Mars Hydro SP-250 LED Grow Light VS SunStream 250W Broad Spectrum LED Grow Light
Not getting the desired results for the indoor plants you handpicked for yourself? Are you sure they are receiving the light that they need?
After all, sufficient availability of light is as essential for plants as the soil quality. So, if you are still using an average-quality grow light, it’s high time you choose a better light source like a full spectrum LED grow light. In fact, this type of grow lights is considered to be one of the best options for indoor plants.
Benefits of using an LED Grow Light
New generation LED grow lights are designed with the latest technologies to provide essential lights to the plants.
Most manufacturers use a full spectrum to keep the balance of PAR and Lumen Output per LED.
Comes with a built-in cooling system that doesn’t let the system overheat.
LED Grow light produces less heat compared to other lights.
LED Grow lights provide more yields and are more efficient than traditional CFLs.
You don’t need any additional ballast to start the light.
LED Grow lights come with simple plug-and-play functionality. They are very easy to use and don’t come with complex functions and features.
Mars Hydro SP-250 LED Grow Light
Features:
The Mars Hydro grow light is meant for a multitude of applications, from greenhouse growing to indoor cannabis gardening. Thanks to multiple features, Mars Hydro SP250 is an excellent piece of hardware for your cannabis plants. First and foremost, The SP250 pulls 230-watts from the wall and is meant to replace 2,000-watts of traditional HID lighting. For those of you who have experience with HID lighting — this is a massive difference. When all is said and done, your electricity bill will be a fraction of what you’re used to paying with traditional HID grow light systems. Thanks to the efficient diodes that the Mars Hydro SP250 utilizes, along with the IR, UV, and full-spectrum bonuses — this is a true grow light contender. The SP250 is built similarly to T5 CFL lights, which are long in shape. These units perform exceedingly well when paired with multiple units. However, the SP250 doesn’t come cheap, which may sway would-be buyers to a different design.
SunStream 250W Broad Spectrum LED Grow Light
Features:
The SunStream LED grow light is a high-power LED fixture for cultivating cannabis, flower, vegetable and fruiting crops. Ideal for commercial growers, its streamlined design fits narrower grow spaces to optimize light distribution. The SunStream 250 is proven to increase crop yield and quality, enhance crop appearance, extend crop’s shelf life and improve taste. Broad spectrum light maximizes production throughout the growth cycle supporting all stages of crop growth. Secondary optics provide even illumination and ensure uniform photon delivery. Long-lasting LED fixtures generate less heat compared to HID grow lights, so fixtures can be placed much closer to plants.
Tips for Choosing Grow Lights
When choosing grow lights look for μmol/m2/s. If your plants are grown inside until they are ready for flowering, the lights will need to be between 300- 600 μmol/m2/s.
Pay attention to the amount of blue light and red light that the grow lights emit. Remember seedlings will require more blue light. Several models of grow lights now come with a button that switches from vegetative growth to fruiting/flowering.
Another unit of measure you may see is the color temperature which is measured in Kelvins. Seedlings need at least 65000k, which is more of a cool blue light color temperature. Red light color temperatures range from 1000k- 5000k.
A lumen reading will be present on the fluorescent tube set up. Lumens measures the amount of yellow light that humans see and it not a good measure to determine lights for plants. However more lumens will generally be better.
Look for triple chip LEDs. This provides more useable light for plants and is much brighter and efficient than double and single-chip LEDs.
Look for fans or heat sinks, these keep the light kit cooler. Cooler light kits mean that they will last longer. This may also mean higher wattage, but it is important to keep the lights cool.
Look for a daisy chain option. Lights that come with a daisy chain option will allow you to attach more than one unit together allowing you to expand your system over time.
Use an auto timer set up so seedlings can receive between 12–16 hours of light.
Wattage in LED lights has nothing to do with brightness or how intense the light will be. Wattage relates to the amount of electricity used, and therefore the cost of running the lights.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for how far away from the plants the light should be from the light source.
Veg and Bloom Switch options are helpful. All young seedlings including flowers will need to be on the veg switch. Two weeks prior to putting plants outside, also turn on the bloom switch.
What should be the appropriate distance between the LED grow light and the plant canopy?
Appropriate distance between LED growing light and plant canopy is not universal since there are of a different brand, coverage area, beam angle, light shape amongst others. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Nevertheless, 18″-36″ is a classic distance; 18″ for flower and 24″ or more for veg.
What is a number of watts needed per square foot of growing space?
About 32 watts of actual wattage is needed per square foot of grow space. Though some LED grows lights require less. On the contrary, some others require more depending on productivity. It is recommended to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions since all LED units are differently designed.
Conclusion
If you are asking the big question, “what kind of light is best for plants growth?” then these choices are the best that you can choose from. Along with the buying guide that we’ve constructed above, you now have a clear-cut guide on how to choose the best light for vegetative growth that you can have for your garden.
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