Fan Speed Controller for inline hurricane fan.

So, as I normally do when I get interested in something I keep improving my grow space. Today I bought a 150w HPS with reflector and internal ballast. I like the light. At 16,000 lumens it will cover my 3sqft grow space well and it was an excellent deal and good intro into HID Lighting. Maybe I'll need a few cfl's on the side, but that's fine.

I also purchased an inline fan and carbon filter. I researched both components online and they seem like quality products. I bought a Hurricane 4 inch 171 cfm inline fan and a phresh 150 cfm filter. The two go well together according to the manufactures. Here is a link to the fan.. http://www.amazon.com/Hurricane-Inline-Fan-4in/dp/B007ZU6ZT8/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1395387638&sr=1-1&keywords=hurricane+fan

This is the smallest fan and filter I could find, but it's definitely overkill for my small space.

My issue is: This baby is loud! Does anyone use a fan speed controller? If so, can you make a recommendation for one that is suitable to my fan/filter combo? I think that if I could knock the speed down by 50% it'd be more suitable and less noisy.

I am guessing something like this might do the trick.. http://www.amazon.com/VenTech-VTSPEED-Variable-Router-Controller/dp/B00EVYGPJQ/ref=pd_sbs_lg_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=054P4XDZT0TH85DYJMS6

Would a regular $20 inline duct fan work better for me? Something tells me there would be too much drag to effectively pull the air through the filter.

Thx. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

The speed controller you linked will work, but it might shorten the life of you fan, and mine actually makes my fan "whine" when I try to use it...I plugged it in once, and immediately unplugged it. Want mine?

You want whats called a "variac" based speed controller

Metasynth is correct, Use a variac.

The electronic ones distort the waveform causing motor groan at reduced rpm.

By distort the waveform...I think he means they rapidly turn your fan on and off to control the speed, causing all kinds of problems, where a variac is a transformer based model that actually alters the amount of power going to your fan, reducing its speed by reducing the flow of electricity...


Snaps can be a little technical at times...Pros....pshaw!

The variable transformer maintains a clean sine wave while altering amplitude (voltage).

Goddledegook I tells ya! lol

I have the 6" Hurricane, and to be honest I am very disappointed with it. My 6" Vortex (which cost only slightly
more) pushes WAY more air and produces MUCH less noise. They don't even compare in my mind. I'll probably sell this Hurricane and buy another Vortex or Elicent...

Vortex is a champ. You get what you pay for usually.