Some questions about adding an in-line fan.

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BigBlonde

BigBlonde

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For a 4x4 tent I would do a 8" AC Infinity so I could get my cfm at lower rpms and keep it quiet. I run a 6" units in my 2x4 and 3x3. Always exhaust air from the top of the tent,,,, Heat rises. I use my exhaust fans to control temp and exhaust excessive humidity into the grow room. The central A/C system has enough capacity to extract the humidity from the living space. I use a Inkbird control to control a 1 gal or 1.3 gal humidifier in the tents when I need to get the RH up in the fall and winter months mostly. I have way more total lighting power in my tents than needed by most peoples measure. In the summer months I can turn the dimmers down, keeps the lights close to the plants and still maintain fantastic light coverage and keep the temps down. Come fall and winter I can raise the lights higher, turn the dimmers up and use the extra heat the lights put out to heat the grow space. This does require a tall tent. I also always keep at least 3ea. 6" small circ fans in the tent. 2ea. in the grow space and one above the light. Always keep them on low to gently move the plant tops around and one above the light on low during the summer months to cool the lights and have the warm air ready to be extracted by the exhaust fan. On high during the fall and winter to force warmer air down into the grow space. Good Luck!
That's really helpful! Thanks. I also have two lights and, likewise, having two allows me to run the lights at a lower setting and have better coverage. I've been thinking about running the lights at night when it's cooler outside. So far, high heat hasn't been my biggest problem.
 
BigBlonde

BigBlonde

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I agree. I have a T6 in a 5 x 5 and so far it's keeping up with two 2000w LED's but I would like a little more headroom and wish I had gone with the 8" fan. I've set the lung room temp to 73* and the tent is running between 76* and 80* with lights on and 73* to 75* at night. RH is averaging out to around 54% but I'm dehumidifying the lung room. VPD has averaged between .84 and 1.37
My tent is in a separate room that vaguely resembles a lung room. We use it for other things, too. I have been keeping it in the low 70s. I have two 240 watt LEDs, though, so maybe a T6 would work for my tent. During the day, I am pulling outside air through the room using an attic fan on one side and an open window on the other. We're supposed to have 80* weather the next few days, however, so I'm worried about that.
 
BigBlonde

BigBlonde

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Those controllers are easy to learn to use and have a bluetooth app. You can just run them in simple on/off mode until you learn how to use the advanced features (you can create scheduling and triggers to change fan speed at different temp/humidity points).

It also provideds a VPD (Vapor Pressure Deficit) monitoring function which is *very* useful, imo.

I remember my first T6... and now I have 3. I ended up adding fans on 2 of the 4x4x7 tent ports (intake & exhaust for heat control), and I setup an additional 2x4x7 sprout/clone/veg tent/rack and it has a fan..

The AC 67 is a good choice... and if you start with 1 fan, you have the option to add another later... say, if you get a bigger hotter light and need to vent more heat or add a filter, etc.. etc..

The 4 port controller can control 4 fans independently BUT it only has 1 temperature sensor, and so advances features can't be setup in multiple tents - just a heads up on that.
The ad says the controller also works with their clip-on fans. That's an interesting idea, so I'm thinking of trying one of those, as well.
 
BigBlonde

BigBlonde

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Hey, I've bought cheap 6" inline fans and added BBQ fan controller's with hot glue on the housing to attach. I then 6" to 4" Y for 2 lines as cool input air sucked from a cooler unheated lower basement with fine mesh drawstring bags ( $1 Dollar store ) over both ends...Its not perfect but keeps out bugs and heavy dust.. My tents exhaust is another cheap 6" inline with same controller and filters, no Y added. I'm not worried about the smell, I can adjust the output air to be close to the input. I add input air because I like to add cooler air into the bottom of my tent.
Sounds good! We don't have a basement. Using mesh to filter out bugs and such is something I'll definitely do.
 
BigBlonde

BigBlonde

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Thinking you need both. Dehumidifier and upgraded exhaust and supply. I’m pretty sure all ac infinity cloudline models with temp & rh control come standard now with the newer Bluetooth enabled 67 controllers. Folks that are getting outdated controllers are probably getting old stock from there local grow shop or other online retailer. Order direct from ac infinity and you’ll get current hardware.
I'm thinking I need both, too.

