Every gardener with an indoor grow room knows how vital carbon filtering is. It removes unwanted odors and dangerous gases from the room. With so many products on the market, we conducted thorough research to bring you the best grow tent carbon filters for your indoor grow room.
Plants require fertilizers, nutrients, and pesticides for them to flourish. Even though these are advantageous, they can also cause an unpleasant smell.
This odor can extend outside the grow tent and spread to the rest of your house, which can be problematic. As a result, you need to acquire a quality carbon filter to curb this strong odor and other chemical irritants from the air.
In this review, you will learn about the best 6 grow tent carbon filters on the market. Also, we have described the factors to consider when selecting a carbon filter for your grow room.
1. iPower 4-Inch Carbon Filter
What we liked most about this product
iPower is one of the most popular carbon filter brands on the market. They make high-quality and durable equipment for indoor grow rooms. The iPower 4-inch carbon filter features the thickest layer of carbon inside the filter, which is 50mm thick.
This layer is excellent at absorbing some of the most undesirable odors. Also, it has an industry-leading 2-year warranty. So, you can rest assured that this is a reliable device that the manufacturer protects.
Product Overview
The iPower air carbon filter odor control unit is made with high-quality and durable aluminum for longevity. Moreover, the aluminum construction is more lightweight than most of its competitors, making it portable.
The carbon filter is easy to install with an easy plug-and-play function that keeps the user from an unneeded mess.
The high-quality 1050+ IAV Australia Virgin Charcoal has outstanding absorbent strength that soaks up and gets rid of bad odors from your grow room and leaves it smelling fresh. Furthermore, the professional-grade filter will remove any additional dangerous chemicals from the air that you breathe.
Another amazing feature of this device is the reversible flange and base that offers an extended service life of up to a year. All you need to do is remove the top flange and the base after first. Then, change the filter unit upside-down and attach back the flange and the bottom in the new position. The filter is ready for use for another full year.
To protect and prolong the carbon filter’s life, you will have to replace the pre-filter (included in the purchase) every 6-months. With these features, this is a good carbon filter for any grow tent.
Pros:
- Very easy to install
- Great outdoor control
- Made of aluminum for maximum durability
- Gets rid of toxins and chemicals from the air
- Uses RC 412 Carbon
- 50mm carbon layer of thickness for greater absorption
- 2-years warranty
Cons:
- It makes a buzzing sound that gets louder when the speed of the fan decreases
TerraBloom 6-Inch x 16-Inch 400 CFM Premium Carbon Filter
What we liked most about this product
Another great carbon filter to set up in your indoor grow area is the TerraBloom 6-inch x 16-inch 400 CFM carbon filter. Designed with many years of experience, this product doesn’t sacrifice quality even though it is offered at an excellent price.
The TerraBloom premium carbon filter does a great job of eliminating the unpleasant smells when combined with an ideal fan. It is also durable and effortless to install.
Product Overview
The TerraBloom 6-inch premium carbon filter can be used for various household applications, such as filtering out plant-based allergens, cigarette smoke, and other bad smells from your grow room or even garage. Just get the right fan, and you won’t smell any foul odor in your grow tent.
Besides, this unit features high-quality RC-48 charcoal carbon from Western Australia. With the carbon bed of 46mm thickness inside the filter, expect this device to absorb most of the unpleasant smells and chemicals in the air for a fresh-smelling grow room. Rated for up to 400 CFM, this carbon filter will be effective for one year of use.
Since this carbon filter is made of an aluminum base and flange, you can rely on it for a longer while than most economy-grade filters on the market.
Other accessories that are included in the purchase are 2-machine washable pre-filters (white & black). Featuring a lightweight design, installing this unit shouldn’t be that difficult.
Pros:
- High-quality carbon used in the filter
- Thick carbon bed of 46mm for proper absorption
- Ability to filter all kinds of smells
- Durable construction for long-lastingness
- Easy to install and lightweight
- It is favorably priced
- 90-day warranty
Cons:
- Short-lived warranty of only 90-days
Vivosun 6-Inch Air Carbon Filter
What we liked most about this product
Vivosun may be very popular for making equipment like grow tents and LED grow lights, but it also offers some of the finest carbon air filters in different sizes.
The Vivosun 6-inch air carbon filter is favorably priced but still does a wonderful job of filtering the air to provide a pleasant smell. One of the best things about this filter is that it can be utilized both as an intake and exhaust filter.
