hydroponics led grow lights ECO Farm
In this article, we will discuss what LED Grow Lights are, why they are beneficial, and compare two LED grow lights for sale on the market.
For decades, indoor growers have relied on artificial light sources such as HID, High-Pressure Sodium, and Fluorescent to mimic the sun’s rays in an indoor environment. Whether used for soil-grown plants, hydroponics systems or aquaponics systems, these light sources all have varying degrees of effectiveness.
Now there’s a new player in the game, LEDs (Light-emitting Diodes). It’s a technology that’s been around for decades, mostly as instrument panel indicator lights, but only recently are LEDs being applied to higher intensity light uses such as indoor growing.
The primary benefit of LED grow lights over the more established light sources is significantly reduced heat and reduced power consumption. Because they produce less heat than the more commonly used HIDs, then they are more energy efficient and require significantly less expense to ventilate and cool. Commercial growers and home hobbyists have begun to recognize these benefits and are now equipping greenhouses and indoor spaces with the best LED grow lights to cultivate their crops.
For decades, indoor growers have relied on artificial light sources such as HID, High-Pressure Sodium, and Fluorescent to mimic the sun’s rays in an indoor environment. Whether used for soil-grown plants, hydroponics systems or aquaponics systems, these light sources all have varying degrees of effectiveness.
Now there’s a new player in the game, LEDs (Light-emitting Diodes). It’s a technology that’s been around for decades, mostly as instrument panel indicator lights, but only recently are LEDs being applied to higher intensity light uses such as indoor growing.
The primary benefit of LED grow lights over the more established light sources is significantly reduced heat and reduced power consumption. Because they produce less heat than the more commonly used HIDs, then they are more energy efficient and require significantly less expense to ventilate and cool. Commercial growers and home hobbyists have begun to recognize these benefits and are now equipping greenhouses and indoor spaces with the best LED grow lights to cultivate their crops.
THE WAVELENGTH OUTPUT
No matter what type of grow lights you will be using, you need to understand the wavelength output and the way it can be measured and analyzed. However, choosing and buying a LED grow light based on PAR alone is not the best idea.
PAR or Photosynthetically Active Radiation denotes the usable light that the plants will absorb. The rest of the light emitted will be reflected from the plants. Thus, the PAR does not measure all the light coming from the source, but the wavelengths the plants will use is perhaps the most important metric when buying an LED grow light, though it could be misleading.
Usually, PAR is measured with PPF (Photosynthetic Photon Flux) or PAR meter, which will show how many photons of light per second will make contact with the plant. What you need to know, however, is that PAR values of a light vary depending on the height at which they are measured. Be wary if an LED manufacturer does not report the height at which they measure PAR value. Better yet, look for charts that report PAR values at various heights and use the information for your comparison.
The Higher The PAR, The Better The LED Grow Light.
PAR or Photosynthetically Active Radiation denotes the usable light that the plants will absorb. The rest of the light emitted will be reflected from the plants. Thus, the PAR does not measure all the light coming from the source, but the wavelengths the plants will use is perhaps the most important metric when buying an LED grow light, though it could be misleading.
Usually, PAR is measured with PPF (Photosynthetic Photon Flux) or PAR meter, which will show how many photons of light per second will make contact with the plant. What you need to know, however, is that PAR values of a light vary depending on the height at which they are measured. Be wary if an LED manufacturer does not report the height at which they measure PAR value. Better yet, look for charts that report PAR values at various heights and use the information for your comparison.
The Higher The PAR, The Better The LED Grow Light.
THE WATTS DRAWN
Watts drawn is another measurement frequently cited by LED light companies.
Watts drawn measures energy consumption, not output. They tell us how much energy a light requires. Some LED light companies would like to make you believe that the two metrics are one and the same, but this is not true.
If the efficiency and the output of the lights are not determined by the wattage, then how are they determined? Starting with the quality of the components and materials and going through the actual design (fans, heat sinks, chip density). There could even exist a reverse correlation and the lights that require more watts could be less efficient. In other words, if a LED grow light company is boasting about its wattage, you need to keep in mind this might be misleading and you should possibly research further.
Innovative LED companies are using high quality LEDs, advanced lenses and are re-engineering their products to reduce energy consumption while improving performance.
Watts drawn measures energy consumption, not output. They tell us how much energy a light requires. Some LED light companies would like to make you believe that the two metrics are one and the same, but this is not true.
If the efficiency and the output of the lights are not determined by the wattage, then how are they determined? Starting with the quality of the components and materials and going through the actual design (fans, heat sinks, chip density). There could even exist a reverse correlation and the lights that require more watts could be less efficient. In other words, if a LED grow light company is boasting about its wattage, you need to keep in mind this might be misleading and you should possibly research further.
