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)?

denots87 Reviewed by denots87 on 04-16-2008. Inline Fan Decision 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 Rating: 5

[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?