Indoor gardening – are you a yay or nay? Well, if you’re a Yay, you’ll discover that investing in the best LED grow lights might be the secret to making your plants look better. In this led grow lights review, we’ll talk about different examples of these grow lights, their features as well as potential downsides. This way, you’ll be able to provide your precious plants with the boost they need to bloom and provide better yields.
Roleadro 300W LED Grow Light in Galaxyhydro Series
Roleadro sturdy light weighs a paltry 7.6 pounds and measures 15.8 x 8.3 x 2.4 Inches. And at its highly competitive price tag, it offers a super get up and go deal especially since it’s backed by a 2-year warranty. A closer look at it reveals that it comes with high power chips which play a major role in conserving energy without compromising on brightness. Most importantly, it provides the much-needed infrared (IR) glow that indoor plants need to grow. One unique thing about the Roleadro is that it provides more of blue and red light than white light. This is unlike other grow lights that provide more of white light. Therefore, this is your go-to light especially if you notice that your plants aren’t as bushy tailed or bright-eyed as you’d want them. Another unique attribute of this lamp is that it boasts superb PAR values. In other words, that provides you with great value for money even when you’re on a budget. And what’s the point of investing in such a sophisticated light if you can’t adjust its viewing angles? Well, this lamp is designed to offer up to 120 degrees viewing angles. So, in other words, with this best led growing light, it’s painlessly easy to adjust the light settings to suit different needs. This is especially important during the different stages of growth of your indoor plants.
Product
Roleadro LED Grow Light, Galaxyhydro Series 300W Indoor Plant Grow Lights Full...
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Features:
Loaded with a powerful heat-removal system thanks to built-in cooling fans
Uses a unique LED Bead and Zener Design for a better eco-friendly score
Incredible energy-saving and PAR features for optimal output
Extracts the blue-red infra-red UV rays from the natural sunlight to increase yields by 50{%}
Conclusion At its price, the Galaxy Hydro 300W is intelligently designed to provide your indoor plants with the boost they need to thrive. Its powerful red-blue UV rays provide it with all the power needed to achieve the greener and fleshier leaves. Above all the Roleadro’s housing is pretty sturdy and weather-proof.
The Mars Hydro 1000W made it to this list of the best grow lights for many good reasons. First off, this light is quite affordable, according to some led grow light reviews. What’s more? It’s designed to deliver maximum light emission without gobbling up too much power. At the same time, this light is by no means fancy. It boasts a long list of advanced amenities and functionalities all which have a long list of uses. But what does the term full spectrum mean? Well, a full spectrum light is one that produces all light spectrums needed to power crop growth and starting seeds. The purplish shade of light is quite good at nurturing seedlings. In fact, if you’re planting blooming plants, you’ll realize that you need a bit more of red light than blue light. The good thing about using the Mars Hydro 1000W is that you have a full spectrum to play around with. So, no matter the planting conditions needed for your plants, you can always be sure to meet those requirements. In other words, if you’re looking for a light that can run your indoor plants for an entire life cycle, there’s no disputing that the Mars Hydro would be the best under 150 LED grow light to settle for.
Product
MARS HYDRO TS 1000W Led Grow Light Sunlike Full Spectrum LED Growing...
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Features:
Has a great distribution of red light needed for higher yields
Comes with a daisy chain function for easier and convenient indoor use
Uses eco-friendly bulbs which provide up to 50 percent energy-saving benefits
Conclusion One thing we really liked about this grow light is that it has a highly efficient PAR value of 709umol. This great power makes it one of the most efficient lighting systems that you can use to power all your indoor plant lighting needs. The entire unit weighs roughly about 7 pounds and measures a paltry 14.17 x 13.23 x 2.36 inch– meaning it’s also quite compact.
