When you have a grow room, one thing you must never forget is proper ventilation. Just as we need air to breathe and survive, plants also need enough air to grow and survive. Plants require CO2 from the surrounding air; this CO2 is absorbed by the plants, helping them breathe and promote photosynthesis. Cannabis plants absorb ten times more air than most other plants. They suck up the CO2 from the year within a minute and are in constant need of air circulation. This makes proper ventilation in the grow room necessary. One of the best ways to get good ventilation in your grow room is setting up oscillating fans. Oscillating fan swings back and forth to distribute air around the room; the oscillating motion ensures proper dispersal of the surrounding air, so each plant gets enough air needed for its growth.
Getting the best rotating fan for your grow room is not an easy task, especially when there are many cheap models with a short lifespan. We plan to make your search much easier by providing a review of some of the best oscillating fans for your grow room.
Looking for the best equipment to use in your grow room is really not as hard as it seems. Read the articles below for the best grow tents and grow room equipment.
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Best Dehumidifiers for Grow Tent
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Reasons You Need a Fan in Your Grow Room
You are probably wondering why a fan in your grow tent is necessary. Plants are living things just like us, and we need similar things to survive. Just like we need water, air, and food, plants need the same. Fans distribute clean air across the room, making sure your grow room is not too hot. Below are some reasons why a fan is very necessary for your grow room.
Proper Airflow and Ventilation
This is an important reason for getting a fan in your grow room. For cannabis plants to grow properly, a light breeze needs to be created. This breeze helps to circulate carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen throughout the room. This constant airflow helps to facilitate photosynthesis during the day. Your plants absorb the carbon dioxide passed to them and produce oxygen, which is also needed in the room.
Control Temperature and Humidity Levels
Cannabis needs to be grown at a constant temperature and humidity level. This temperature helps your plants thrive and should not go beyond the maximum limit. Grow lights provide light for your plants, but they also produce a little bit of heat, which alters the temperature and humidity in the room. Cool air circulated by fans is needed to balance the temperature in the room and ensure your plants don’t suffocate.
Reduces Growth of Mold and Bacteria
Grow tent is a very good environment for mold and bacteria to thrive because of the high humidity level and stale air in the tent. To avoid this problem, stale air needs to be constantly removed from the grow room. Most grow rooms or tents have a ventilation window, which helps to freshen the air inside the tent. Fans help to disperse the clean, fresh air displacing the old stale air from the room. The constant flow of this air reduces the humidity inside the tent and limits the chance of mold and bacteria growth.
Strengthens Plant Branches and Root System
Outdoor plants are often moved around by the wind; this helps to build the resilience of such plants as well as strengthen their roots, branches, and leaves. Inside a grow tent, the wind is provided by fans to move the plants around, thus building their strength.
Provide Better Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide levels
Respiration and photosynthesis are one of the processes plants undergo. These two processes are at their peak during the day. During photosynthesis, plants use the carbon dioxide in the room to produce oxygen and glucose, food needed for their growth. This food and oxygen are used up during respiration to provide energy for the plants. For your plants to grow properly, the air needs to be replaced so your plants can produce and absorb more levels of oxygen and CO2.
Types of Grow Room Fans
There are various types of grow room fans, and they each serve different purposes.
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- Oscillating Fans
: This type of fan is the cheapest and most popular fan used in grow rooms. Its neck moves back and forth to circulate air throughout the room.
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- Intake Fans
: Intake fans suck clean air from outside into the grow room. This fan works together with outtake fans to ensure ventilation.
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- Exhaust or Outtake Fan
: Exhaust fans are the opposite of intake fans. They remove the old air from the grow room. They act as vacuums and forcefully pull the old ait out of the room.
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- Inline Fans
: This is the best type of ventilation for a grow room. It allows for proper ventilation by simultaneously pushing old air out of the room while letting fresh air outside into the grow room.
Grow Tent Oscillating Fan Buying Guide
A fan in your grow room not only helps to maintain the temperature in the grow room, but it also helps to eliminate odor and maintain fresh air. It is important to purchase a high quality fan that is made with durable materials and lasts long.
