prima klima  vs can filter

Which activated carbon filter to choose?

In indoor cultivation, odor management is crucial. Two charcoal filters widely used for this purpose are the Prima Klima K2601 FLAT Ø125 mm (maximum flow 440 m³/h) and the CAN-Lite 300 (300 m³/h ) with optional flange. This detailed comparison examines their technical features, filtration efficiency, service life, ease of installation, footprint, optimal conditions of use, compatibility with extractors, value for money and durability. You'll also find objective advice on choosing the best product for different uses (1 m² growth chamber, post-harvest drying, small spaces, etc.).

visit Prima Klima K2601 FLAT Ø125 mm is a carbon filter in a compact, flat format, just 25 cm long and 23 cm in diameter. It uses a robust metal cartridge containing 1.6 kg of high-quality activated coconut carbon. This design enables it to filter up to 440 m³ of air per hour, while ensuring excellent elimination of unwanted odors. A fiber pre-filter (supplied) surrounds the filter body to trap dust, protecting the activated carbon and prolonging efficiency over time.

For its part, the CAN-Lite 300 m³/h takes the form of a longer cylinder (45 cm long by 14.5 cm in diameter), but is much lighter (only ~1.8 kg) thanks to its robust plastic body. It is fitted with 1.2 kg of "Lite" activated carbon from Australia, renowned for its network of micropores particularly well-suited to adsorbing odor-causing molecules. This filter ensures 100% odor filtration throughout its advertised 18-month service life. The flange is removable and reusable: simply attach it by rotating it until it "clicks", without screws or tools (100 mm and 125 mm flanges available, depending on the diameter of your extractor).

Technical specifications

Here's a summary of the technical specifications for both filters:

FeaturesPrima Klima K2601 FLAT 125 mmCAN-Lite 300 m³/h
Maximum air flow 440 m³/h 300 m³/h
Optimum air flow ~360 m³/h ~300 m³/h
Flange diameter Ø 125 mm (fixed) Ø 100 or 125 mm (optional, removable flange)
Dimensions (diameter × length) 230 mm × 250 mm 145 mm × 450 mm
Total weight ~3.6 kg ~1.8 kg
Quantity of charcoal 1.6 kg (coconut charcoal) 1.2 kg (Australian "Lite" coal)
Materials Steel body, fiber pre-filter Plastic body, foam pre-filter
Service life ≈ 12 months ≈ 18 months
Prefilter included Yes Yes

The Prima Klima has higher capacity figures (up to 440 m³/h vs. 300 m³/h) and more activated carbon, which translates into a significantly higher weight. Conversely, the CAN-Lite is lighter and more compact in diameter, but longer in length. These design differences influence their performance and use, as detailed below.

Filtration efficiency

Both filters offer excellent odor filtration thanks to high-quality activated carbon. The Prima Klima K2601 FLAT uses premium-quality activated coconut carbon, with a bed thickness of 3 cm to maximize air/carbon contact time. This design ensures effective absorption of odorous particles and reliable elimination of unwanted odors in the cultivation space. For its part, the CAN-Lite 300 relies on an ultra-light, 100% Australian-origin micropore "Lite" carbon, specially adapted to trap the finest odor molecules. According to the manufacturer, CAN-Lite guarantees total (100%) odor neutralization over its entire advertised service life, provided it is used within the recommended parameters.

In practice, these two filters are capable of eliminating virtually all odors from indoor cultivation, as long as the extractor's airflow remains within their optimum range. The Prima Klima supports a higher airflow rate, offering a safety margin if your extractor pushes up to ~400 m³/h. Conversely, the CAN-Lite, limited to ~300 m³/h, is perfectly suited to moderate-sized installations, but would be undersized for a more powerful extractor. In short, for a configuration meeting their specifications, the filtration efficiency of these two models is equivalent and excellent.

Our TOP 3 carbon filters for indoor cultivation 300 / 400 m³/h

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Service life and maintenance

Visit Prima Klima K2601 FLAT has a claimed service life of around 12 months of continuous use before the activated carbon becomes saturated. Replacement is recommended after one year to ensure optimum filtration. The CAN-Lite 300, on the other hand, has a longer service life, with up to 18 months of effective operation claimed by the manufacturer. This difference is partly due to the nature of the coal used and by design: the "Lite" coal is said to offer longer efficiency despite a slightly smaller quantity.