PROS:
Great PAR value for potentially more yields
Powerful LED chips which last for long
Comes with specialized Epitar chips which enhance light penetration
Have you ever invested in an LED lighting system only to be disappointed? This variety from King Plus seems hell-bent on correcting the negative reputation of some grow lights. First off, this highly powerful unit is meant to provide up to 50,000 hours of operation. In other words, you can use it for up to 6 years without ever worrying about some of the LED chips blowing up. Now that’s more like it! In addition, the LED grow light is designed with the ability to absorb heat. So, unlike other systems that require you to invest in cooling devices, this one does a stellar job on its own. On the flipside, though, this light only provides lighting for a tiny space of about 3.4 x 3.8 feet. That’s just about enough to help you run all your indoor plant lighting needs. However, if you’re looking to expand your stock of plants, this light might prove too small. On a positive note, this cheap LED light is in the league of HID systems. And compared to other HID systems, we find that it’s easier to manage. In fact, if well-used, this grow lighting system can yield as much as 80{%} energy savings for even better yields.
Product
King Plus 1000w LED Grow Light Double Chips Full Spectrum with UV...
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Features:
Long-lasting 10W double chips which are scientifically designed for balanced output
Highly power efficient as it consumes 185w power
Offers a full spectrum of light ranging from white, yellow, blue, red
Thickened 3.0mm and 1.6mm LED board holes for improved cooling
Designed to deliver a lifespan of 100,000 hours
Conclusion Considering the wide array of features provided by this LED grow light, we think it’s a great option for all kinds of growth needs. It provides a decent (but not stellar) coverage. On top of that, it’s designed to last for a couple of years. So, if you’re looking for good value for money, we think this would be a wonderful system to go for.
PROS:
Made to last
Great energy efficiency
Contains multiple bulbs to provide a full spectrum of lighting
The Viparspectra 300W LED Grow Light Reflector Series
Looking for an entry-level LED grow light? The Viparspectra 300W might be the sweetest deal you’ll ever nail. Ideal for small setups, this unit works well for all kind of indoor plant growth needs. It boasts a 12-band full spectrum which makes it superb for meeting different vegetative and bloom growth needs. Its limited features notwithstanding, this compact device does an incredible job of replacing your typical 250W HPS. On top of that, these LED chips are built to stand the test of time. In fact, they have a lifespan of 100,000 hours which is further backed by a 3-year warranty.What about the cost? If you’re worried about your power bills, you’ll be glad to learn that this system is highly energy-efficient. In fact, it has an average power draw of 135 watts. In other words, using this unit for 18 hours per day would cost you a paltry 29 cents. How cool is that? On top of that, the Viparspectra’s coverage area is pretty decent. That said, we’d specifically recommend this for small grow rooms.
Product
VIPARSPECTRA Reflector-Series 300W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants Veg...
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Features:
12 band full spectrum layout complete with a heat dissipation system
Designed to run at 70{%} cooler than average HID lights
High PAR value coupled with excellent room coverage
Its full-spectrum isn’t overly concentrated in the middle thereby providing more room for growth
Hardy housing, capable of lasting long
Conclusion Although it lacks a veg/bloom switch which would, otherwise, come in handy at different stages of plant growth, this model is quite awesome. You can use it to grow all manner of plants from ball peppers to tomatoes, strawberries and even cannabis plants. Perfect led grow lamp for microgreens!
PROS:
Backed by a 3-year warranty & 30-day money back guarantee
This is a solidly designed pack with great value for money
If you are on a tight budget and looking for a powerful LED grow light, this 600W model from BESTVA is an excellent choice. Although it is quite inexpensive, it comes with some really nice features. First off, its coverage area is around 4 feet by 3.6 feet at a 24-inch height. This makes it perfect for compact grow areas or for larger areas when used in combination with extra lamps. Consisting of 10W dual-chip LEDs, this light is not only more efficient but much brighter than traditional 5W and 3W LEDs. In fact, it boasts a great high PAR /Lumen output of any other LED grow light in the same price range. With full spectrum 600-watt design, the light provides your indoor plants, flowers, and vegetables the most nutritional value they need to grow at all stages. The design basically mimics the natural sunlight to ensure optimal growth of your plants. To top it all off, it is fitted with a cooling fan which is essential when dealing with plenty of LEDs with a high output. The system is extremely powerful and quiet so you won’t have to worry about the space you are growing in being overheated.
Product
BESTVA 1000W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum Dual-Chip Growing Lamp for Hydroponic...
