but they cannot.

Maybe I am mis-understanding how this Organic Air Filter works exactly. Here's the manual I found for it:
http://www.organicairfilter.com/product_detail_charcoal4inch.shtml

Pulled from the website:
Maintenance Tips

These high capacity heavy duty filters need regular maintenance to keep them in top condition. Follow a once a month cleaning regimen to ensure years of trouble free serviceCleaning Instructions

-Remove filter and use a garden hose or shower nozzle to spray it down
-Spray off thoroughly from the inside and outside
-Shake out water and let dry
-Once dry reattach to fan using clamp

I forgot to ask, what brand filter do you use that allows you to refill the carbon? Thanks for replying.

bongmarley2009 said:

Maybe I am mis-understanding how this Organic Air Filter works exactly. Here's the manual I found for it:
http://www.organicairfilter.com/product_detail_charcoal4inch.shtml

Pulled from the website:
Maintenance Tips

These high capacity heavy duty filters need regular maintenance to keep them in top condition. Follow a once a month cleaning regimen to ensure years of trouble free serviceCleaning Instructions

-Remove filter and use a garden hose or shower nozzle to spray it down
-Spray off thoroughly from the inside and outside
-Shake out water and let dry
-Once dry reattach to fan using clamp

Click to expand...

PT barnum had it right...but that doesn't mean YOU have to be the 'sucker' this time. The internet is a wonderul library filled with useful information! In order for used activated carbon to be 'reactivated' or cleaned, it has to go through the same process that was used to create it in the first place...1700 degree furnaces! This is the accepted method for recertifying used carbon to an 'almost' virgin state. You CANNOT wash it out or rinse it sorry...those people on that site LIE flat out.

But here's a link to a company that specializes in activated carbon and renewal as well.

http://www.calgoncarbon.com/carbon_reactivation/faq.html

... and even a U.S. Patent related to the topic:
[SIZE=+1]Process for the reactivation of activated carbon [/SIZE]
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6423657.html

SO...don't let anyone tell you different! The only way we all win is if we help each other win!

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated. I knew that there was no way that carbon could be rinsed or washed out and that's why I made this thread. I just wish I knew how long this organic air filter will last before it becomes completely unusable. Can't seem to find the answer anywhere so maybe I'll call some hydroponic stores that carry them.

I've been looking at investing in a real carbon filter (mountain air in particular) which can be refilled, but it's expensive to buy the actual filter and expensive to buy the replacement carbon. I've also looked into a uv ozone generator (big blue), but I don't have the ease of venting it directly outside or into an attic. I've also thought about using the cap ozone jr as supplemental odor control in addition to a carbon filter that lasts 12-18 months and running it in low dosages on a timer. I'm trying to find the easiest and most cost efficient method to control the stank.

I suppose for now I'll just use my organic air filter and if the smell is out of control I'll worry about it then. Oh and because of time constraints, I can only grow autoflowers 2x a year. I have around 11 weeks total for each grow. Sucks, but for now this is what I have to put up with.