In terms ofmaintenance, both filters feature an external pre-filter (foam/white fiber) that traps dust. We recommend regular cleaning of this pre-filter (e.g. with a vacuum cleaner) to prevent it from clogging. A clean pre-filter maintains optimum airflow and extends the life of the carbon by protecting it from particles. Please note that the filter Prima Klima filter is refillable: its metal design theoretically allows you to replace worn-out carbon with new carbon if you wish to reuse it. This operation is not commonplace for the average user, but is an asset in terms of potential durability. The CAN-Lite, with its sealed plastic body, is not designed to be refilled with carbon once saturated, but its reusable flange system allows only the filter body to be replaced and the flange to be reused, slightly reducing cost and waste on renewal.

Easy installation

The two filters are installed in suction mode on the air extractor (usually attached to the air extractor inlet inside the grow room). The Prima Klima K2601 FLAT has a fixed 125 mm flange already attached to the filter, enabling direct connection to an extractor of the same diameter without any special adaptation. Installation is simply a matter of connecting it to the extractor or duct with a hose clamp, and hanging it securely in the grow box. Its heavier weight (3.6 kg) does, however, require sturdy fasteners (straps, metal brackets) to hold it in place.

The CAN-Lite 300, on the other hand, is sold without an attached flange: it's up to the user to choose and attach the removable flange of the desired size (100 or 125 mm). This extra step is made easy by the twist & click locking system, which requires no screws or tools. Once the flange is engaged, connection to the extractor is made in the same way as with the Prima Klima (clamp on turbine or duct). Theadvantage of the CAN-Lite is its maneuverability: its light weight (~1.8 kg) makes it easier to handle and hang. It puts less strain on the structure of the grow tent, which simplifies installation, especially in small spaces or for a single person. In short, apart from the initial fixing of the flange to the CAN-Lite, installation of the two filters is comparable and easy, with a slight advantage for the CAN-Lite due to its light weight and modular flange.

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Weight and dimensions

When it comes to weight andsize, the CAN-Lite 300 has a clear advantage in terms of lightness. Weighing in at around 1.8 kg, it's almost twice as light as the Prima Klima and puts less strain on your grow tent's support bars. Its high-strength plastic structure accounts for this low weight, whereas the Prima Klima is made of metal (steel) and weighs around 3.5-3.6 kg.

In terms of dimensions, the choice between the two will depend on your available space. The Prima Klima K2601 is called "Flat" because it's relatively short (25 cm long) and wide (23 cm diameter), making it space-saving in height. It's ideal if you don't have much headroom in your growing space, as it will take up less space vertically. On the other hand, its large diameter requires a little more space in width. In contrast, the CAN-Lite 300 has a smaller diameter (14.5 cm) and will fit more easily into a corner, but it is longer (45 cm) and therefore requires more space to hang unobstructed. For the majority of budding growers, this length won't generally pose a problem, but in a tight space, it could limit the CAN-Lite. In short, if your main constraint is size, the Prima Klima compact will be better suited, while iffloor space or load-bearing capacity is a concern, the lighter CAN-Lite will be a better choice.

Optimum conditions of use

For these filters to work optimally and achieve their advertised longevity, it's crucial to respect the recommended conditions of use, particularly in terms ofhumidity and temperature. Both manufacturers recommend that the relative humidity of treated air should not exceed ~70%. Air that is too humid reduces the effectiveness of activated carbon (the pores of the carbon become saturated with water, limiting its ability to capture odorous molecules). It is therefore advisable to keep humidity below this threshold, ideally between 40% and 60% during the flowering phase when odors are strongest.

As for air temperature, the Prima Klima can withstand temperatures of up to ~70°C, while CAN-Lite is said to withstand temperatures of up to ~80°C. In practice, these values are well above the normal temperatures for culture air extraction (typically 20-30°C). This means that under normal conditions, you won't have to worry about exceeding the thermal tolerance of these filters. Nevertheless, avoid placing the filter directly behind a source of extreme heat. In short, stick to a humidity ≤70% and a reasonable extracted air temperature to guarantee optimum filtration performance over time for both models.