One of the qualities of a good oscillating fan is its 90-degree rotation and coverage area. If you’ve purchased an oscillating fan in the past, then you know the qualities to look out for; if you have not, here are some factors you need to look out for before buying one.
Grow tent size
This is a vital factor to put into consideration when looking to buy an oscillating fan. There are different sizes of grow tents available, and you should choose a fan based on this size. You don’t have to get a big fan if you have a big tent; what you need is a powerful fan that can cover a reasonable distance.
Another thing to look out for on the fan is its CFM (Cubic feet per minute). It’s a measure of the volume of airflow per minute in cubic feet. It explains how much air it can circulate in a minute. To determine the CFM your grow room needs, calculate the volume of the grow tent by multiplying its length. Width and height. Compare the volume of your grow tent with the CFM on the fan. This is a better way to figure out the size of the fan that you need.
Material
The material used to build the fan is very important. There are many substandard oscillating fans out there built with low-quality materials; this makes it necessary to know the type of material to purchase. Most fans are built from steel or ABS plastic; these are durable materials that don’t damage easily. Also, make sure the fan is certified by any global marks to ensure its safety.
Easy installation
Installing an oscillating fan is one of the easiest tasks. Oscillating fans should be very easy to install and should not need professional help. There are two installation options for an oscillating fan; wall-mounted or standing.
A standing fan has a stable base that keeps it balanced on the ground. It is good for grow tents with enough space. The disadvantage is that standing fans are not usually firm on the ground; they tip over easily and may damage your plants when they fall.
Most indoor gardeners prefer a wall-mounted fan. It hangs up on the wall of the grow tent and doesn’t take up any floor space. It also provides a wider coverage because it sits above the plants.
Adjustable speed setting
Oscillating fans should have a feature that allows you to adjust the speed of the fan. This gives you control of the way the air is moved around in the grow tent. Most fans have a three-speed setting to represent high, medium, and low speed. It has a knob or buttons that allow you to adjust the speed conveniently.
Angle of oscillation
The oscillating angle explains the maximum area the fan can cover in a single rotation. A good oscillating fan has a 90-degree rotation. You can find few fans that rotate up to 360 degrees. You should avoid fans that need to be adjusted before they can rotate.
Noise
Choosing a quiet fan would save you from stress in the future. Some fans make noises when they rotate; this can be frustrating for you. Look out for oscillating fans that operate silently.
The 5 Best Oscillating Fans for Your Grow Room Are Reviewed Below
Table of Contents
Here is a review of the five best oscillating fans for your grow room, including their specification and key features.
1
Global Industrial Oscillating Wall Mount Fan
This oscillating wall mount fan from global industrial is a high-quality fan built with sturdy materials that ensure its durability. It works with a highly efficient 1/3Hp motor, making it a very powerful fan with wide coverage. The motor is lubricated permanently and enclosed in a strong metal shell to ensure it lasts long. It has firm metal blades that are well balanced to provide optimum air dispersal among your plants. The blades are housed in a steel-wired case for safety. This incredible fan can be mounted directly above your plants or on the wall for maximum air distribution. The fan head rotates up to 90 degrees in a single operation providing a tilting angle. The rotation mechanism is reinforced by a safety clutch. It has a button that allows you to adjust the speed from low to high depending on what is best for your plants. It operates with industrial-strength to eliminates stale and still air from the room and replaces it with fresh air in less than a minute. This fan improves the transpiration rate of the plant and also promotes plant respiration. It balances the temperature and humidity levels in the tent and also reduces the heat produced by grow lights.