So many great ideas! Thanks again! To everyone!
 
MacroLogos

MacroLogos

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The ad says the controller also works with their clip-on fans. That's an interesting idea, so I'm thinking of trying one of those, as well.
For clip fans, I'd just stick with normal 120v style plugs (the special clip fans can't plug in a standard wall socket), and I'd save controller ports for inline fans.

I never change the speed on my clip fans (Hi) or turn them off.
 
freezeland2

freezeland2

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The ad says the controller also works with their clip-on fans. That's an interesting idea, so I'm thinking of trying one of those, as well.
If you want to do that I would recommend ordering direct from ac infinity and ask to upgrade to the 69 controller from the 67. The 69 has 4 ports and each can be independently controlled. They have a wifi version and non wifi version of the 69 controller. The new occillating fan is why I am upgrading from the 67 to the 69. I’ll have the exhaust, supply, and occillating fan on one controller and wifi capable.
 
BigBlonde

BigBlonde

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For clip fans, I'd just stick with normal 120v style plugs (the special clip fans can't plug in a standard wall socket), and I'd save controller ports for inline fans.

I never change the speed on my clip fans (Hi) or turn them off.
That's another thing I hadn't considered. They probably cost more, too. However, I'm sure I won't be operating more than one tent. I'll give it some thought. I don't have to buy everything all at once.

If you want to do that I would recommend ordering direct from ac infinity and ask to upgrade to the 69 controller from the 67. The 69 has 4 ports and each can be independently controlled. They have a wifi version and non wifi version of the 69 controller. The new occillating fan is why I am upgrading from the 67 to the 69. I’ll have the exhaust, supply, and occillating fan on one controller and wifi capable.
Sounds good! I couldn't find the model of the controller on the Amazon ad. Sometimes I suspect older models are dumped on Amazon. I would definitely want the WiFi version. I'm using SensorPush for the temperature/humidity sensor, and it has WiFi and Internet access, so I can check my tent from anywhere.
 
BigBlonde

BigBlonde

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So far, I'm leaning toward the T6 and getting the WiFi controller. I still want to read through the product information.

We're about to have the hottest weather so far this summer. So I made some changes based on what I've learned in this thread. Until I get a better fan, here's what I've done.

I made two exhaust fan assemblies with 200 CFM fans to fit into the tent's ports:
Fan Assembly   cropped square   20220725 145836


Here's what the fans look like when they're installed in the top of the tent:
Fan Assembly Installed   cropped square   20220726 110103


I opened the flaps at the bottom of the tent that have fabric mesh to keep crud out of the tent:
Air Intake   cropped 2x1   20220726 110206


So far, these fans seem to be working well. The power supplies are running hot because the fans are drawing too much power. The fans are 1.5 Amp and the power supplies are rated at 0.5 Amp. I'm surprised neither of them has died. I ordered a 5.0 Amp power supply that will have more than enough power for both fans. It's due to arrive tomorrow. I plan to repurpose the smaller power supplies to add fans to the heat sinks on the light panels.

Meanwhile, the outside temperature is supposed to reach the high 80s today. I'm blowing cool outside air through the room. The room temperature was about 75* at noon but it will get hotter. Inside the tent, it's 83* with a RH of 54%.

So far, the plants seem fine, even though they've been through hell because of the newbie grower.
The Plants Seem Okay   20220726 125224
 
RootsRuler

RootsRuler

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Guerilla pole fan....

Bought a cheap $15 six inch fan and converted it into a pole fan. Gonna pick up one of the Honeywell Turboforce oscillators and see if I can do the same.
 
RootsRuler

RootsRuler

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So far, I'm leaning toward the T6 and getting the WiFi controller. I still want to read through the product information.

We're about to have the hottest weather so far this summer. So I made some changes based on what I've learned in this thread. Until I get a better fan, here's what I've done.

I made two exhaust fan assemblies with 200 CFM fans to fit into the tent's ports:
View attachment 1265245

Here's what the fans look like when they're installed in the top of the tent:
View attachment 1265246

I opened the flaps at the bottom of the tent that have fabric mesh to keep crud out of the tent:
View attachment 1265244

So far, these fans seem to be working well. The power supplies are running hot because the fans are drawing too much power. The fans are 1.5 Amp and the power supplies are rated at 0.5 Amp. I'm surprised neither of them has died. I ordered a 5.0 Amp power supply that will have more than enough power for both fans. It's due to arrive tomorrow. I plan to repurpose the smaller power supplies to add fans to the heat sinks on the light panels.