Extractor compatibility

These filters are compatible with the majority of air extractors used in indoor cultivation. Visit Prima Klima K2601 FLAT is designed specifically for 125 mm diameter extractors, which typically correspond to 300 to 450 m³/h extractors. If your extractor has a 125 mm flange (a common standard), you can connect it directly to the filter Prima Klima . If it has a different diameter, reductions/adaptors will be required, which may slightly affect the airflow and is not ideal.

The CAN-Lite 300 offers greater versatility in this respect: you can choose either a 100 mm or 125 mm flange, depending on your extractor. This means that the same filter can fit either a small 100 mm extractor (often ~150-250 m³/h), or a 125 mm extractor (~280-350 m³/h). This wider compatibility is an advantage if you already have a 100 mm extractor, as you can use the CAN-Lite without having to change fans. In fact, Can-Fan suggests combining its Can-Lite filters with its own Can-Fan extractors for optimum performance, but in practice any extractor with a suitable flow rate will do. In short, for a standard 125 mm extractor, both filters are suitable, but the CAN-Lite has the advantage of being able to adapt to 100 mm as well, thanks to its interchangeable flange. In all cases, make sure that the flow rate of your extractor does not exceed the capacity of the chosen filter, to maintain good filtration efficiency.

Value for money and durability

In terms of cost, the CAN-Lite 300 is generally less expensive than the Prima Klima K2601 FLAT. As a rough guide, you'll find it at around €50-55 (flange included), compared with around €70 for the Prima Klima . This makes the CAN-Lite an attractive option for tight budgets, especially as it promises a longer service life. In terms of quality, both products offer high performance and come from reputable brands in the field ( Prima Klima is a long-established German manufacturer, while Can-Filters is a world reference in carbon filters).

In terms of observed durability, feedback suggests that each fulfils its role over the recommended period, provided the conditions of use are respected. Visit Prima Klima maintains excellent filtration for around a year, after which the carbon starts to lose its effectiveness (odors may gradually reappear, indicating that it's time to change or recharge). The CAN-Lite 300, in a controlled environment (humidity ≤70%, no overflow), can actually last up to 18 months without any noticeable drop in performance.


In summary, the quality/price ratio leans in favor of the CAN-Lite for configurations where its flow rate is sufficient, as it offers equivalent filtration for a lower cost and potentially superior longevity. The Prima Klima the more expensive CAN-Lite is particularly worthwhile if you need its increased capacity or its compact, high-rise format. In both cases, the investment pays off in terms of keeping the air free of unwanted odors: these filters effectively eliminate odors, avoiding the need to deal with odor nuisances.

Which filter to choose according to use?

For a grow room of approx. 1 m²

A ~1 m² hydrozone (type 100×100 cm) equipped with powerful lighting generally requires an extractor of around 300 m³/h. In this case, the CAN-Lite 300 is ideally suited in terms of flow rate. Its low weight makes it easy to hang in the tent, and its 18-month service life easily covers a full growing cycle (or even two). Visit Prima Klima can of course also be used on 1 m²: it will even offer a margin of power if you increase the extraction rate (up to 440 m³/h) or if your space is heavily loaded with fragrant plants. On the other hand, it will be more expensive and a little oversized if your extractor doesn't exceed 300 m³/h.

Our verdict: for a standard 1 m² space, the CAN-Lite 300 represents the best economical and functional choice, unless you plan to significantly increase ventilation or the size of the installation at a later date - in which case the CAN-Lite 300 is the best choice Prima Klima would provide a power reserve.

Conclusion: for micro-cultures and small volumes, the CAN-Lite 300 is the ideal choice, thanks to its compact size and multi-diameter compatibility. Visit Prima Klima would only be considered in the special case where height is extremely limited but a large surface area can be dedicated to the filter - a rare situation compared to the benefits of the CAN-Lite in these scenarios.

In short, the Prima Klima K2601 FLAT is particularly suited to installations requiring high airflow or limited height, providing robustness and sustained performance, while the CAN-Lite 300 will shine in standard to smaller configurations, offering excellent efficiency for a reduced footprint and budget. As each of these filters is of high quality, the choice will depend above all on your specific setup and constraints (chamber size, extraction power, mobility requirements, budget and maintenance preferences).

Click here and follow our guide to the right airflow for your indoor cultivation


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