question about my idea for a DIY carbon scrubber

[desolation88]

I have a 2'x3'x3' flower cabinet, and for exhaust I'm gonna use 2 140mm 60.9 cfm fans for exhaust, for each I was going to build a box inside the cabinet with a DIY carbon scrubber made from 1 3'' and 1 4'' net pot, with panty hose (or knee highs) holding them together, with maybe the addition of duct tape if needed and sealed with caulk. My question is, will these contain enough carbon to keep full blown flowering plant smell eliminated, with the one addition of febreeeze air filters plugged into the room ts located in?

 

[dajosh42069]

I was once told by a hydro shop owner that 99% of DIY carbon scrubbers are worthless. It's VERY difficult for people to pack the carbon tight enough to clean the air properly.
That being said, i've also read a number of DIY carbon threads, where people say it's worked great for them. It's honestly tough to know for sure, as i've little experience with the things. Just passing along what i've observed.
The febreeze plugs may not be very effective, and might be better used outside the grow room to cover any smell that escapes the filter.

If/when I construct my scrubber (I simply can not afford to buy one), I will probably make one like you are describing.
Here are some carbon filter DIY designs for you to consider.
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/558980-other-best-diy-carbon-filter.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/58871-2-minute-cheap-easy-carbon.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/755177-wife-said-get-rid-smell.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/487645-50-diy-activated-charcoal-filter.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/101248-best-diy-ez-walmart-carbon.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/497029-another-carbon-filter.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/484741-d-i-y-air-filter.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/449948-diy-twice-filtered-carbon-scrubber.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/421118-ghetto-fish-filter-diy-carbon.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/420515-diy-carbon-filter-easy-cheap.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/417011-14-inch-diy-carbon-filter.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/388044-unofficial-dry-vac-carbon-filter.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/332735-diy-carbon-filter.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/295076-carbon-filter-easiest-i-ever.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/306800-6inch-diy-carbon-filter-14-a.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/291124-quick-easy-diy-carbon-filter.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/208281-diy-carbon-filter-25-a.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/254814-ultimate-diy-carbon-scruber-under.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/89078-diy-carbon-filter.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/75657-23-activated-carbon-scrubber.html
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/125998-my-home-made-carbon-scrubber.html


These might be effective if you can find the space.
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/148647-yet-another-diy-carbon-air.html
https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=31679
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/174114-diy-carbon-filter-scrubber-15-a.html
https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=29402
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/73778-my-improved-diy-carbon-filter.html
http://boards.cannabis.com/growroom-setup/90173-how-carbon-filter.html

This one seems fairly functional as compared so a few of the other designs.
https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/309739-better-more-professional-diy-carbon.html


Another design is the carbon pillow approach.
Which can be found here. It was always what I had planned on, but I have no experience with it.
https://www.rollitup.org/blogs/blog13752-my-3-carbon-filter.html
https://www.rollitup.org/general-marijuana-growing/649682-ultimate-diy-carbon-filter.html


I seriously encourage you to check out each link, and explore your options. There are a TON of designs out there, and they're all very creative.
Some are inevitably more effective then others. Let us know (via this thread) what you decide to go with, and how effective it is for you.

 

[Cascadian]

I'm a big fan of DIY but I think a carbon scrubber is one of those things it is best to just buy. They aren't that expensive so DIY won't save much. Especially important if you are in a state where it isn't legal...

 

[SnapsProvolone]

If you can't swing budget for a reliable carbon filter you should reconsider growing or smoking and get a job.

 

[dajosh42069]

I agree that it should be purchased if it's something you can afford, but I dislike the idea of people saying "If you can't afford this top of the line, several hundred dollar piece of equipment, you shouldn't grow at all."
I'm sure the same was said about CFL's when they first came around, and they're still being said... but it doesn't mean people don't get good quality product with it.
The same way that if a DIY carbon filter will accommodate the needs of the grower (IE; Small scale growers with only a couple plants at most) then I say go for it.
That's just me though, OP is welcome to do as he pleases.

That said, I would also recommend buying one if it's within your price range (shop around, find the best deal), but if it isn't, there are any number of DIY designs you can go with.

 

[DemonTrich]

do a search for my DIY scrubber. 100% works. I do use 180+oz of activated charcoal in mine and change the charcoal every 6 months. ive had city inspectors in my basement/grow area and never batted and eye or said a word, or the other friends that stop by. no one knows I grow. and that's the way I like it.

 

[dajosh42069]

Serious air cleaning power...

 

[DemonTrich]

I removed the outer white prefilter as it was too restrictive. I also matted it to an 8" 750cfm fan at 100% power.

 

[GrowinDad]

I refilled a everpure carbon filter with carbon I bought on line and it did not work for me. i tried to pack it in well. It did not seem different from when I opened it up in how the carbon sat but it didn't work.

But possible the carbon i bought was crap.

Before counting on a DIY, i buy one to have as backup in case the DIY doesn't work.

 

[profterpen]

I'm a big fan of DIY but I think a carbon scrubber is one of those things it is best to just buy. They aren't that expensive so DIY won't save much. Especially important if you are in a state where it isn't legal...

Agreed. I run this setup it will run you about $140 in parts or you can get the filter for $60 to $75.




They call me Bunny

 

[dajosh42069]

I hope OP bothered to check this thread again after creating it...

 

[kagecog]

As long as you have a relatively small grow, this thing really does wonders for only 30$! I run two in a grow room with 4 large smelly plants and can't smell a thing when there on.
http://smile.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-TrueAir-Room-Eliminator/dp/B002SHCEVG/ref=smi_ge_sr_btnr1_setch?_encoding=UTF8&ie=UTF8&keywords=carbon air filter&qid=1360434074&sr=8-6&x=9&y=14&pldnNew=1