Well, air-cooled hood ventilation is a very integral part of a grower room. But we get it that installing a ventilation system isn’t a cakewalk.
However, trust us, without a ventilation system, your plants will not grow properly.
So, what are the functions and benefits of the air cooled hood ventilation system?
For starters, an air-cooled ventilation system will ensure a better environment for the plants. To set up this system, you’ll need a carbon filter and an inline fan. You have to place both the carbon filter and fan inside the room/tent. Then use ducting to keep them in line with your reflector. The position should be carbon filter, fan, and light/reflector sequentially.
We’ve discussed not only the benefits and functions but also the setup process for you. Therefore, if you’ve got some minutes to spare, let’s explore everything together.
Why Choose The Air Cooled Hood Ventilation System?
Source: https://happypotfarmer.com/
We’re assuming that you’re totally new to this system. But hey, we were all new to the things we can now do as well. So, don’t worry at all!
Regardless, let’s come to the point now. How does air-cooled hood ventilation system work?
Firstly, the carbon filter will start absorbing the toxic air present in your grow room. Then the inline fan will pull that polluted air out of the carbon filter. And push the air through the reflector you own. And lastly, both the toxic air and extra heat generated from the light will say goodbye to your grow room.
Long story short, it’s quite different from other basic ventilation processes. Because this process needs specific such as an inline fan, carbon filter.
So, what do you think? Is this ventilation system beneficial for your grow space?
If yes, then let’s get into the step-by-step process to install this system very easily and quickly.
How to Set Up Air-cooled Hood Ventilation?
After learning all the functions, who wouldn’t want to set up air-cooled hood ventilation for their grow room?
Yup, only fools wouldn’t want to do it. However, we’re very sure that you’d love to attempt this hybrid style of ventilating in your grow room. For that reason, we’ve arranged this segment on how to set up the air-cooled hood ventilation just for you.
As you can see from the picture, there are four grow room ventilation ideas. The most commonly used method is the first one which implies keeping both the carbon filter and the exhaust fan inside.
We definitely suggest this method. Because through this method, you can clear out maximum toxic air from your grow room.
So, let’s look at the steps to achieve this type of ventilation-
Necessary Tools
You need to be fully prepared before getting to the setup procedure. So, before doing anything you’ll obviously need some specific tools.
You can find the essential tools or equipment in stores or online. The tools are-
Now you might wonder how to choose the right fan and carbon filter for your grow room/tent. Well, we’ve got you covered.
| Tent/room dimensions | Fan size | Filter size | Airflow |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2x2x4/3x3x6 | 4 inches | 4 inches | 200 CFM |
| 4x4x6/5x5x6 | 6 inches | 6 inches | 400 CFM |
So, from the table, you can see that we used a term while talking about the airflow. So exactly what is CFM?
CFM means cubic feet per minute. Cubic feet refer to your room size and the minute refers to how long you would like to exchange air. The CFM number will be given on the box of your filter. For example, if you go for a 6 inches fan and carbon filter then the CFM will be approx 400.
Now that you know which tools you’ll need along with the fan and filter sizes, it’s time to get to work.
Step 1 of 4: Set Up Air-cooled Grow Light Reflector
We came up with a simple trick to make the whole setup process easier for you. And that is- you need to set up the air-cooled grow light reflector first. By following this trick, you’ll have an idea of the placements of the other two as the reflector will be in the middle.
You’ve already set the reflector up? Well, that’s a genius move right there!
Still, let’s have a brief discussion on the reflector as some of you might not have installed it yet. Now the reflector needs to be placed in the middle of the room and right above your plants. To determine the middle part of the room you can use your measuring tape.
Next, you need to buy a reflector according to your room size and the intensity of the light you’ll be using.
To help you find the correct reflector, we wanted to give a little idea on the size-
| Room size | Light intensity | Reflector size |
|---|---|---|
| 4x4x6 | 400-600w MH/HPS | 6 inches |
| 5x5x6 or bigger | 600-1000w MH/HPS | 6-8 inches |
After buying the reflector, you need to set it up. For that, you’ll need rope, rope ratchets, and triangle fixture hooks. You can get AC Infinity adjustable rope hanger and TAIHUIMY Q-Hanger hooks.
In every grow room there are loops on the ceiling and a hole on one side of the wall that’ll be used for the ventilation process. If your grow room doesn’t have those then you need to install loops on the ceiling. And also drill a hole in the wall that’ll take the air outside.
Oh, in these kinds of drilling tasks BLACK+DECKER Cordless Drill proved to be very efficient and quick. So. before becoming the Thor consider getting the drill work done with a drill machine.
Also, install some loops on the top according to the size of your reflector, fan, and carbon filter. For the fan and filter, keep the distance between the loops a little shorter than their original size. For example, keep the distance around 4-5 inches for a 6 inches carbon filter or fan.