Key Features:
- 1/3Hp motor
- Wall mounted
- Button controlled speed setting
- Indoor use only
Specification:
- Brand: Global Industrial
- Model: Oscillating Wall Mount Fan
- Dimension: 40 x 30 x 10 inches
- Weight: 41.6 pounds
- CFM: 8775 cfm
- Controller Type: Button Control
- Color: Black/Gray/Silver
Pros
- Motor is permanently lubricated
- 90-degree rotation
- Blades are well balanced
- Easy to install
- Features buttons to conveniently adjust speed setting
Cons
- Noisy
2
Hurricane Super 8 fan
The Hurricane Super 8 fan is a high-quality plastic fan that produces a figure 8 pattern when it blows. This blowing pattern ensures maximum air dispersal to every corner and surface of your grow room. Its speed setting can be adjusted to three levels, and it also has three oscillating settings. It has a CFM of 2118, which means its airflow rate is very high. The movement pattern of the fan is programmed to ensure maximum air coverage in any area it turns to. The metal guard is made from steel, and it securely houses the blades. It can be used in grow tents of different sizes. It operates powerfully and also covers a wide area of the room. It operates completely noiseless, saving you from the stress of a noisy fan. It has a push-button that easily turns on the fan, an LED light display to make it easier to see in the dark, and remote control for convenience. It works with a strong motor that is secured in a shed behind the blade guard. This fan is designed with durable materials and sure to last long.
Key Features:
- Figure 8 pattern
- 3-speed setting
- 3 oscillation setting
- 2118 CFM
Specification:
- Brand: Hurricane
- Model: Hurricane 736565 fan
- Dimension: 17.8 x 13.8 x 22 inches
- Weight: 9,4 pounds
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Color: Black
Pros
- Figure 8 pattern provides maximum coverage
- Has three speed and three oscillating settings
- Blades last long
- Can be used with timers
Cons
- It’s a bit noisy
3
Comfort Zone 6 INCH Clip-On-Fan
The Comfort Zone oscillating fan is a high-quality clip-on fan built for durability and peace of mind. It is a safe fan that has been certified by ETL, CE, NOM, and all other global marks. It clips on easily to the surface you want to mount it and has a sturdy clamp to keep it stable on the surface. Its clamps have rubber grips that are easy to open, making it convenient to place anywhere. You can attach it to the wall of your grow tent or the roof for maximum dispersal. This high-quality fan is built with tough ABS plastic, which is break-resistant and long-lasting. It features a 5.5-foot cord and a steel safety cord. It operates very quietly, and its speed can be adjusted to improve its efficiency. It has two adjustable speed setting that regulates the speed between high and low levels. You can tilt and adjust the head of the fan if you need it aimed at one position. The fan is mobile because of its clip-on base, which allows you to conveniently relocate it and set it up in any area of the grow room.
Key Features:
- Strong grip clamp base
- Easy to open clamp
- ABS plastic material
- 5.5-foot cord
- 2-speed settings
Specification:
- Brand: Comfort Zone
- Model: Comfort Zone 6 INCH Clip-On-Fan
- Dimension: 17.5 x 17.8 x 19.3 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Controller Type: Button Control
- Color: Black
Pros
- Built from durable material
- Very easy to set up and relocate
- Operates very quietly
- Has a strong grip clamp
- Fan head is adjustable
Cons
- Small sized
- Not very powerful
4
Hydrofarm Active Air ACF16 Wall Mount Fan
The Hydrofarm wall mount fan is one of the best fans that help your plants maintain a healthy state while they grow. It balances the temperature in the grow room and maintains an optimum temperature for your plants. Its blades are safely protected in metal guards and are well-balanced for maximum air distribution. It operates smoothly and quietly, keeping the temperatures in the room down. The fan head can rotate to 90 degrees providing a back and forth oscillatory movement. It has three adjustable speed settings so you can keep the fan blowing at a low, medium, or high-speed level. It features two pull chains that operate its speed and oscillation. It is very easy to set up and can be done without professional help. It is very powerful and conserves power. It comes with a 6-feet power cord and uses 55 watts of power.
