two tents, two filters, one fan?

bdigi

Member
is it possible to run two 4x4 tents with one fan? how do i design the system and are there any reasons not to?
 

Mr.Goodtimes

Well-Known Member
Just get a Y connector or build a light trap if they are on separate schedules to prevent leaks.

And of course find the proper rated fan for your project and then get a size bigger with a fan controller so you can dial it in perfect.
 

Midwestsmoker419

Well-Known Member
I was thinking of something similar venting out of the top of each tent through a T that goes to the exhaust fan then out. In the veg tent I was thinking of rigging up some type of flap/cover to adjust how much air will be taken out of that tent? Haven’t done it yet but here soon will be
 

JohnDee

Well-Known Member
Bdigi,
Sure...it should be no problem. You can get a diverter which is a (three way) Y with a control valve to adjust flow. Or an regular Y connector with a single diverter valve on the side with shortest run.

Incorporating a scrubber might be more difficult.
JD
 

Mr.Goodtimes

Well-Known Member
You either have to put a small carbon filter on each end of the Y in each tent to filter smells OR build a big ass box that would hold one filter, one end connected to the fan, then two holes on the back running duct from each tent. Air would go from the tents, filter through the box with filter, and out the filter flange w clean smells.

Getting the correct size big ass box made would be the biggest challenge.
 

Lucky Luke

Well-Known Member
A mate of mine has two 4 x 4s about 1 metre apart and runs one fan and ducts into the ceiling. He was lucky as the tents are the same brand and each side mirrors the other so he has the same length of ducting to each tent. He runs his Carbon filter at the end of the run.
 

JohnDee

Well-Known Member
put a small carbon filter on each end of the Y in each tent to filter smells
I think this would be the best idea.

They say that a carbon filter should be installed to suck through...but I really don't understand why the filter couldn't be at the outboard end with the fan blowing air into the filter...like Luke suggested.
JD
 

Mr.Goodtimes

Well-Known Member
I think this would be the best idea.

They say that a carbon filter should be installed to suck through...but I really don't understand why the filter couldn't be at the outboard end with the fan blowing air into the filter...like Luke suggested.
JD
I think it just overworks the fan when it is blown into the filter vs sucked through. Something about backpressure or something decreasing the life of the fan because it is being over worked. Idk
 

JohnDee

Well-Known Member
I think it just overworks the fan when it is blown into the filter vs sucked through.
Yes Mr. GT I've heard that. Also thought about it a little more. If the carbon filter is at the end of the run...any leaks in ducting or fittings would leak unfiltered (smelly) air. But with carbon inside the tent...all downwind air is then filtered. So safer from an odor consideration.

The thin foam/mesh pre-filter is always on the outside of canister so is designed to be sucked through.

I guess those are valid reasons and the two smaller filters would be the best option for our op bdigi.
JD
 

WeedFreak78

Well-Known Member
I run 2 tents on one fan, well 2 fans, 1 for ventilation, 1 for light cooling, separate circuits. My ventilation comes out the top of each tent to a "Y", then to the fan, then to the carbon filter. My lights exit between the tents, to a "T", the tents are 2ft apart, then up to the fan, then out to the attic. All 6" dia. hard ducting, everything is equal length so both tents and lights get the same airflow. My intakes are all passive and filtered.

It's all about CFMs. If you're one fan will pull enough cfm, you can run as many tents as you want of you can balance the airflow.

Vent fans are designed to create a negative pressure with no resistance to the exhaust. I run mine with the filter on the exhaust side without any noticeable issues. Been on the same filter for over a year now. Fans going on, 3 years, I think.
 

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
I run 2 tents on one fan, well 2 fans, 1 for ventilation, 1 for light cooling, separate circuits. My ventilation comes out the top of each tent to a "Y", then to the fan, then to the carbon filter. My lights exit between the tents, to a "T", the tents are 2ft apart, then up to the fan, then out to the attic. All 6" dia. hard ducting, everything is equal length so both tents and lights get the same airflow. My intakes are all passive and filtered.

It's all about CFMs. If you're one fan will pull enough cfm, you can run as many tents as you want of you can balance the airflow.

Vent fans are designed to create a negative pressure with no resistance to the exhaust. I run mine with the filter on the exhaust side without any noticeable issues. Been on the same filter for over a year now. Fans going on, 3 years, I think.
Two posts mentioning equal length ducting. This is important when using a single fan. Like headers on a hot rod. For the same reasons
 

WeedFreak78

Well-Known Member
There's also inexpensive, small, 40-60cfm duct booster fans that can be used inline if unequal runs aren't possible and you don't want to limit the airflow to an area.
 

JohnDee

Well-Known Member
Good morning guys,
I like these free flowing idea gathering threads. Many opinions.

One more thought on this issue.

Might not be a bad idea to take into consideration what to do if one tent is out of commission for awhile. So that you could dial down the motor and just use it for one tent or the other.
JD
 
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