Growing cannabis is an exciting, yet challenging venture; one that requires meticulous research and dedication. For instance, there are a lot of things to consider when first starting out, like buying the best LED grow lights, providing enough space, getting all the right tools for the job, and etc.
Still, with so many options out there, it’s hard to keep track. Luckily for you, we did our homework and compiled a comprehensive list of the best LED lights for cannabis regarding their power consumption, area coverage, durability, warranties, discounts and so on.
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Looking for the best grow lights for cannabis that generates more light while consuming less energy? Well, ViparSpectra XS4000 provides immense power, without overheating or damaging the canopy (provided you keep it high enough, no pun intended).
Moreover, the light is made of 660nm of red LED, 3000K and 5000K of white LED, and 730nm-IR LED. It also comes with a dimmer if you need to adjust the light’s intensity (from 5% to 100% brightness). Compared to the traditional 1200W HPS/MH bulb, ViparSpectra’s Samsung LM301B diodes are about 50% more efficient as they cover the same area with far less power.
Yet, what makes the XS4000 series stand out is its long durability (100,000 hours), affordable price, and exceptional full light spectrum.
When it comes to shipping, you’ll be happy to hear that ViparSpectra ships to all US states for free. If unsatisfied with the product, you can return it within 30 days.
We believe that California Lightworks sells some of the top rated LED grow lights that are full spectrum. Why?
For starters, SolarSystem 550 is pretty versatile. You can choose the different light spectrum modules (like sunrise and sunset) to adjust the lights via an easy-to-use touch-screen monitor.
The first module controls the red light, the second controls the white (natural) light, whereas the third module takes care of the blue light. Long story short, this manual setting gives you direct control over the growing stages.
Secondly, SolarSystem 550 has a manual and program mode, allowing you to control both the spectrum and the timing.
If you wish for the best results, hang the light around 45–50cm above the canopy when in full power mode. The light weighs only 13 pounds, uses 40% less energy, and is ideal for both small and large growing operations.
Another good thing is that SolarSystem 550 comes with a 5-year warranty, free US shipping, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Electric Sky 300 V3 (popularly called ES300) are among the best LED grow lights due to the wideband spectrum that mimics the “infrared” wavelengths of the Sun. The end result — the Emerson effect. Or in other words, an increase in the rate of photosynthesis.
What’s more, ES300 has special linear lenses that spread enough light into every corner of your room (18’’–36’’ coverage, to be precise). Best of all, you can focus the light directly on your plant without having to fear that you’ll damage it in the process.
What we also liked about ES300 was that you can control the lights and their intensity with a dimming kit to get the right amount of lumination that you need to grow your plants.
In addition, ES300 can be used not only for large grow rooms but for tents as well.
These days, full spectrum LED grow lights reviews often mention Mars Hydro. What makes the TS 3000W series so unique?
Unlike the TS 1000 and TS 2000 series, the Mars Hydro TS 3000 series uses more potent lights and covers a much larger area. It’s fit for all growing stages but we’d say it offers the best performance during the bloom stage.
The light uses SMD technology (surface-mount technology), and it’s easy to adjust and move. It seems like an excellent choice for beginners on a budget. Mars Hydro also comes with a full light spectrum composed of white, red, blue, and IR light, making it one of the top LED grow lights in 2021.
SF-2000 series offers growing lights for cannabis made of IR chips and Samsung diodes ideal for indoor growing. These models don’t have a fan, so you won’t be disturbed by the loud noises. Another neat touch is that the cables come with a special safety cover and waterproof board.
Spider Farmer SF-2000 lights are easy to operate and you can use them as soon as you finish unboxing the package. You’ll see the light’s intensity is constant, but you can change it as you see fit with a dimmable switch. That option is very useful if you’re using numerous lights for your growing process.
However, what we liked the most about Spider Farmer SF-2000 is its high-quality construction and efficiency. Namely, you’ll be able to produce several ounces of weed while saving on electricity since Spider Farmer draws only 200 watts.
When talking about the best LED grow lights for marijuana, two features make Morsen 2400 stand out — its cooling system and its spectrum.
The fans are powerful yet quiet, and the spectrum contains two colors: yellow and white (imitating natural light). Moreover, you can save energy by dimming the light, i.e., there are two switches on either side (full and half-output levels).
Last but not least, Morsen 2400 uses the highest LED wattage (450W) of all brands, making it the perfect choice for cultivators in the cannabis industry.
We also love that Morsen 2400 has a wide application. In other words, you can use it for growing plants in the office, on the balcony, in the greenhouse, or in the darkroom. As for guaranteed success, a 3-year warranty and a 30-day refund policy are somewhat of a standard.
Every Black Dog LED grow lights review praises the brand for using only primary glass lenses on their reflectors to increase light intensity. Furthermore, when it comes to the light spectrum, Black Dog uses its own Phyto-Genesis Spectrum. Meaning, it offers the whole spectrum of colors, with the usual blue and red light, followed by UV-A and NIR.
The primary role of the former (UV) is to protect the plants from pests, whereas the NIR increases photosynthetic productivity. On top of that, to get a more “natural” light, the intensity of the green and yellow spectrum is increased.
This unique feature makes PhytoMAX-2 1000 immensely popular on the market right now.
If you want to find the best LED grow lights for weed cultivation that’s multifunctional, strong, and efficient, consider ThinkGrow.
What makes this light so special? Besides its innovative design (V-shape), that’s made to enhance light distribution, the product has a four-spectrum channel. Basically, you can choose UV, White, Deep Red, and Far Red.
The light is also dimmable (plus you get an optional controller), so you won’t have to worry it will burn your precious cannabis crops.