Key Features:
- Wall mount
- 90-degree oscillation
- 3 speed setting
- 2 pull chains
- 6 feet power cord
Specification:
- Brand: Hydrofarm
- Model: Hydrofarm Active Air ACF16 Wall Mount Fan
- Dimension: 17.8 x 5.4 x 23.2 inches
- Weight: 7.3 pounds
- Controller type: Pull Chain
- Color: White
Pros
- Operates quietly
- ETL listed
- Operates powerfully
- Has a 3 speed setting
- Oscillates to 90 degrees
Cons
- Very noisy
5
Air King 9018 Commercial Grade Oscillating Wall Mount Fan
The Air King oscillating fan is constructed beautifully with a metal front grill and an impact-resistant plastic back grill. Its blade is resistant to chemicals and made out of polypropylene. This makes it lightweight and balanced enough for maximum air distribution within the grow room. It has a front-mounted rotatory head and a pull cord switch to conveniently turn the fan on and off at any height. It features a white 7 feet long power cord of the SPT-2-R type. The head of the fan rotates up to 90 degrees to evenly distribute the air around the room. The fab can also be locked in one place to only provide air to one area of the room. The fan is ETL and OSHA listed, and it’s been approved as a safe and quality product. It has a CFM of 1970, meaning it can blow air to a large area of the room in one minute. The speed can be adjusted to work at 3 levels, and it has a permanent split capacitor motor, which is permanently lubricated and well protected.
Key Features:
- 3 speed adjustment setting
- 1/20 HP motor
- Pull cord switch
- 90-degree oscillation
- 1970 CFM
Specification:
- Brand: Air King
- Model: 24.2 x 15.5 x 23 inches
- Dimension: 24.2 x 15.5 x 23 inches
- Weight: 9.35 pounds
- Material: Steel
- Controller type: Pull chain
- Color: White
Pros
- Has a variable speed setting
- Long cord improves mobility and maneuverability
- Motor is permanently lubricated and lasts long
- Easy to set up and mount
Cons
- Operates noisily
Buying Guide Questions
Where should I put my oscillating fan in my grow room?
To get the best air circulation in your grow tent, you should position your oscillating fan to blow air below or above the plant canopy. You can mount it on the wall or above your plants.
What size oscillating fan for grow tent?
To determine the size of fan you need for your grow tent, you have to calculate the volume of the room by multiplying the height, width, and length and then compare it with the CFM of the fan. The CFM gives you an idea of the amount of air the fan can blow in a minute; you can compare it with the volume of the room to know if the fan is the best size for your grow tent.
What is the best oscillating fan?
The best oscillating fan in our review is the Global Industrial Oscillating Wall Mount Fan. This fan is a high quality fan built with sturdy materials that ensure its durability. Its motor is lubricated permanently and enclosed in a strong metal shell to ensure it lasts long. It has firm metal blades that are well balanced to provide optimum air dispersal among your plants. The blades are housed in a steel-wired case for safety, and the fan head rotates up to 90 degrees in a single operation providing a tilting angle. The rotation mechanism is reinforced by a safety clutch. It has buttons that allow you to adjust the speed from low to high depending on what is best for your plants.
Is oscillating fan better?
There are different types of fans for a grow room, and choosing the best for the room depends on the size of the grow room and the conditions inside the room. Some indoor gardeners prefer the oscillating fan because it is easy to set up and handle, while others prefer other types of fans.
Are tower fans better than oscillating fans?
Oscillating fans are much stronger than tower fans and can be placed anywhere. They rotate and can be tilted for maximum distribution of air.
Why did my fan stop oscillating?
Anything can make your oscillating fan stop rotating or oscillating. You can check if water or moisture has gotten into the motor or any mechanical part of the fan. This can corrode the internal parts of the fan and cause it to seize rotation.
Conclusion
Oscillating fans are one of the necessary equipment needed in your grow room. They help to improve ventilation and promote transpiration among the plants. It also helps to facilitate photosynthesis as well as plant respiration keeping your plants healthy and strong. As difficult as it may seem to purchase the ideal oscillating fan for your grow room, we have narrowed down your search to five of the best oscillating fans for your grow room you can find.