First Tent Fail

[CC80]

Alright. So I have a 2 x 3' tent. Got a 400w hps / mh lamp and a 6" fan & filter.

There's problems. The filter is huge, so I'm basically forced to put it outside the tent. The inline fan is too loud and the fan speed controller the kit came w. Hums like mad. I know I can get another controller that's not solid state which will remedy this, but that's more money. Also, the transformer for the light sounds like a miniature jet engine in my closet. On top of which, the transformer trips the extension cord thing meaning I would need two cords running to the closet (because the transformer needs to be plugged directly into the wall) which is not ideal.

The whole setup is WAY too loud and cumbersome. And it looks like to make this work I'll have to spend hundreds of more dollars. It's rather disappointing.

My questions are:

Would an LED grow light have fans that are as loud as the transformer?

Would an LED equivalent to 400 w hps draw the same amount of current requiring a dedicated cord?

Would a 4 inch inline fan be significantly quieter?

Can I use a 4 inch fan with a 6 inch filter?

And what do I do with all this gear? I can't return it, and I certainly don't know anyone to sell it too. I'm pretty stuck and about ready to give up on this project all together.

[Gingerbeard]

Hey CC80 Sounds like you have a predicament.

There are lights that don't make a sound. No fans. Like quantum boards. But they can be significantly more expensive than other types. When you get so many fans running you can't avoid the hum. For me, it became white noise with the tent in my bedroom closet.
My first grows were in a 2'x3'x4.5' tent. I had a 350 watt LED with cooling fans. Four muffin fans took care of supply and return and internal circulation around the plants. I'm not concerned about smell. An inline fan seems way too much for the small space. I never used ducting inside my tent. It was able to stay on the outside. Everything in the setup was the minimum I could figure, but did a great job.

Store your stuff. Don't sell. You might need it when you get a few grows in.

Here's a link to a recent GWE article that can give you a little more information on lights and fans and whatnot for our smaller spaces. There are plenty of light options that don't require (as)much in the way of cooling. There's an article, somewhere, that used a 150w HPS/HID/MH/EIEIO in a 2'x3'.

https://www.growweedeasy.com/how-to-grow-small-cannabis-plants-in-tiny-spaces

[bboyfromwayback]

A 4” fan wouldn’t be that much quieter. Some brands of fans are loud and others are fairly quiet. Unfortunately you have to do the research and see what other users say about a particular fan. Some of the quieter fans are more money of course. I started using AC Infinity fans and they’re very quiet, even on full power you don’t hear the fan itself, just the suction it’s creating. Some LED lights can be pretty loud as well because they usually have built in fans. Where did you get your light? If it’s that loud I’d return it.

[CC80]

I looked into the AC infinity fan. Seems nice! I'm going to try to make the one that I've got work w. A new controller first though. As for the light, it's a vivosun and I think it was sold by the manufacturer through ebay. The ballast fan is much much louder than anticipated. I think LED is the only real option given my circumstances.

[bboyfromwayback]

Just go with the board type because the others have fans. Not sure how much you’re wanting to spend but a HLG 135 RSpec would be a much better choice than the one from Amazon for a little more money.

[CC80]

Well, stealth is certainly a concern for me. Can't have lady friends asking what's in the closet. Thanks for letting me know about the fanless LED's, I found one called maxisun PB1500 which seems like it should do the trick. Idk if I should get one or two (one per plant) bit I think one should work. And I found a fan controller that should work and isn't too expensive.

I do plan on expanding significantly down the road so holding onto the light makes sense. I'll have to wait longer than I wanted to get started but hopefully it'll be worth it.

Wish me luck.

[Gingerbeard]

You can start growing anytime you want. A couple CFL's or t5 fluorescents will get you started nicely. Probably grow enough for a topping. No smell to worry about for several weeks. New growers want to grow with Ferraris when all they need is a '78 Ford Fiesta. Wrecking a Ferrari is costly and embarrassing. Wrecking a '78 Ford Fiesta is less costly and not embarrassing.
If a lady friend asks what you're hiding in your closet, it's a leading question. Turn the question around and ask what she's hiding.

[CC80]

Thank you both for your input. Love the car analogy Gingerbed lol makes sense. I did get the HLG board reccomended here (well, ordered it anyway) just cuz I figure this is something I'll be doing for a while and why not. Got the fan speed controller (non-solid state) and that has fixed the noise problem. So that w. The LED and I think I'm golden! Can't wait to get started, wanted to try this for like 13 years, no joke lol (never been in a situation that would work for it until now)

[MrMagic]

To help reduce inline fan noise you can try mounting it on a piece of styrofoam or a piece of rubber. It worked awsome for a buddy. I was able to hang mine tight to the ceiling. You will still get significant noise; even from the quietest fans, due to air flowing through vents. The higher the airflow the more noise you get. So the trick is to balance as much airflow as your ears will tolerate.
mine is a vivo home 6" inline with filter and I love it. All i hear is air moving. Price was $115 cdn with filter. They make a 4" variable that might suit your needs