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Features:
Average lifespan of 100,000 hours
Directs light down at an angle of 120 degrees
Three years warranty and 30-days satisfaction guarantee
High-efficient dual chip LEDs
All-cycle growth spectrum covering 380nm to 780nm
Conclusion At around 5 pounds, the light is lightweight and extremely bright considering its size and price. Besides, it offers full spectrum setup while running 80{%} cooler thanks to its powerful fan system. As such, it works well for both commercial growers and first-time gardeners on a budget.
PROS:
Effectively replaces a 250-watt HPS light while using just 125 watts of power
Can easily be controlled via a timer
Cool and quiet operation
Extended lifespan with a three-year warranty
High-quality and efficient LEDs
Hanging kits included for fast installation
CONS:
Lacks the option of switching it from full spectrum to only red for flower
VIPASPECTRA is a popular and reputable grow light manufacturer. The brand offers a wide array of commercial LED grow lights and this V600 Reflector Series is among their best innovations. Developed by a team of indoor growers, the light is perfect for all types of indoor plants and vegetation. One of the reasons the VIPARSPECTRA V600 made it to this list of best grow lights is because it boasts dual switches for veg and bloom stages. This allows you to customize your lights output depending on which stage of growing cycle your plants are at. As such, you can expect to harvest healthy plants. What’s more? It is designed to cover a vegetative area of around 3 feet by 3 feet hanging at 32 inches above it. As far as the flowering coverage is concerned, it can only cover an area of 2.5 feet by 2.5 feet at a height of 22 inches. Overall, this amount of coverage is sufficient enough for a small grow setup with only a few plants. However, if you want to light a larger space, the best option is to buy several of this light and daisy-chain them together. The daisy chain cord also helps in reducing the number of cords you will need while maximizing the performance of the lights. But wait there is more. The LED grow light kit utilizes 120 pieces of high-intensity 5 watts Bridgelux/Epileds chips. This ensures your plants receive more intense light that penetrates deeper below the canopy for optimal growth. In addition to that, it is outfitted with 90-degrees angled lenses that direct all the light to your plants. Therefore, you can be sure that there is no light that goes to waste. As if that’s not enough, it employs high-speed and quiet fans along with aluminum cooling heat sinks for easy heat dissipation. As such, you can use the light for long hours without having to worry about the grow room becoming heated like a toast.
Product
VIPARSPECTRA Reflector-Series V600 600W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants...
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Features:
Three years local warranty along with 30-days return guarantee
100,000 hours lifespan
Runs 70{%} cooler than HID bulbs
An incredible heat dissipation system
Consumes around 269 watts only
Conclusion With dual switches for veg and bloom, a solid warranty and great money-back guarantee, it is easy to see why this LED grow light is an excellent choice. Its overall build quality is also good for the price.
PROS:
Optima full spectrum
High PAR output and energy efficient
Great customer service
Hanging kit and 6.5ft daisy-chain included
Has infrared LEDs
CONS:
Includes more blue light than red
Cannot be used outdoors since it’s not waterproof
Pro Tip
Always allow your plants at least 6 hours of dark time so they can rest during the OFF cycle.
BESTVA is a newcomer into the LED grow light market offering powerful lights at a highly competitive price. The 2000W DC Series sets itself apart from other models by including 10-watt dual chip LEDs. According to the manufacturer, this innovation provides efficient lighting, more lumens, and low heat compared to traditional chips with 3W and 5W LEDs. Another area where this LED grow light excels in is its full spectrum setup. This feature makes the light beneficial to plants at all stages of their growing cycle. Therefore, you really don’t have to keep on adjusting the lighting system during the different growth stages just to ensure you have healthy plants. And you know what? The BESTVA 2000W DC Series comes fitted with a powerful yet quiet fan system to prevent the grow room from overheating. Beyond that, it has holes both on the glass and the aluminum panel to allow for optimal heat convection. Additionally, while its output of energy is 2000 watts, it only draws around 390 watts of power from your outlets which make it very economical. Thanks to its energy efficient feature, it replaces a 1400W HPS/MH grow light without any issues. Its coverage is yet another of its strong points because it can be hanged at 24 inches while offering enough light for 7.8 feet by 7.5 feet growing area. Its design also ensures that light is not too concentrated in the middle of the grow room which can cause sun burning and stunted growth.
Product
BESTVA DC Series 2000W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum Grow Lamp for...
