Is an oscillating fan really necessary?

[Philosophy]

Here's my dillema guys.

I got a grow tent 75cm x 75 x 1.60 with a 250 HPS in it.

The 125A1 RVK extraction fan (with systemair fan controller) sucks the tent up with enough negative pressure and air movement.

My question is :

do i really need an extra clip on fan to blow on the canopy? I like to keep my grow tent as simple as possible and i dont trust these chinese made fans to work 24/7.

And tbh i think theres so much air movement in the tent, that doesnt leave room for stale air pockets. Also CO2 should circulate freely. IDK..

Do u think i can get away without buying one?

I have a proper 3-speed 12" fan (floor unit), but this thing is too bulky for my tent, plus it blows the heck out of the plants, even on low speed. Maybe i could use it twice a day on a timer, to thicker stems.


What should i do? All opinions appreciated.

 

[MarquisBlack]

In a vaccuum, it's not required, but they do wonders. I got a small 7" two-speed oscillating clip-fan from Ace Hardware for like $15. A 6" in hydro-stores can go upwards of $30.

 

[stinkyattic]

Not trusting a small fan not to fail is not a very good reason for not adding one- I suspect you will visit your plants often enough to notice, should your circ fan fail.
That being said, with a high CFM extraction fan and cleverly placed passive intakes you will get air flow.
It's up to you. Spend $15 at the dollar store on a couple cheap ass small fans (redundancy in any system is a good idea) and give yourself the peace of mind that there's no pockets of still, moist, icky air just waiting to fester you up a nice mold problem.

 

[BUDDY BOY]

Is an oscillating fan really necessary?

YES!!!

 

[mikecar312]

an osc fan will add that extra wind that will make your stems stronger, imo, an overall healthier, not-so flimsy plant. if you're worried about it being on 24/7, you can run it only when the lights on.

 

[sirgrassalot]

NO, I had one burn out just last month but I never had it oscillating. Any fan blowing creating a breeze will do.

 

[Storm Crow]

Check the big stores- they are cleaning out all the summer stuff. I picked up a nice tower-style oscillating fan for $7 at Walmart-takes up about as much floor space as a coffee can.

Granny

 

[HappyHemphog]

Take what you will from this, but in my experience plants that have been subject to constant movement by a breeze grow very thick and strong branches that can hold massive buds.

Plants grown with little to no real wind movement usually get stretchy and flimsy often requiring support if the buds manage to get fat.

Of course too much wind is bad since it will cause the plant to stay very short and bushy. Unless that's what you want

This is the best time of year (Northern Hemisphere) to purchase fans. They are always on sale or clearance. Of course this means they can be harder to find.

Cheers
Hempy

 

[GreenScreen]

i bought a 5 dollar 9 inch personal fan from wally world the other day very nice 3 speed all metal... works wonders only 5 dollars and its 9 inches so its pretty big but i like good air movement..

 

[FreezerBoy]

No. You do not need an interior fan. It won't hurt but, you don't need it. As to strengthening stems, I beat my plants up by hand.

 

[sirgrassalot]

No. You do not need an interior fan. It won't hurt but, you don't need it. As to strengthening stems, I beat my plants up by hand.

Yeah man, I also hang my bungees off limbs at times just for power training. After all I am their personal trainer & coach. I also shake the tree for lovely peaches, a little limb twitching.

 

[Skipload]

If you use a fan it will help remove heat from the surface of the buds faster. You should try to get your light as close to the colas as possible.

 

[Philosophy]

thanks for the replies everyone.

I realise that its not necessary, but it DOES help alot with air movement and stem strengthemning. So, how soon can i start the fan? I m growing from seed.

10-15 days into vegging?

 

[stinkyattic]

If you are concerned that it is too much for young seedlings, turn it so it points into a corner adn not on the plants.

 

[Space Ghost]

why not rig up a couple pc fans? They are designed to run non-stop for years... That's what I use and love 'em

 

[Philosophy]

why not rig up a couple pc fans? They are designed to run non-stop for years... That's what I use and love 'em

i dont know how to hook em up on a 220V plug. They re 12V, so i reckon i need some kind of transformer, from 220 to 12V. Any links?

Question:

btw, i ve closed all the passive intakes on the tent for light leakage issues. I ve left open a 5" ventilation intake, which sucks fresh air (via a 4ft 5" ducting) from an open window. Is that enough? The 125A1 sucks the tent up. Actually i m gonna put the fan on 50%.

 

[Tatz]

I know it´s an old thread, but there are always new growers, seekin info..

If you´ve got an old cellphone charger, you can just connect the wires and you´ve got yourself a fan !
If you think it´s too heavy on the plantlets, maybe you can use a controller, or put two pc fans on 1 charger, dividing the power ´tween them...?
Or, as Stinkyattic said, point it t´wards a corner..
Remember there will be higher evaporation of moist if there´s a slight wind underneath the canopy....

 

[B. Friendly]

I don't use one in any of my rooms. It is a matter of enough air flow. If your babies don't stand up they need a fan on them to be stronger. that simple

 

[Neo 420]

For your setup I would definitely recommend a fan.

 

[ChaosCatalunya]

An Oscillator moves the stale air [trapped by the little hairs, just like your hand] off the leaf's surface, replacing it with fresh, allowing your plant to grow to the max, without one, they probably will not IMO. I bet nobody has ever got to or passed 1g/w without one going in there.