Innovative LED companies are using high quality LEDs, advanced lenses and are re-engineering their products to reduce energy consumption while improving performance.
THE QUALITY OF THE COMPONENTS
The quality of the components used in LED grow lights manufacturing is a third consideration when buying such a light.
High Quality LED Chipsets
The production of high quality diodes is not very cheap, as each product must answer a set of specific requirements and emit absolutely correct wavelengths, while operating well over time. Good LED chipsets with diodes that meet these criteria are produced by certain reputable manufacturers only. That is why it is crucial to look for name brand chipsets (Advanced LED uses Cree brand) and LEDs that are made in America. Why? These components have been laboratory tested and are proven to outperform and outlast. We’ve all had the experience of purchasing an inexpensive no-name product that seems to work great for a few weeks and then burns out. High quality LED chipsets are no different.
Fan Vs. Heat Sink
LED lights are very efficient and for this reason, preferred by most growers. However, while they are not using too much energy, they are still generating heat while emitting light. The goal in the recent years has been for LED grow light manufacturers to solve this issue and reduce the heat output so much that the light could be placed just a few centimeters away from the plant. When trying to solve this issue, producers had to choose between the two options of active cooling (with fan) and passive cooling (with heat sink). While fans have high productivity, they generate a lot of noise and accumulate a lot of dirt.
High Quality LED Chipsets
The production of high quality diodes is not very cheap, as each product must answer a set of specific requirements and emit absolutely correct wavelengths, while operating well over time. Good LED chipsets with diodes that meet these criteria are produced by certain reputable manufacturers only. That is why it is crucial to look for name brand chipsets (Advanced LED uses Cree brand) and LEDs that are made in America. Why? These components have been laboratory tested and are proven to outperform and outlast. We’ve all had the experience of purchasing an inexpensive no-name product that seems to work great for a few weeks and then burns out. High quality LED chipsets are no different.
Fan Vs. Heat Sink
LED lights are very efficient and for this reason, preferred by most growers. However, while they are not using too much energy, they are still generating heat while emitting light. The goal in the recent years has been for LED grow light manufacturers to solve this issue and reduce the heat output so much that the light could be placed just a few centimeters away from the plant. When trying to solve this issue, producers had to choose between the two options of active cooling (with fan) and passive cooling (with heat sink). While fans have high productivity, they generate a lot of noise and accumulate a lot of dirt.
TOP LED GROW LIGHTS—REVIEWS OF THE 2 BEST OF 2020
The following grow light series are the 2 best options currently available on Amazon for indoor growers. By “best”, I mean they offer the best value. There are certainly better quality LED lights, but because they cost ten times as much, I feel the lights listed below give you the best results for your money.
These LED lights are also some of the best-selling grow lights on Amazon. They have a lot of reviews, too.
You’ll definitely want to read through those, especially the bad ones. I find you learn the most about a product from the bad reviews. If the negatives of a product are something I can live with, then I know I’ve found the indoor grow light for me.
These LED lights are also some of the best-selling grow lights on Amazon. They have a lot of reviews, too.
You’ll definitely want to read through those, especially the bad ones. I find you learn the most about a product from the bad reviews. If the negatives of a product are something I can live with, then I know I’ve found the indoor grow light for me.
MARS HYDRO SP-250 LED GROW LIGHT
The Mars Hydro SP-250 Full Spectrum LED Grow Bar draws 196 watts at the wall and covers up to a 2'x4' area for flowering.
Mars Hydro LED grow lights are quite affordable relative to their quality, especially the new version of the Mars Hydro 300W. It uses new SMD technology and they’re able to be daisy-chained. They perform much better than older versions, which has a bigger problem with burnt diodes. It’s a great choice for a beginner grower.
- This fixture is ideal for a seedling to harvest grow in a grow tent or in a grow room. Use as primary lighting or supplemental lighting.
