HOW LONG DO CARBON FILTERS LAST?

[smileibiza]

I have a 3000m3 extractor with the coresponding carbon filter which has been running 24/7 for 3 years without smells.
How often is it recomendable to change it?

[BobBong]

You remember that sweet carbon smell you got when the Filter was new??

That's what you're looking for.. chances are if the filter has been running 24/7 for 3 years it's long past due for a changing.

There's no exact life span on Carbon Filters because the usage can vary so much.. some run it 24/7, some run it only when the lights are on...

Either way, think back to that sweet carbon smell that you got when the filter was new... When you don't smell that anymore.. it's probably time to change it.

[grey1223]

I have a 3000m3 extractor with the coresponding carbon filter which has been running 24/7 for 3 years without smells.
How often is it recomendable to change it?

Life of filter will vary greatly depending how how many watts your using and the amount of time your filter is used. Most manufacturers says 18 to 24 months. Like you, mine runs 24/7 and has been going for 4.5 years.

Mine empties into my attic and no smell yet.

[stinkyattic]

If you aren't smelling any weed smells, you have no reason to swap it out.

To answer this, you need to know a little about how the filter works. Filters are full of activated carbon, which binds to organic molecules and prevents them leaving the surface of the filter and hitting the receptors in your nose. The places where this may occur on a molecular level are called BINDING SITES. There are only a limited number of these contained in the filter, and the number depends on the MASS of carbon and the PARTICLE SIZE of the bits of activated charcoal in the filter. When all these binding sites have an organic molecule stuck to them, the filter is useless.

Lifespan depends on number of plants, how aromatic the strains are that you run, and what your temps are; all these factors compared to the MASS OF ACTIVATED CARBON contained in the filter determine the life.

A smaller filter (=less exposed active sites/ surface area of carbon) won't last as long under the same conditions as a larger one that can physically bind a larger mass of aromatic molecules.

If you have someone you can trust who does not live there, have them be your 'nose' since you may be unable to smell weed smells in your home because you are used to them.

Let your nose be your guide! Hope that helps some.

[smileibiza]

normaly no smell but sometimes friends can smell it outside on cutting and trimming days and day when it very cloudy closed day with little wind.

[smileibiza]

Time to change I think:rastasmoke:

[stinkyattic]

Yup! Time to change! That's what friends are for! :D

[xcrispi]

I've also noticed mine didn't last near as long when doing hydro compared to soil grows . Carbon gets loaded w/ moisture so the filter can't do it's job .
Peace
Crispi :jointsmile:

[Mr. Clandestine]

Mine empties into my attic and no smell yet.

So, have all these folks 'never used one' and not know what they're talking about, either?



smileibiza:

Sorry about that. Mine is smaller, I'm pretty sure... but still runs almost constantly. I usually begin to notice it losing effectiveness after about 1.5-2 years. But it goes back to working like a charm when the carbon is replaced.

[grey1223]

So, have all these folks 'never used one' and not know what they're talking about, either?

smileibiza:

Sorry about that. Mine is smaller, I'm pretty sure... but still runs almost constantly. I usually begin to notice it losing effectiveness after about 1.5-2 years. But it goes back to working like a charm when the carbon is replaced.

Wish I knew what you meant but it appears other's experience mirror the statement I made in the first place.

[grey1223]

I've also noticed mine didn't last near as long when doing hydro compared to soil grows . Carbon gets loaded w/ moisture so the filter can't do it's job .
Peace
Crispi :jointsmile:

Yeah, high humidity is tougher on filter. Try to keep it below 60%.

[grey1223]

I have a 3000m3 extractor with the coresponding carbon filter which has been running 24/7 for 3 years without smells.
How often is it recomendable to change it?

I'm sorry I can't remember the name right now but when you replace the carbon be sure it's the 'good' stuff. It comes from a mine in Austrailia. There are different grades of activated carbon. The best will have the most surface area.I suspect some of us may be using inferior carbon and thus your filter life will be shortened. Since I can't remember the name I will say that Price is a good indicator of quality.

[Mr. Clandestine]

Wish I knew what you meant but it appears other's experience mirror the statement I made in the first place.

You wish you knew... sure.

[smileibiza]

if i change the carbon can I use the old carbon for barbecues in the summer?:)

[stinkyattic]

I see a flame war about to begin and I am warning anyone interested in participating in it that it would not be a good idea. Unless there is BBQ sauce and ribs involved, and someone gets an apron that says 'top chef' as a prize...

[Mr. Clandestine]

I see a flame war about to begin and I am warning anyone interested in participating in it that it would not be a good idea. Unless there is BBQ sauce and ribs involved, and someone gets an apron that says 'top chef' as a prize...

Word. Dually noted.

[smileibiza]

but would the carbon burn?