Inline Fan Decision

[denots87]

Looking for a 6" 400+cfm fan, still undecided about which brand to go with, everything decent seems to be in $200ish range. I've searched but figured a poll would be alot easier to get opinions. I'll be running a speed controller for my 600w hps/mh to dial in perfect airflow and to reduce noise, and will be hung from ceiling mounted bungee cords. The closet system will go glass enclosed hood-> ducting-> fan-> ducting-> filter (unsure about insulated vs non ducting) with passive intakes. So which brand would you choose keeping in mind noise level (currently living in 24 unit aparment)?

[Mr. Clandestine]

I just lurve my Vortex! :thumbsup:

No experience with the rest, but my Vortex and filter are suspended with bungee cords and aren't noiseless, but aren't very noticeable outside the growroom. Take care. :jointsmile:

[mushaboom]

you can find 6" vortex fans online for like 140

[denots87]

Ya, I've seen fans for cheaper around that price, spec Vortex and Ecoplus (heard to stay away from Ecoplus, noisey/cheap). I just know you pay for what you get these days so if I have to put more money down for a few less decibels I can, obviously I want to save it so I can buy more toys for this awsome hobby. The one thing I thought about is say I went with a 300ish cfm fan with a speed controller, would this not allow greater control and "tuning in" then a 600ish cfm fan like a Hurricane with a controller to of course? I'm just looking for any and everyones' opinions since I don't normally go around and drop $200ish on a fan everyday plus another $200ish accessories like a premade filter (maybe not, still deciding on a DYI filter). So again I give a call out to everyone please share your fan/ventilation experiences.

Potsy

[mushaboom]

im assuming this s true for most inline fans of quality, but for my vortex 6" 465 cfm model any time you turn down the speed it buzzes. its not too bad of a buzz until you go under about 75% power. below 50% it buzzes like crazy. i think your best bet is to just get an appropriate size fan for your areas size so you would not need to use a speed controller. (by the way speed controllers can be found at harbor freight for about 13 bucks, same controllers that hydro stores sell just not with a brand on it.)

have you thought about using an inline duct fan from a hardware store such as lowes? theyre pretty cheap and they should get the job done just as well. ive never used one myself but they defintely look like a good way to do things on the cheap.

[oldmac]

im assuming this s true for most inline fans of quality, but for my vortex 6" 465 cfm model any time you turn down the speed it buzzes. its not too bad of a buzz until you go under about 75% power. below 50% it buzzes like crazy. i think your best bet is to just get an appropriate size fan for your areas size so you would not need to use a speed controller. (by the way speed controllers can be found at harbor freight for about 13 bucks, same controllers that hydro stores sell just not with a brand on it.)

have you thought about using an inline duct fan from a hardware store such as lowes? theyre pretty cheap and they should get the job done just as well. ive never used one myself but they defintely look like a good way to do things on the cheap.

Mushaboom,

I don't use Vortex, but have helped a freind with his two- 1- 6" and 1- 4". The 6" is on a speed controller running abt 80-85% of full speed, and is real quiet. While the slowing the fan a little we gained a great amount in "air noise" reduction while mechanical noise was about the same.

This buzzing sound that your fan makes; is it a electrical sounding buzz or a mechanical buzz?