Product Overview
Like most high-quality carbon filters, the Vivosun 6-inch carbon filter features the high-quality 1050+ RC 48 Australian Virgin activated charcoal inside it. Therefore, this unit is great at absorbing unpleasant smells, chemicals, and other contaminants. You can also install it in a wide range of areas.
On top of that, this carbon filter can be utilized as both an intake and exhaust filter in different situations. The filter can be used with intake and exhaust fans, 6-inch inline fan, ventilation ducts, air exchange fans, and other accessories.
One of the Vivosun 6-inch carbon filter’s unique features is the reversible flange that allows the user to flip it after one year of use for extended use.
It comes with inner and outer mesh that offers 53% open space for increased flow of air. Other accessories included in the package are a free pre-installed filter and a carbon filter belt.
Pros:
- Reversible flange for extended use
- Inner and outer mesh offers a 53% open area for better airflow
- Top-rated 1050+ Australian Virgin Charcoal Bed
- Removes bad smells and particulates
- Versatile use
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- Many users say that it needs regular cleaning to perform optimally
CoolGrows 4-inch Air Carbon Filter
What we liked most about this product
If you’re looking for the best budget-friendly carbon filter on the market, then you will love the Cool Grows 4-inch carbon filter.
This filter is highly rated among the low-end carbon filters. One of its most vital points is that it is durably made of stainless steel, thus it will last long.
The unit also comes with a 1-year warranty, which covers you in case it is delivered with a defect in material or workmanship.
Product Overview
Featuring the best-rated carbon (1050+ IAV Australian Virgin Charcoal) in its bed, the Coolgrows carbon filter will filter up to 99.8% air that passes through it. This is great considering that it is a low-end filter that will also absorb all forms of odor and chemicals in the air.
Additionally, it comes with an inner and outer mesh that offers 53% open space, enabling an increased air flow. This also makes it easily compatible with the inline fan, which is not included in the purchase; hence, you will have to buy it separately.
Since the Coolgrow carbon filter is made of a galvanized sheet that is more durable and stronger than aluminum, it will last longer than most competitor filters on the market. Apart from that, it has high-end zinc-anodized steel mesh that is free from any chemical corrosion for durability.
Another good thing about this carbon filter is that you can use it in your kitchen, bathroom, grow rooms, garages, etc. Like most filters on this list, the Coolgrow 4-inch carbon filter has a reversible flange and base for extended use. You get a changeable velcro pre-filter and 1-year warranty when you buy this unit.
Pros:
- Durable construction from premium stainless steel
- Affordable device
- 53% inner and outer open space for increased airflow
- High quality 1050+ IAV Australian Virgin Charcoal
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- It does not filter all the air in the room
- Inline fan not included in the purchase
iPower 6-Inch Air Carbon Filter
What we liked most about this product
As you can see, this is the second carbon filter from the iPower brand. This brand features some of the best carbon filters on the market, and it is regarded by many as the best carbon filter brand in the industry.
The iPower 6-inch air carbon filter covers more cubic meters than the iPower 4-inch filter that we looked at earlier. Like the previous model, it has one of the best warranties on the market, which is or 2-years.
Product Overview
Besides having the leading warranty in the field, iPower 6-inch carbon filter also features one of the most absorbent carbon filters globally, which is 1050+ IAV Australian RC 412 activated carbon.
This carbon is inside the carbon bed, and it is exceptional at filtering the air that passes through the unit. It is 50mm in thickness and it also absorbs all forms of smells and chemicals in the air.
The iPower 6-inch carbon filter can be utilized as an intake filter or exhaust filter by putting the pre-filter outside the filter or inside the filter, respectively.
Despite being slightly costly, this unit can be used for at least 2 years as it has a reversible flange and base that can be flipped after a year of use to extend the filters service life.
If you want to fully capitalize on this filter, you will have to replace the pre-filter every 6-months. Although the product is very reliable, the manufacturer still offers a 2-year warranty. This carbon filter is good for indoor grow rooms that are neither big nor small.
Pros:
- Reversible base and flange for extended use
- Inner and outer mesh with 53% open space for better airflow
- Top-rated absorbent carbon
- Easy to install
- Made of high-quality aluminum for durability
- Outstanding odor control
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- It is quite expensive
Phresh 8-Inch Carbon Filter
What we liked most about this product
Phresh produces high-quality carbon filters with outstanding features. The Phresh 8-inch carbon filter may be expensive to some, but it is a worthwhile investment. Some of the features that put it above other highly rated carbon filters are its high-quality RC-48 activated, certified virgin carbon bed, and the unique anti-air bypass system.