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Features:
200 pieces of 10 watts dual-chip LEDs
50-60Hz frequency
Powerful and quiet cooling fan system
3-years warranty and 30-days satisfaction guarantee
380nm to 780nm full spectrum
Conclusion Whether you want to plant fruits, flowers or vegetables, this LED grow light will be a good choice for all growth stages. You are sure to appreciate its high plant yield, low-heat output, and high lumen output especially if you’re just starting in indoor gardening.
PROS:
Boasts high lumens and yields
An incredible lifespan of 100,000 hours
Can easily be controlled using a timer
Excellent customer support
Generates a massive amount of power
CONS:
Not very durable for the price
If you liked this article, you’ll also be interested in:
If you’re on the market for an easy-to-use and affordable LED grow light, this 600W HIGROW light is a good pick. It features 60 pieces of 10-watt double chip LEDs that deliver unparalleled brightness and higher PAR per lumen output than other grow lights. Consequently, it is perfect for hydroponics greenhouse indoor plants. What’s more, it is built with new 0603 aluminum heat sink and high-speed fans that are whisper quiet to dissipate heat. The features also help in keeping temperatures at manageable levels even with continuous use. This maximizes the growth of your plants while ensuring a longer lifespan of the grow light. To top it off, the grow light is equipped with 400nm to 760nm full spectrum including red, blue, white, orange, yellow, UV and infrared spectrum. As such, it is able to provide your plants, flowers or vegetables with everything they might need if they were to grow in the natural sunlight. Additionally, it employs a heavy-duty rope hanger that can be adjusted to your desired hanging height during the different plant growth stages. On top of that, the light boasts daisy-chain design so you can easily connect more lights without worrying about short power cords or limited sockets.
Product
HIGROW 600W Double Chips LED Grow Light Full Spectrum Grow Lamp with...
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Features:
Double chips technology
Average lifespan of 50,000 hours
All LEDs have a Zener diode
Maximum coverage area of 3.5ft x3.5ft at 24-inch growing area height
3-years warranty and 100{%} 30-days money back guarantee
Advanced full spectrum
Conclusion Designed to be brighter and energy efficient, buyers will not be disappointed in their harvest using this grow light. It boats the ideal spectrum mix for any plant growth making it perfect for both first-time and commercial growers.
PROS:
Maintains good temperature even with continuous use
Easy to install and use
Compact for ease of maneuverability
Perfect for targeting individual plants
Solid construction and hangs steadily
CONS:
Not bright enough
600 Watt Higrow LED Grow Light Test Growing Indoor Hydroponic Green Beans
Yotube Video Review: 600 Watt Higrow LED Grow Light Test Growing Indoor Hydroponic Green Beans
This LED grow light by RECORDCENT is one of the favorite choices among indoor growers especially the marijuana community. Its total coverage area is only 2.5 feet by 2.8 feet which is not very large. However, for beginners as well as small-scale growers, the coverage is more than enough. In addition to that, it boasts a full spectrum of light making it ideal LED grow lamp for tomatoes, medicinal plants and veg in greenhouse tent at any stage of their life cycle. Besides being full spectrum, it provides the plants with sufficient IR and UV light as well to maximize yields. And for your peace of mind, you will be happy to know that the manufacturer offers a 120-day satisfaction guarantee. This means that in case you are not satisfied with the light, you just have to send it back to get a refund. Moving on, the product employs two cooling fans to keep the temperatures low and extend the lifespan of the lights. Similarly, each LED has its own resistance to ensure they work independently while also minimizing temperatures. And another thing, it includes 100 pieces of 5-watt dual chip LEDs. Apparently, the 5W chips are more energy efficient and brighter compared to 1W and 3W LEDs. In fact, it only consumes between 110w and 120w power to help you save money on electricity costs.
Product
LED Grow Light 1000W Full Spectrum Indoor Grow Lights For Medicinal Plants...
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Features:
Adjustable rope hanger
Two solid cooling fans
Energy-efficient double chip LEDs
Aluminum structure to prevent rust, corrosion, and dampness
Replaces HPS/EM light with equivalent wattage
Conclusion Considering the power output and the price of the RECORDCENT LED 1000W Grow Light, it is a pretty decent light. While it’s inexpensive, all the materials used in the construction of the light are of high-quality to ensure long-lasting performance. Not to mention, it is a risk-free investment as your purchase is backed by a 120-day money back guarantee.
