Carbon filters are an optional addition to a pre-filter and primary filter system. Without pre-filters, the life of the primary filter is reduced and the air washer requires more frequent maintenance. You can either pull air through the filter or push it through. If you are pushing air through, it is recommended to remove the outer pre-filter and place it before the carbon bed.
I pulled back the pre-filter at both ends to expose the bare carbon filter, and this improved the negative pressure. I wanted to remove the pre-filter and wash it, but it was difficult to do while it was still in use. I ended up cutting it and it was full of dust. This gave me even better negative pressure.
When searching for washable filters, many growers find products labeled as such. Each filter size provides a different resistance to each fan size and style, with a maximum exhaust CFM rating of approximately 0.7 wg. Charcoal filters are often used to remove odors from tents, pet odors, kitchens, basements, laundry rooms, or any area with stagnant humid air. The useful life of a filter is determined by the concentration of contaminants, relative humidity, and volume of air being cleaned.
Once the packing tape is installed, center the flange on top of the filter and use six tek screws to secure it. Before discussing the life of the filter, it's important to note that it's not actually the filter itself that loses its useful life. Now you know how to properly clean carbon filters in your grow tent without making the mistake of throwing your filter in a water tank and scrubbing it with a brush or detergent.