Product Overview
To begin with, the Phresh 8-inch carbon filter is transported in a sealed bagged package that prevents it from getting damaged. Made of aluminum tops and bases, this unit is half the competitor products’ weight and very easy to install.
Furthermore, the Phresh carbon filter features a unique anti-air bypass system that ensures that all air is pulled through the carbon bed and nothing gets away. Since the device comes with carbon that is machine packed, there is more carbon and less movement.
Moreover, it has a cone-shaped internal base for peak airflow. The cone shape internal base works together with the 51% free area inside the filter to provide one of the best airflow rates, 750 CFM.
The unit is good at absorbing odors as it has a carbon bed of 48mm thickness inside the filter. Unlike some units, you will not have to purchase pre-filter separately as it is included together with the flange. However, the flange is riveted to the filter; thus, you will not be able to remove it but buy an entirely new carbon filter when it gets outdated.
Pros:
- Strong construction to last longer
- Top-rated carbon utilized
- It has a unique anti-air bypass system
- Easy to set up and lightweight
- High airflow rate due to its cone-shaped internal base
- Transported in a sealed bagged package for longevity
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- It is expensive
Grow Tent Carbon Filter Buying Guide
Materials
The first thing to consider when looking for a carbon filter is the primary material that it is made of. A good material will ensure that the unit lasts longer and performs outstandingly as well. The best materials are quite costly, but they are worth the price.
Carbon filter size
Choosing the right size carbon filter for your grow room is very crucial. You can quickly determine your grow tent’s size by measuring the length, width, and height. Then, multiply the measurements to attain the overall cubic feet of your space. Ensure that the cubic feet of the room is at a minimum equal CFM air displacement of your fan.
Carbon bed thickness
Carbon plays a significant role in absorbing the smelly air, and that’s why you need to check the thickness of the carbon bed. The thicker the carbon bed, the more odor will be absorbed.
Pre-filters
Pre-filters are usually based on the exterior of your carbon filter. The work of a pre-filter is to reduce foreign contaminants such as dust and other airborne particles from going into the unit. A pre-filter increases the life of a carbon filter. Furthermore, a pre-lifter helps protect an inline fan or any other equipment accessories that are part of the filtration system.
Filter replacement
Note that replacing a saturated carbon filter over time can be very costly. That’s why you need to select a durable device with a life expectancy of at least 2 years.
Versatility
With all types of carbon filters on the market, why not go for the multifunctional unit even if it is a bit costly? The advantages of having such a unit are that it will function as a carbon filter and an exhaust/inline fan.
Price
People are tempted to pick the cheaper units, but they can fail you terribly. Instead of wasting your money, it is recommended that you spend on a device that has the features that you need, and it should be a quality one.
Warranty
This is a form of security, especially if you’re not sure about the carbon filter you’re purchasing or your first time using it. The warranty period assures you that the product is free of defects in material and craft, and if there is any issue, you can feel free to return the product for replacement or repair.
FAQ
What is a carbon filter?
A carbon filter is a device made of activated charcoal to eliminate strong odors and dangerous gases from the air. Besides managing odor in the grow tent, carbon filters also help remove compounds that can cause diseases in plants.
How does a carbon filter work?
The carbon filter works in a very simple way. The air that is being pushed out of the grow tent or grow room passes through the carbon filter, filled with activated charcoal. The activated charcoal chemically absorbs all the foul smell from the air and lets the air pass. The carbon molecules are exceptional at absorbing the odor, and they release odorless exhaust air.
What should I look for in a carbon filter?
You should consider several things when picking the best grow tent carbon filter on the market. These include the area that it covers, the carbon filter features, quality of the carbon, portability, and how long they last.
Conclusion
As an indoor gardener, you need to control the odor in the indoor grow tent as it can spread to the rest of the home and even affect the plants’ quality in many ways. After reading our detailed review and guide, picking the best grow tent carbon filter shouldn’t be difficult for you as we’ve done all the research to help you make an informed decision.
When picking the best grow room carbon filter, consider the features that you want and be ready to spend to land the best unit. I hope you’ve identified the best grow tent carbon filter to remove the awful smell in your indoor grow room.
Feel free to leave a question or comment after reading our review on the best grow tent carbon filter.