Thanks detailed response Chuck.There is only one way to use a carbon filter, you suck air through it.
The carbon filter needs to be as close to the room ceiling as possible because hot air rises (some people hang them from the ceiling with motorcycle straps but i have mine standing 18' off the ground on a wood frame).
The exhaust fan should be mounted to the wall and connected to the filter by a few feet of ducting. Then you run ducting from the other side of the fan too were ever you want it vented (attic, outside). So, the exhaust fan sucks air threw the carbon filter (which eliminates the smell) and then vents the stale/hot air into your attic or were ever. The odor is gone before the air ever leaves the room.
If you have an intake fan also, you want the air from that comming in on the opposite side of the room near the floor. This way, you have fresh air comming in on one side of the room at the ground level and stale/hot air being sucked out on the other side near the ceiling level.
This is how i was told to set things up by what i concider an expert grower. It's worked great for me and my temps and humidity are always good.
I had to edit because i wrote something backwards.
That does make sense. Thanks for bringing that up. I may have been lost myself when piecing it together.No problem. One last thing about the carbon filter. Mine came with a 'flange', (your's probably did to). I couldn't figure out what to do with it at first.
To set the filter up properly, the flange goes on the open end of the filter (flat side down).I just attached mine with duct tape. Once the flange is attached, you have something to connect the ducting too. I hope that makes sense.
Aluminum foil tape will last much longer than duct tape. You can get it at Casa De Pot for about $12 a roll and once you do you will find a ton of uses for it.
Also wanted to say that I know of one brand of filters that you can suck the air through or push the air through...and those are PHAT filters. I've tried it..no difference in effectiveness...lifespan..etc. I also see that Can filter has a filter out now that is REVERSIBLE...meaning you use it one way for awhile..then you turn it around and use it the other way...
I would advise that folks check with the manufacturer/seller and see what they say about blowing/sucking air through their particular unit.
and don't forget that you can REFILL the filter when ya find it crapping out...
good luck gettin sucked OR blown!
bt dt