Meanwhile, the outside temperature is supposed to reach the high 80s today. I'm blowing cool outside air through the room. The room temperature was about 75* at noon but it will get hotter. Inside the tent, it's 83* with a RH of 54%.

So far, the plants seem fine, even though they've been through hell because of the newbie grower.
View attachment 1265250
Don't even lean. Get it. I have one and I love the control it gives me.
 
RootsRuler

RootsRuler

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263
If you want to do that I would recommend ordering direct from ac infinity and ask to upgrade to the 69 controller from the 67. The 69 has 4 ports and each can be independently controlled. They have a wifi version and non wifi version of the 69 controller. The new occillating fan is why I am upgrading from the 67 to the 69. I’ll have the exhaust, supply, and occillating fan on one controller and wifi capable.
I'm waiting for their 9" oscillator.
 
BigBlonde

BigBlonde

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Guerilla pole fan....

Bought a cheap $15 six inch fan and converted it into a pole fan. Gonna pick up one of the Honeywell Turboforce oscillators and see if I can do the same.
I have one of those six-inch fans out there now. It's kinda old and noisy, so it'll have to be replaced soon.

Don't even lean. Get it. I have one and I love the control it gives me.
I probably will. I've spent a lot more on this project than I imagined when I began. Now we're talking about another couple bills for a fan. The 120 mm fans are doing a good job, but they're noisy and dumb, meaning they only run at one speed. I could get a speed controller, but that would be manually controlled. When thinking about the cost, I just have to keep focused on all the great cannabis I'll be able to grow. I'm already looking forward to the next crop when I will have much better knowledge and equipment.

I'm waiting for their 9" oscillator.
Okay. I'll watch for that.
 
PipeCarver

PipeCarver

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Guerilla pole fan....

Bought a cheap $15 six inch fan and converted it into a pole fan. Gonna pick up one of the Honeywell Turboforce oscillators and see if I can do the same.
Fk ya.....that's my kind of fan and set up..I like, Is that just a coupling cut in half to attach it?
 
RootsRuler

RootsRuler

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263
I have one of those six-inch fans out there now. It's kinda old and noisy, so it'll have to be replaced soon.


I probably will. I've spent a lot more on this project than I imagined when I began. Now we're talking about another couple bills for a fan. The 120 mm fans are doing a good job, but they're noisy and dumb, meaning they only run at one speed. I could get a speed controller, but that would be manually controlled. When thinking about the cost, I just have to keep focused on all the great cannabis I'll be able to grow. I'm already looking forward to the next crop when I will have much better knowledge and equipment.


Okay. I'll watch for that.
Fk ya.....that's my kind of fan and set up..I like, Is that just a coupling cut in half to attach it?
My grow spaces should be fine with 6”. I got two and haven’t installed them. I’ll run them next grow mounted low for circulation above the pots.
BB - I've been in this game for a second and the advent of technology is certainly making it easier for us to monitor and steer the environment we want our girls to be in. That I don't have to take leaf temp readings and then try and figure out VPD/KPA is, in itself, a selling point for me. Before you pull up on the purchase of a fan, my tent is 5 x 5. Bigger than most on here which is why I'm waiting for the 9". Most tents will be fine with a couple of 6" circulators. Right now I have the 6" mounted on a pole in the corner of the tent pointed at the top of the plants to keep a gentle sway going while I have a ceiling mounted Honeywell 8" turbo force fan pointed at the lights to keep them cool. Right now the girls are vegging so I can keep the bottom intake vents open but come flower flip time I'm going to have to close the vents for dark period on 12/12. When that happens I'll remove the Honeywell off the roof, run some 6" duct from one of the 6" bottom ports and connect it to the back of the fan using it as both an intake booster to make up for the vent panels being closed and an air circulator for under the canopy. The 6 inch will be used for lamp cooling.

What I like about the AC fans is they're 10 speed so the controller will adjust fan speed to condition and it's oscillating.