The Model-I Plus is a great choice for both single indoor cannabis cultivation and greenhouse. Keep in mind that it’s only compatible with TrolMaster Hydro-X control systems.
Before you decide on buying the ideal light for your indoor cannabis cultivation, pay close attention to a few things. Namely, the following:
Before LED came into the picture, people still used HID lights and CFL lights for growing cannabis. However, things soon changed once LED lights were introduced, being the most ideal light for indoor growing. Better yet, it was more affordable than the alternatives!
In addition, LED lights have longer durability, making them the prime choice for cannabis cultivators. Nevertheless, if you’re a beginner cultivator on a tighter budget, you can use CFL grow lights for cannabis.
LED lights produce a broader spectrum and you get to choose between three forms:
On the other hand, even the best grow lights for marijuana need some space in-between, so count that one in as well before ordering anything.
LED lights are known to be the best alternative for heavy electricity consumers. For example, an HID light will consume 45 watts per square foot, whereas an LED light consumes less than 32 watts for the same area coverage.
Hence, picking the right LED growing light for your cannabis cultivation operation can save you a lot of electricity and therefore money.
Can you grow marijuana with LED lights? Yes, you can grow weed, on one condition — the light contains the full spectrum.
What is the full spectrum light?
Full spectrum CBD is one thing, but regarding the lights…In short, the full spectrum is meant to mimic natural sunlight and is made of the following lights: yellow, orange, red, blue, UV, and IR. It’s also important to use a light with two switching modes for the veg and bloom phases.
Just keep in mind that you need to place it at the right distance if you don’t want to burn your canopy. Keep it about 30–45cm above your plant, and you’ll soon get the right buds for your new weed grinder!
LED lights consume less power than regular lights, they are more versatile, and are made of eco-friendly materials. In fact, a 200W LED light can easily cover the same area as a traditional 300W MH/HPS light, saving a lot of your hard-earned cash in the process.
To calculate the energy bill, you can follow one simple formula: total Kilowatts x kWh x hours per day x days. For example, if you use a 1000 watt LED grow light by Black Dog, for example, for 18 hours per day, your electricity bill will amount to about $84.186 per month.a
Before you become a master cultivator, you need to consider the size of the place (small room, big tent, etc.) where you plan on planting your cannabis.
If unsure of the number of plants you plan to grow, use one square foot for each flower. Most LED grow lights come with specifications that will help you determine how many lights you need to use.
For example, if you grow marijuana in a big tent, you should use more than one light. I.e., use four lights for an 8’ x 8’ area to cover your canopy evenly.
When it comes to watts, you can use the following watts guide:
Black Dog offers the strongest LED grow lights that cover 7×7 ft (veg phase) and 5×5 ft (flower phase).
The average lifespan of a LED bulb is approx 50,000 hours, which translates to around 5 years. The bulb’s durability will depend on the heat — hence why every good light has a built-in cooling system.
Some products on our list last for even longer — 70,000 hours (Black Dog PhytoMAX-2 1000) and 100,000 hours (ViparSpectra XS4000 Series).
When it comes to the price, you must understand that lights that cost more offer more light and better coverage. Therefore, first, decide on the number of plants you intend to grow.
For example, if you intend to grow only 1–2 plants, you’ll have to spend at least $100 to find the product that will produce the right amount of light. For 2–4 plants, expect to spend about $150–$200.
If you want to find the best LED grow lights under $300, we recommend you try Morsen 2400, or Spider Farmer SF-2000.
The price will also depend on other factors, such as the quality of the parts, diodes, durability hours, performance, light intensity, spectrum, etc.
You’ll find that most LED grow lights come with a warranty that ranges between 3 to 5 years. The warranties cover replacement parts. In case you have certain issues with the product, the companies will send you free parts within the warranty period.
To be a thriving cannabis cultivator you need to take a lot of things into consideration. For instance, do you have enough space? Do you have a specific budget? What kind of LED growing light should you choose?
The first two questions you need to answer yourself. As for the latter, we hope our list did a good job of clearing any uncertainties and doubts you might’ve had about LED grow lights.
Happy growing!
We believe that the ViparSpectra XS4000 Series is the top light on the market right now. Why? Well, ViparSpectra certainly has the experience. Namely, the brand has been producing innovative and powerful LED grow lights since 2011 (for an affordable price we might add).
What makes it our top pick is its long durability (100,000 hours) — which makes it stand out from the competition — affordable price, and an excellent full light spectrum. Moreover, we like that they offer a solid 3-year warranty and a 30-day refund.
Professional cannabis growers use a variety of full spectrum LED lights. The most important thing when using LEDs is to find the light that has a long lifespan, that produces a full spectrum, and that will save you time and money.
Professional growers also prefer LED lights made of sturdy materials that produce little heat and are easy to install and use.
In our opinion, Mars Hydro TS should provide the highest yield. In fact, if we compare it with traditional LED lights, Mars Hydro TS provides a 30% higher yield and 20% more light intensity. Moreover, Mars Hydro TS is a great choice for growing cannabis indoors.
When growing cannabis, you can use three different types of LED lights: spread style lights, standard panels, and COB style lights. All three types are good for growing cannabis.
What are the main differences between the mentioned LED lights?
The standard LED lights, aka purple LEDs, are a mixture of red and blue LEDs. They contain small to medium wattage LEDs and are the cheapest types of lights on the market.
COB LEDs (chip on board) are more expensive lights. They produce light similar to natural sunlight and are made of hundreds of LED lights spread on one chip.
Spread-style LED fixtures contain small LEDs that can be found on a large panel. Best LED grow lights of this type are also more expensive, but worth every cent!
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