You can also place stick-on hooks and loops on the ceiling to make the process easier for yourself. This hooks have self adhesive back. Also, it comes with long-term adhesion and leave no residue after tearing-off
At first, let the rope pass through the hook or loop on your grow room ceiling. Next, tie up the rope with rope ratchets.
Lastly, attach the hooks with each side of the reflector then connect the hooks with the rope ratchet. And you’re done with setting up the air-cooled hood reflector.
Step 2 of 4: Unbox and Place the Fan
Unboxing new products is very exciting. But don’t rush while unboxing because that can damage the fan. After delicately unboxing the fan, you might see an extra wire fixed to your fan. Well, that’s the controller.
Well, you don’t need to sulk if you don’t find a controller. Because you can easily buy one for your fan. Here are some of the controllers listed below where you can easily choose the best one. Take a look-
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
  | iPower Variable Fan Speed Controller | Get it Today! |
  | VIVOSUN Variable Vent Fan Speed Adjuster | Get it Today! |
  | Cdmall Electronic Fan Speed Controller | Get it Today! |
Now for the placement of the fan, you’ll need to place it in between your air cooled reflector and carbon filter. If you do so, the fan will firstly pull the air from the carbon filter. Then push it out along with the excess heat the grow light produces for plants.
Anyway, so you’ve set up the reflector. Now let’s start setting up the fan.
Firstly, you’ll need to let two ropes pass through the two hooks/loops you’ve installed for your fan. Let’s pass one rope at a time. Next, you need to tie up the two ends of one rope. Then do the same for the other rope.
Finally, place the fan in the space between the ropes. Don’t forget to loosen up or tighten up the ropes to keep the fan in line with the reflector.
Step 3 of 4: Unbox and Place the Carbon Filter
Now that you’re done with the fan, let’s move on to unboxing the carbon filter. Once you get the filter out, you’ll see that it comes with a protective cover. You’ll have to put it on the filter.
After getting the carbon filter ready, you have to place it before the fan. You can either hang it just like the fan or place it on the ground. In both positions, the filter will absorb the toxic air in the room.
Step 4 of 4: Attach the Filter, Fan, and, Reflector
So, you’ve placed everything in your grow room. Now you only need to attach them to each other. For this, you’ll need ducting and silver aluminium foil tapes.
At first, peel back the silver part of the insulation ducting and connect it to the carbon filter. Use silver tape to stick the ducting in place afterward. Then just connect and stick the other end of the ducting to the fan.
After that, use another long ducting like TerraBloom 10″ Air Duct and connect it to the other side of the fan. Then lead it towards the air cooled reflector.
Now, place the ducting on the hood that is facing the fan first. And stick another ducting to the other side of the air-cooled hood reflector. Lastly, connect that ducting to the hole which will lead the air outside of the room.
And you are all done! You’ve worked really and we’re proud of you because of that. Now that everything is in its place, the ventilation process will start.
So, what changes or benefits can you look for now that the ventilation system is all set? Let’s know about it in the next section.
The Benefits of Sealed Grow Room Ventilation
We all know that good air quality and ideal temperature are very important when it comes to growing plants indoors. And guess what? Air-cooled hood ventilation ensures both of these.
However, you might come across some inexperienced gardeners who think air-cooled ventilation is not necessary. Which is just quite absurd! Why do we say so?
Well, because ventilation through an air cooled hood helps to keep the environment of your room balanced and eliminates the toxins from the air.
Suppose you’ve planted an untreated seed in an indoor sealed grow room. Do you think it’ll grow properly if the temperature isn’t correct?
Of course not! The room will get very warm due to keeping the lights on. Which will cause the environment in the room to be harmful to a plant’s growth. So, you’ll need to know how to cool a sealed grow room.
The air-cooled hood ventilation system is also known as a hybrid style of ventilating your grow room. This style will provide you not one but two benefits!
So, is air-cooled hood ventilation system worth it?
Yes! Not only you’ll be able to keep your grow room completely sealed but you’ll also be able to save your electricity bill. Thus, for beginners or gardeners with fixed budgets, this is a very good way of cooling and ventilating a grow room.
FAQs
Is air-cooled hood ventilation important?
Of course, it is. To remove heat and exhausted air from your grow room, you need to install a ventilation system. The environment of your grow room will be balanced and fresh. A perfect place to grow plants.
Is it okay to place the filter and reflector before the fan?
Yes, it’s okay. It shouldn’t harm you. However, we suggest you keep the fan in between the reflector and filter. Because placing the fan after the reflector will make the fan pull more heat and that might damage the fan.
Do I need to vent my grow tent outside?
It’s not necessary to vent grow tent outside the growing area. Ventilation might work otherwise and that depends on your setup.
Conclusion
That’s all we had on air cooled hood ventilation for you. Now it’s your time to give us some feedback.
Did you understand the setting up process?
Comment down below and let us know. Happy gardening!