PC - LOL! Desperation breeds innovation! The clips are PEX 1/2" clips. They have a hole on the inside that allows you to mount them wherever you want. I found some scrap wood and cut it to size for the ID of the fan clip, secured it to clip then attached the PEX clips to the wood. BOOM! Pole Mount! LOL! What I like is that the angle of the fan clip itself lends to a downward facing fan which is the usual position but, of course, the fan is adjustable to whatever position you need. If you're really frugal you can forgo buying the PEX clips and use 1/2" PVC pipe and trim off 1/3 of the circumference. Table saw would come in handy in this case. 8 ft piece of 1/2" trimmed down and then cut to whatever length of clip you want. The longer the clip the stronger the hold! I'm setting up auto irrigation using the PVC irrigation clips I made before discovering the PEX clips. 1/2" for the pole and 3/4" for the riser. I attached an 8 port drip distro head and, when the time comes, I'll run 1/4" drip line to each of the plants and make a circle around the base of each plant using 5 drip T's. One to connect to the supply line and 4 evenly spaced in the circle with the 3rd leg facing towards the base of the plant cocked at 45* to penetrate just under the soil. You can kind of see the Distro head mounted to the pole in the pic.
Tent interior A
 
BigBlonde

BigBlonde

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BB - I've been in this game for a second and the advent of technology is certainly making it easier for us to monitor and steer the environment we want our girls to be in. That I don't have to take leaf temp readings and then try and figure out VPD/KPA is, in itself, a selling point for me. Before you pull up on the purchase of a fan, my tent is 5 x 5. Bigger than most on here which is why I'm waiting for the 9". Most tents will be fine with a couple of 6" circulators. Right now I have the 6" mounted on a pole in the corner of the tent pointed at the top of the plants to keep a gentle sway going while I have a ceiling mounted Honeywell 8" turbo force fan pointed at the lights to keep them cool. Right now the girls are vegging so I can keep the bottom intake vents open but come flower flip time I'm going to have to close the vents for dark period on 12/12. When that happens I'll remove the Honeywell off the roof, run some 6" duct from one of the 6" bottom ports and connect it to the back of the fan using it as both an intake booster to make up for the vent panels being closed and an air circulator for under the canopy. The 6 inch will be used for lamp cooling.

What I like about the AC fans is they're 10 speed so the controller will adjust fan speed to condition and it's oscillating.
Thanks for the great ideas RootsRuler!

I sent a message AC Infinity support because I'm not sure how to order a fan and the 69 WiFi controller. (The controller is out of stock right now and is supposed to be available next week.) I'm asking about which fan to order with the controller. If I buy an S6, it seems silly to me to buy a controller with a fan only to discard it for the better controller.
 
RootsRuler

RootsRuler

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You sir are a damn Genius...can't thank you enuff for this idea!
No Worries Brother! That's what this whole community is about. Sharing ideas and growin' sticky icky! 🤘

Obviously, you understand the concept but for those still scratching their heads, I'm going to run a nutrient reservoir outside the tent with an adjustable pond pump so that I can vary the pressure while I dial in the water volume I want to give to the girls. Nutrient tank pump will be connected with 1/2" hose to the riser/distro head. I use a 5 gallon bucket and time the amount of water that flows out of all the lines, testing each one individually to make sure I get volume parity throughout the system. The Distro head also has adjustable water flow so I can also fine tune from there. I test in increments and mark the water volume on the pond pump so when the girls are getting bigger I can adjust the pump and know how much increase on the water volume I'm giving them. The pond pump will be run off a timer which will give me another point of adjustability. I can set the timer to go on and off at a set time according to the volume I want to deliver. I usually just set the timer at a set time and do the adjustments from the other two points but, again, flexibility.

I'm doing a drain to waste system this run so I like to see around 20% runoff into my Dollar Store tubs. I'll hot glue vinyl tube to the inside of the tub pointing down to the floor of the tub and run each individual line into a plastic line manifold and attach the manifold to a pump on a timer. I set the timer to turn on for a few minutes 30 minutes after the Nutrient tank pump timer turns off giving the pots 30 minutes to fully drain. This will automatically drain the waste tubs and I can direct the waste into whatever flower bed that's nearby or back into the nutrient tank(not technically drain to waste anymore but you get the picture!) . No nutrient waste!!😁

I know....I'm nuts but years of large grow ops you get ideas.......😄
 
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