PROS:
Minimal operating cost as it only consumes 110 to 120 watts of power
Quiet operation
No extra equipment like coolers, ballasts or reflectors is needed
Easy to program
Boasts high power and perfect wavelength
Includes a hanging kit for fast installation
CONS:
Its average lifespan is only 35,000 hours which is quite short
Some customers reported of a missing power cable in the package
Pro Tip
Use 30{%} fewer nutrients when growing with LEDs than when using HPS.
Featuring 10 watts epileds chips, the Dimgogo light is designed to keep power consumption as down as possible compared to traditional 3W and 5W LEDs. In addition to that, it is scientifically engineered to ensure a perfect balance of coverage and PAR/Lumen output. Speaking about the coverage, it covers about 3 x 3.5 square feet of growing area and the height can easily be adjusted according to various plants. It comes with a three-year warranty along with 30 days money back guarantee. This goes to show how confident the manufacturer is in their light. As if that’s not enough, the light is outfitted with two efficient cooling fans alongside a heat sink to ensure it does not heat up too much. As a result, the lights will work longer. And guess what? Each LED has its resistance to minimize heat as well as keep them working separately. More importantly, it includes a full-spectrum LED board including UV and IR functions. This makes it perfect for all types of indoor plants like orchids at all growth stages. Beyond that, the light only consumes around 185 watts of power despite having 1000 wattage in order to save you money.
Product
Dimgogo 1000w LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants Veg and...
view on Amazon
Features:
100 pieces of 10-watt chip LEDs
3 years warranty
A lifespan of 50,000 hours
Heat sink and two fans
185 watts of power consumption
Conclusion What’s the bottom line? Well, the Dimgogo 1000W is a nice piece of LED grow light for anyone who doesn’t wish to spend a lot. It comes with nearly everything you would need to grow plants, veg, and flowers and improve their overall health including full spectrum. Besides, the purchase is backed by a very long warranty.
PROS:
Extremely energy efficient and economical
Relatively inexpensive
Includes a free hanging hook and power cord
No overheating issues
Perfect for small grow tents
CONS:
The fan is a little loud but not annoying
PAR output is a bit low
Product Name
Image
Size
Overall Rating
Details
Roleadro 300W LED Grow Light in Galaxyhydro Series
12.1 x 2.4 x 8.2
9.5
Check price
MARS Hydro 600W Full Spectrum Grow Light
20.47 x 11.81 x 3.11
10
Check price
King Plus Double Chips LED Grow Light
12.2 x 2.4 x 8.3
9.5
Check price
The Viparspectra 300W LED Grow Light Reflector Series
12.6 x 7.9 x 3
9
Check price
BESTVA LED 600W Grow Light
12.2 x 8.26 x 2.36
9
Check price
VIPARSPECTRA V600 LED Grow Light
15.3 x 12.8 x 3
9.5
Check price
BESTVA 2000W DC Series LED Grow Light
20.66 x 8.46 x 2.36
8.5
Check price
HIGROW 600W LED Grow Light
12 x 8.6 x 2.6
8
Check price
RECORDCENT LED 1000W Grow Light
12.2 x 8.2 x 2.4
8
Check price
Dimgogo 1000W LED Grow Light
12.2 x 8.28 x 2.84
8.5
Check price
How LED Grow Lights Work
As you already know, grow lights are electric powered sources of light that mimic the natural sun rays. Therefore, LED grow lamps work to enable you to grow healthy crops in places that may not have adequate sunlight. For instance, if you live in an apartment and would like to have a few strawberries or tomatoes grow within your house, you’d realize that getting direct access to sunlight can be a hindrance. But thanks to LED grow lights, you can provide this much-needed light without having to compromise on your privacy. You know, all plants require particular light rays for photosynthesis. This is the process through which plants make their own food using the energy from sun rays. LED grow lamps are built with the spectrum of the sun. In other words, they do not just produce light but also incorporate all the rays required for plant growth and survival. In particular, the name LED is obtained from the term light emitting diodes. The diodes use a semiconductor to create light in an energy-efficient way. One major advantage of LEDs is that they can always be manipulated to emit different wavelengths of light. This, therefore, gives you more power to configure the unit as per the needs of the crop species you’d like to grow.
