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Mars Hydro TS & SP Series Review

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hydroponics led grow lights ECO Farm

Like many other brands Mars Hydro also finally decided to launch its quantum board full-spectrum white LED grow lights. In total, they released two variants of these lights, one is the SP series, and the other one is the TS series. Although they’re somewhat similar, there are still a few differences that we’ll be discussing in detail as you read further.

The most noticeable similarity, however, is the fact that they both use a full spectrum of white LED lights that are like a mixture of crisp white and warm white lights. Additional red diodes are also present to supplement the white light. IR and UV lights are also covered in the SP series models.

The HLG Quantum board lights or the COB LEDs with their additional red diodes have a pretty similar spectrum as that of the TS and SP series’ mixture of lights. It is one of the most reliable products of Mars Hydro, and the spectrum is super useful for the plants.

However, upon popular demand, we’ll be disclosing the reviews of two of their stand out grow light series- the MARS HYDRO TS series LED lights and the SP series as well.

Without wasting any further seconds, let’s get right into it.

Mars Hydro SP Series Review

The following review will be mainly focused on the Mars Hydro SP 250, but since it’s pretty similar to the SP 150, then we are really covering them both except for a few minor differences.

Advantages

The Mars Hydro SP Series comes with three distinct features, first is the color spectrum, second is the high output per watt consumed, and lastly, its low cost.

We’re happy to say that Mars Hydro has also finally joined the ‘white light revolution.’ Mars Hydro makes use of the white SMD diodes by Epistar, giving them a lot of similarity to many other quantum board lights.

The addition of IR and UV lights to the spectrum, however, has given Mars Hydro a competitive edge, where most other all-white LED lights don’t compare. The SP 250 also consists of red diodes, and the addition of those red diodes along with the IR and UV lights makes it pretty similar to some of the top quality COB lights.

What most quantum board spectrum lights lack is the addition of UV and IR lights, and Mars Hydro brings all these things together along with the addition of the red light to make it stand out as one of the best LED grow lights on the market.

The outcome it gives is a complete spectrum that is beneficial for all growth stages, and the presence of all these lights brings it very close to natural light.

The prominent rectangular coverage of the SP series lights plays as an advantage for most people, but if you have a smaller, square grow tent, then it won’t be of much use to you. But that is where the TS series will come in handy for you.

But again, for bigger setups where there are at least a few rows of plants, the rectangular coverage of the SP series becomes a huge plus point. A large setup lets you install the lights right over the rows of the plants and not on the side, as that’s often the case with square lights.

Another advantage of having a larger size of the light is that it allows you to have even coverage. Small lights naturally emit light from a lower point, and after the light spreads out and falls, it isn’t sufficient enough for the corners, therefore larger lights are better in that regard as well.

Therefore, a larger fixture means that the light won’t have to travel much further, and it won’t lose much intensity. This also means that this will result in diminished PPFD ratings in the middle and higher around the corners, allowing the coverage to be even.

Mars Hydro SP 250 LED Grow Light

The first pick of the list is MARS HYDRO SP 250 Led Grow Lights, which is another newer release under the banner of Mars Hydro SP series. This model is, however, designed to fit a bit larger grow tents that it’s the previous sibling. There are 684 LEDs, run on 230W. So, the energy consumption would be a bit higher, but so does the yield.

If you suit one piece of this model in a 2×4 ft grow tent, it would provide you with 2.5 grams of yield for each watt. Same goes to 4×4 ft grow tents, but you need to occupy 2 of the MARS HYDRO SP 250 Led Grow Lights for that. Either way, if you think about the importance of grow light in grow yield, you’ll get the most out of this light.

Its terms of energy efficiency, cost, cooling, and noise, it’s almost identical to the other SP series grow lights from the banner of Mars Hydro.

Mars Hydro SP 3000 LED Grow Light

  • Best-Selling Samsung LM301B LEDs- 960pcs Samsung LM301B and Osram 660nm LED chips. These chips are higher quality, more efficient and only cost $0.41 per chip.
  • Upgraded Sun-like Full Spectrum- More warm white and red chips have been added. The spectrum is very beneficial for plants at all stages – from veg to bloom.
  • Large Yield & Increased Crop Quality- Featuring a 50% higher yield and quality compared with the old blurple lights and/or HPS lights. Turn an average yield of 1.8 g/W.
  • Daisy Chain Dimming Functionality- This upgraded model had a dimmer knob added which makes dimming more convenient. Up to 15 lights can be daisy-chained and controlled through just one light.
  • No-Fan Design, Aluminum Heatsink, and Removable Driver- The no-fan design means no noise or moving parts to worry about. Optimal heat dissipation while still using a thick, sturdy aluminum heatsink. It also has a removable driver, which allows you to upgrade in the future, and a 2 meter (about 6 ft) extension cord.
  • IP65 Waterproof- IP65 waterproof rating makes for a worry-free grow in high-humidity environments.

Mars Hydro TS Series Review

The TS series comes in 4 different light variants: 1000 as being the smallest, the 3000 as the largest variant, whereas the TSW 2000 and TSL 2000 are the middle ones who are almost the same other than a few form factor differences.

TSW is designed to be more light for square coverage and square tents, whereas the TSL has a rectangular coverage, making it similar to the SP series models.

The main focus of this review will be on the Mars Hydro TSW 2000, as all the other three are quite the same, apart from a few minor differences.

Advantages

As most of the benefits of the TS series are pretty much similar to those of the SP series covered above, we’ll be talking mostly about the differences that these two series have.

Very similar to the SP lights, the TS series lights also have an excellent broad-spectrum, great for any growth stage, but it still is a little different. One thing that the TS series lights lack is they don’t have IR and UV lights. Now, although this might not be a big deal, it may still be a point of concern for some people.

Although not proven, it is said that the IR and UV diodes help in increasing the quality of the yield. Everything else aside, we would probably go for a light that does have IR and UV diodes and hence, the SP series.

Alternatively, you can also get an extra light that provides UV and IR, as both of these are mostly only required in the final weeks, and the plant is in the flowering stage.

All in all, both these lights have a fantastic spectrum, and that is possibly their most significant advantage. With the absence of IR and UV diodes, there’s more room for white diodes to be fitted in, and that ultimately means more power. Even more energy than the SP Series light itself.

Another significant difference comes in the form factors of the lights. The TSL 2000 light has a rectangular form factor similar to the SP series, but the other three variants are different.

MARS HYDRO TS 1000/2000/3000W LED QUANTUM BOARD

The Mars Hydro TS Series full-spectrum white LED grow light is one of the best lights on the market and the same goes for the other three TS lights. The TS and SP series are, without a doubt, the best lights made by Mars Hydro, by far.

Yes, they cost a bit more than other Mars lights, but the difference is well worth it. If you compare the cost to the quantum lights, like HLG and NextLight, these are far cheaper. And they actually have a better spectrum!

The TS series is an excellent range of grow lights by the Mars Hydro company, especially the TS 2000 full spectrum LED grow light, which is possibly one of the best lights available on the market. But so are the other three variants in the TS series. There’s no doubt in the fact that the TS and the SP series are one of the most significant productions of the Mars Hydro, so far.

These series may be a little expensive compared to other lights by Mars Hydro. They still are very cheap compared to similar products of different brands available in the market. And this series even comes with a far better spectrum too, compared to related products of the same price range.

Conclusion

Alright, so that had been the review of the most standout MARS HYDRO TS and SP SERIES Led Grow Lights. Hopefully, you’ve been able to make your shortlist of Mars Hydro LED grow lights and beyond. Happy growing!

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