How to choose a circulation fan?

In grow boxes and rooms — basically anywhere we need to set warm air in motion — growers like to use practical circulation fans, which have appeal beyond the world of gardening. We also know them well from homes and offices, where they help keep us alert and comfortable during hot summer months. These room fans with a transparent rotating propeller, which blow air either at our plants or directly at us, are available in a wide range of variants. Since you often ask which one will be right for you, this article focuses on the different types of circulation fans and their properties.

If we concentrate purely on the use of circulation fans for indoor plant cultivation, we can say they are the right hand of exhaust (extraction) and possibly intake (supply) fans connected to ventilation ducting.

The importance of circulation fans in the indoor growing environment

• Fresh air circulation: For your plants to be in perfect condition and to grow inside a grow tent as you expect, they need sufficient oxygen and carbon dioxide immediately around their leaves. Combined with lighting this forms the basis for successful photosynthesis. While classic fans (EC, AC), connected to the ventilation ducting, ensure a constant supply of fresh air in the enclosed space; the role of circulation fans is to ensure continuous airflow around the plants. Thanks to them, a plant never fully exhausts the CO2 around its leaves — and that is desirable. Without circulation fans, warm air would stagnate in places inside the grow box, which would not suit herbs or other plant species, as a static climate increases the likelihood of pest occurrence in the growing environment.

Equalizing temperature inside the grow box: Returning to the source of artificial lighting — especially high-pressure and sodium lamps (HPS, MH) — produce a significant amount of heat, which circulation and oscillating fans help to disperse effectively.

Choose by power, functions and type of installation

Our store range includes around thirty models with different power levels. It depends on your needs and the size of the growing space. It's simple: the larger the space, the higher the power required.

Larger and more powerful fans can be complemented by smaller ones in big growing spaces. Small fans suffice for small grow tents. Robust floor fans can, for example, be supplemented by clip-on fans that you can easily attach to the structure of the grow box in its upper parts, and long stand fans can also reach there. There are also robust floor fans suitable for larger grow spaces that also allow ceiling or wall mounting — such as the VF nerezový ventilátor, which our regular customers simply call “the typhoon.”

The option for easy and secure installation at any height is also available with the improved 2022 novelty Pro Fan v2.0 od značky Garden Highpro. As the picture illustrates, it also comes in an unusual design.

If you know a circulation fan will be running almost continuously, it pays to pay extra for quality construction (for example ball bearings, 100% copper motor, stainless construction, etc.) that signifies longer service life; energy consumption can also play a role.

Simulate a natural breeze for your plants!

Among indoor growers, oscillating fans are very popular — these are room fans with an automatic base rotation function of up to 90°, thanks to which air circulates in multiple directions. Better air distribution reflects in healthier cultivated plants, as automatic oscillation simulates a favorable real wind, as if they were growing outdoors. Their stems and side branches therefore become more resistant to breakage.

Types of circulation fans by installation

This section can't start with any other fan than the multifunctional “kombo” 3v1 from VF — a circulation fan combining the features of stand, wall and floor fans. That allows you to use it as needed. In any position it guarantees quiet operation and reliable airflow thanks to a powerful motor and automatic horizontal oscillation of 90°. A full alternative is the STURM3.

• Pedestal fans: This type of circulation fan requires placement on a solid surface. Thanks to a stable circular base, its main advantage is stability. Pedestal fans usually have an adjustable neck, allowing airflow to be directed to the desired height inside the growing space. A perfect example is the pedestal fan RAM Heavy Duty, whose profile you can see in the picture.

• Wall-mounted fans: As the name suggests, these circulation fans are intended for wall installation. The main advantage is space saving. You need a solid fan that mounts easily to the wall but holds securely. That's exactly what the circulation wall fan RAM Heavy Duty offers (not only to growers). It also includes an oscillation mode and effective protection against injury. You can also mount it to the ceiling without any problem.

• Floor fans: As the name suggests, this type of fan is designed to sit on the floor. Thanks to a lower profile they allow slightly easier handling in the space than pedestal models. Floor fans also rank among the most powerful. Especially popular is the quiet floor fan RAM (see the opening photo) with a protective grille and the ability to rotate around its own axis.
• Clip fans: Many growers swear by small clip fans because they let you change placement in an instant according to the current needs and space inside the grow box. They consume a negligible amount of electricity. Besides energy efficiency, another big advantage is the extra quiet operation. Choose a specific model also according to how strong the bars of your grow tent frame are. If you want the longest possible service life, prefer a fan equipped with ball bearings. We select products for you very carefully, so even for fans with clamps we believe you won't go wrong with any fan from our offer — it all depends on your priorities.

For owners of Secret Jardin grow tents there are specially designed circulation fans called Monkey Fan. However, as demonstrated by this year's new 2-speed oscillating Monkey Fan v3.0 with 20 W power, a Secret Jardin grow box is not required to take advantage of the excellent price-performance ratio these fans provide. They can be installed horizontally or vertically into any grow tent.

Speed control

The vast majority of circulation fans offer at least 2 speed settings. An example is the small but powerful long-term bestseller with a clip and 2 speed modes from the reputable manufacturer RAM (Rapid Air Movement).

Three-stage speed control is offered, for example, by the RAM ECO Fan and the pedestal fan RAM Heavy Duty even has 4 speed levels — so there is certainly plenty of choice in terms of speed. Explore the other models we have in stock.

We are happy to advise you on choosing a circulation fan. Feel free to ask us anything via the well-known email address info@higarden.cz. We look forward to your questions!

We also recommend these products:

• Cyclone 40cm, 3 rychlosti
• Stojanový ventilátor RAM 40cm, 3 rychlosti
• Ventilátor Garden Highpro Clip Fan 15CM / 5W

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