LED Light Types
Different plants and growing conditions require different lighting systems. To give you a rough idea on what to expect, let’s zoom in to some popular grow LED light types.
Cob LED Grow Lights
In the past, one of the main challenges of LED lighting was that it entailed the use of huge systems. The COB LED technology provided a new window of opportunity with its compact size and low light intensity. So how is it really different? Well, the name COB is derived from Chip-on-Board technology. This unique technology often means that LED chips are mounted onto the circuit board effectively creating LED arrays. This unique approach means that the number of components required to emit the light is greatly reduced without compromising on light emission.
LED Grow Light Bulbs
It’s not uncommon to come across COB vs LED grow light comparisons on different forums. But one thing is for sure, LED grow light bulbs are closely related to COBs. That said, grow light bulbs are designed with a heat sink metal aluminum. And because they’re just bulbs, they’re extremely easy to use around the house. In fact, a vast majority of these bulbs are designed to fit standard E27 sockets. This, therefore, makes them extremely easy to use.
LED Grow Lights Strips
Although not widely popular, LED strip grow lights are a common feature in indoor gardening. These energy-efficient strips typically come with a self-adhesive light bar which can be fitted on any flat surface. So, you can conveniently fit them inside the greenhouse or any indoor room wall. In fact, you can also hand it on the grow box shelf for ease-of-use. For added flexibility, you can even cut these LED strips into the length needed.
LED Grow Lights PanelLED Grow light panels are the most popular variety on the market. Why so? Because most are made from aluminum cases which play a key role in heat dissipation. A typical benefit of these panels is that they contain a number of LED chips. It’s, therefore, possible to equip them with different IR wavelengths so you can meet your plants’ specific growth needs. Another key advantage to panels is that they provide a wide area of coverage, unlike bulbs.
How to Choose the Best LED Grow Lights – Buyer’s Guide
Wouldn’t it be great if you found an LED grow light panel that meets your exact needs without risking your money? So, because we’re here to help you arrive at an informed choice, here are our two cents on factors to consider before making a purchase.
The PAR
The term PAR simply refers to the amount of light that’s available for a plant to use during photosynthesis. The reason you need to consider the PAR value of your lights is that not all forms of light are needed by plants. For instance, if you have a light bulb that generates lots of yellow and white light, it might not sustain indoor plants despite it being capable of illuminating a room. So, what’s the recommended PAR value? We’d generally recommend going for a PAR value between 400nm and 700nm. In fact, the closer this value is to 700nm the better. However, anything below or above that range may have counteractive effects to your plants’ growth.
Color Spectrum
As we’ve already noted, the color spectrum of the light used matters a lot. We’d generally recommend going for a light with a full-spectrum. However, if on a tight budget, many reviews on led grow lights recommend going for a unit that offers at least the following bands: blue, purple, green, yellow, white, and red. That said, a full spectrum of light is the one that ultimately provides you with all the wavelengths your plant needs to survive throughout a growth cycle.
The Output
The output of grow lamp is best measured by checking the wattage of the unit. From the grow light reviews above, you can tell that different levels exist and those range from 300W, 400W, 600W to even 1000W. Our basic recommendation is that you should never go for anything with less than 300W. Why this minimum requirement? What you need to appreciate is that you can’t always get 100{%} power when it comes to LEDs. So, you’d still end up getting less wattage and your LED chips would blow up, easily.
Colors of the Light
Which is the best color spectrum for LED grow lights? You might be wondering. Well, to help us understand the different types of colors, we need to first understand the color spectrum of the sun. First off, the sun contains different kinds of light colors. Worth noting are the blue, red and white color variants. Actually, the sun’s spectrum contains the likes of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. But for the sake of plant development, three colors are required, these being the blue, red, and white colors. In particular, plants need the blue and red wavelengths of light for photosynthesis. The white, green and yellow spectrums are also needed to support the overall growth of the leaf.
Sizes
Does size matter when it comes LED grow lights? As it turns out, size matters a lot here. That’s because the size of the panel also influences the number of LED units available to you. In that regard, a good rule of the thumb is to always settle for an average of 32 watts worth of LED lighting per square foot. So, if your indoor garden measures 16 square feet, it’d be a good idea to go for a unit offering a minimum of 500 watts in total. Note: Vegetative growth requires roughly about half of that wattage and, therefore, a 300-watt unit would do a great job.