- HIGH EFFICIENCY ENERGY SAVING PLANT LIGHT, Consuming only 230 watts true output with 684 PCS LEDs, more scientifically and energy-efficient! Perfect for 2' x 4' stage, higher intensity in a MARS HYDRO grow tent, reflective area, or by crossing over using multiple SP250
- INCREASE YIELD & CROP QUALITY IN LED GROW: Newest SMD LED technology provide highest PAR/LUMEN output(925umol@18"), designed to replace a single-ended 2000watt HPS; makes you get 30% higher yield compare OLD blurple led lights, Max 2.5g yield per wattage (power draw)
- UV IR FULL SPECTRUM INDOOR LED GROW SYSTEM, Cover with UV and IR, extremely good for plants grow and bloom, make your growing life easy and convenient; and designed in noise-free fanless led light bar, also a good choose for plant indoor grow side lighting
- WATERPROOF GREENHOUSE GROWING LIGHT, IP65 waterproof standard, quantum lights board covered by glue to protect the water from the light, no worry about high humidity greenhouse growing environment, 50% longer lifespan compare with other brand lights
- COMMERCIAL LED GROW LIGHT, Come with waterproof and dimmable Mean Well Driver, auto sensing power supply works on both 120VAC and 240VAC and 277VAC, suit for Large Rooms and Commercial Setups
Mars Hydro LED grow lights are quite affordable relative to their quality, especially the new version of the Mars Hydro 300W. It uses new SMD technology and they’re able to be daisy-chained. They perform much better than older versions, which has a bigger problem with burnt diodes. It’s a great choice for a beginner grower.
SPIDER FARMER SF-2000
Spider farmer sf-2000 LED Grow Lights utilize the latest in high yielding LEDs technology today-Samsung LM301B diodes, high Energy Efficiency with 2.7 umol/J, create the better canopy light penetration. SF1000 only consumes 100w, running 50% less power than the other 1500 QB lights(SMD LEDs) or Blurple lamps or HPS, and still was 50% more harvest. Veg footprint is 3 x 3 ft, Flowering footprint is 2 x 2 ft. Upgraded SF series growing lights have a dimming knob and light switch. A single light can be adjusted the light intensity at liberty. Multi-light Connection with unified dimming especially beneficial for large area of indoor growing and commercial planting.
Better Canopy Light Penetration: Equipped with SAMSUNG LM301B Diodes — the highest light output LED available at present, create the better canopy light penetration, get 40% higher yields with less energy compared with other red blue lights.
IDEAL FOR ALL GROWTH STAGES: Excellent full spectrum- white, blue, red and IR (3000K, 5000K, 660nm and IR 760nm). 3000K diodes providing more reddish light and the 5000K providing more blueish. The 660nm red and IR light is especially useful during bloom, where it speeds up flowering time and boost yields. Turn your seeds into your own supply. And the light looks fairly natural , so it's good for accurately monitoring plant health.
All in all people who own Spider Farmer LED grow lights seem to like them. Regardless of whether you’re in the market for a low cost light, or a professional grade light for a larger space, Spider Farmer has a nice lineup from the affordable SF 1000 to the serious SF 4000.
Better Canopy Light Penetration: Equipped with SAMSUNG LM301B Diodes — the highest light output LED available at present, create the better canopy light penetration, get 40% higher yields with less energy compared with other red blue lights.
IDEAL FOR ALL GROWTH STAGES: Excellent full spectrum- white, blue, red and IR (3000K, 5000K, 660nm and IR 760nm). 3000K diodes providing more reddish light and the 5000K providing more blueish. The 660nm red and IR light is especially useful during bloom, where it speeds up flowering time and boost yields. Turn your seeds into your own supply. And the light looks fairly natural , so it's good for accurately monitoring plant health.
All in all people who own Spider Farmer LED grow lights seem to like them. Regardless of whether you’re in the market for a low cost light, or a professional grade light for a larger space, Spider Farmer has a nice lineup from the affordable SF 1000 to the serious SF 4000.
CONCLUSION
Sites like this one wade through all the crappy choices and find the quality lights. And they don’t always have to be the most expensive options either. You can get really good LED grow lights for not too much more money than their HID plant light equivalents.
Even if the best LED grow light is not necessarily the most expensive, LEDs will cost at least a bit more money than other forms of plant light. Those LED grow lights selling at rock bottom prices are the ones you want to avoid. The bad choice.
Pay a little more for a huge jump in quality, in terms efficiency and light spectrum. If you are not willing to do that, you are not yet ready to switch to LEDs.
And that’s fine. HID and fluorescent lights have worked for decades for growing cannabis plants and other plants as well, and they still work well today. LED grow lights just work better.
Even if the best LED grow light is not necessarily the most expensive, LEDs will cost at least a bit more money than other forms of plant light. Those LED grow lights selling at rock bottom prices are the ones you want to avoid. The bad choice.
Pay a little more for a huge jump in quality, in terms efficiency and light spectrum. If you are not willing to do that, you are not yet ready to switch to LEDs.
And that’s fine. HID and fluorescent lights have worked for decades for growing cannabis plants and other plants as well, and they still work well today. LED grow lights just work better.
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hydroponics led grow lights ECO Farm
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