I like the smell but I need it gone!

I have a 6 inch fan with a new tall boy 14lb carbon filter exhausting a 6.5x6x4 room but we still have an odor. I have sealed the room except for under door, 6 inch duct intake and 6 inch duct exhaust. Fan keeps room at 75-81 degrees and 45-55 % humidity with a strong vacuum 24/7. I have checked, rechecked and checked again for any leaks but vacuum is so strong, it takes a little effort to shut the door. The only exhaust out of the room goes thru filter sitting vertically on some crates, few inches of duct, 6 inch fan about 2.5 feet duct to ceiling and 2.5 feet duct out to basement laundry room. I am 60 days into veg and want to fix odor problem before switching. I have grown a few crops and never had to worry about the smell but now need to be stealthy. I keep the fans, have oscillating fan in corner, on 24/7. Bought the filter just a few weeks ago from reputable local/online hydro store that has been recommended on this site but I am beginning to wonder .... how can a new 14lb carbon filter let any stink thru???? What do you think?

Maybe you have the smell impregnated or stuck to the walls etc. try cleaning the room and sterilising it and then try your scrubber.

That came to my mind also and I did that last week but the smell is not constant, only can smell it a few times a day. It seemed to be working the 1st 7-10 days but the last couple of weeks its like before I had the filter.

When you say "a strong vacuum" this leads me to think air being exhausted is cycling too fast. If you push a high volume of air through your carbon filter fast enough, it will not scrub properly.

No I think you are taking in more air than you are removing creating a pressurized environment and it is leaking. I will almost guaratee it.

I think you have it spoc, well, at least I hope so because i can do something about that....i have a controller but forgot to hook it up!!!!

Will let you know tomorrow later today.

maybe buy a bigger filter? if not try some ona pro gel it usually does the trick.

i have had the same problem but cant find a answer....message me with ur resolution if you dont mind!

Spoc said:

When you say "a strong vacuum" this leads me to think air being exhausted is cycling too fast. If you push a high volume of air through your carbon filter fast enough, it will not scrub properly.

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Bingo! Carbon scrubbers usually have a maximum and sometimes minimum CFM rating. For example, if the max CFM rating is 450CFM, you should try to get a fan that is just under that. They won't get rid of 100% of the smell but when used properly they take 90-95% of the smell away. Best of luck.

I installed the fan speed controller and set it on Medium and voila....no more smell!!!!! Thanks Spoc.

Since they market the fan & filter as a combo, I didn't think it being on full blast would create this problem.