Power
The power that a device has is best measured by checking its wattage. Normally, the higher the wattage, the higher the power a unit has (and also the greater its footprint on your power bill is likely to be). That said, a 100w unit would be a little too tiny for most indoor gardening needs. However, it can help some of the resilient plants to just get by. However, if you want to maximize growth and yields, you have to limit yourself to the 300w range and above. The 300w variety is specifically meant to light up small areas – think of 3 square feet. However, if you want a bigger yield, we’d recommend going for a 500w or 600w variant (best suited for 4 square-feet gardens). The 1000w grow light is perfectly suited for large growth areas of 6 square feet and above. For gardens close to 10 square feet, we’d recommend nothing short of 1200w. A 1500w variant would be the best pick for gardens exceeding 10 square feet.
DIY LED Grow Lights
If you’re the curious type, you can always use your free time to make some DIY LED grow lights. However, in that case, you’d need to have a bit of background knowledge of wiring. The entire process can be a bit dangerous and in some cases, you might even face some kinds of blasts that can ruin your cord. On average, the total cost of building a DIY LED grow light is around $150. That’s because you’d need to buy LED drivers, DC transformer, some power cords, plugs, a metal panel, AWG wires, nuts, bolts, cooling fans and so forth.
LED Grow Light vs. HPS
HPS lights are a top competitor to LED grow lights. However, HPS lights have a cheaper initial set up cost and boast an immense amount of raw light emission. On the flipside, though, they also generate a lot of heat and are less power efficient to use. LED grow light, though cumbersome to set up, offer a better deal in the long-run.
LED Grow Light vs. Fluorescent Light
Both LED and fluorescent bulbs are incredibly efficient in power consumption. That said, LED lights tend to last longer than average fluorescent bulbs. So, in the long-run, going the LED way provides you with a much better deal.
How to Use LED Growth Lights to Your Advantage
Perhaps the most important fact to note is that temperature can be a friend or foe depending on how it’s used. Going for a system that’s too hot could mean the plants near the source of light would get damaged. However, you still need warm temperatures to maximize growth. So, to strike a perfect balance make sure you provide good ventilation. Besides that, make sure you have enough lights so your indoor garden is sufficiently illuminated. Last but not least, always keep your LEDs at least 18 inches away from the plants.
Brands
Mars Hydro, Galaxyhydro, Heliospectra, Sunblaster, Spectrum King, Viparspectra.
Care and Maintenance
To keep your grow lamp functioning optimally it’s important to take good care of them. Some awesome care tips in that case include:
If you plan to stay in the room equipped with multiple panels it is advisable to wear glasses for led grow lights
Frequently dust off the fans in your LED grow light using an air spray duster.
Always make sure that the room you’re using the LED lights doesn’t have too much moisture.
Always pay attention to the wirings and never compromise on the kind of electrical appliances you use at any given time.
Clean the lights using a glass cleaner – but to do that, make sure the lights are turned off and unplugged first.
You see? It doesn’t take rocket science to keep these lights working in tip-top condition. You only need to be consistent in your care routine until you’re sure all the parts are working as best as they should.
Warranty
LED grow lamps don’t come cheap. So, if you’re planning to pay for one, you should also expect it to last. We’ve seen quite a few manufacturers offering 3 or 5-year warranties. Our general recommendation is that you shouldn’t settle for anything below 1 year.
Top LED Grow Lights: FAQs
Which color spectrum is best for my plants?
The blue and red colors are the most basic ones needed but you also need all the other bands to support a full growth cycle. So we’d recommend going for a full-spectrum grow light.
Between LED and HID grow light systems, which one burns hotter?
The HID systems traditionally burn hotter. LED systems are only warm to the touch and hardly heat up the growing area meaning no expensive cooling systems are required.
I’ve read in forums that LED grow lights don’t work, why is that?
Like in any other market, the LED grow lights market has seen the entry of below-par products. These tend to be extremely cheap. In fact, some have less than 100w of power. Such systems often fail to attain the desired results. So, provided you get a well-made system, you shouldn’t worry about it not working.
