Starting a new hydroponic project? Or want to upgrade your existing system? You might want to start with the grow lights.
As one of, if not the most important part of the hydroponic system, having a proper and sufficient grow light can dramatically improve the quality of your system, increasing cost efficiency, and promoting better yields.
Why We Chose This Subject
Grow lights came in different types, with wide varieties of brands, wattage ratings, and overall quality. Different plant varieties might need different types of grow lights, and might need different color spectrums to achieve optimal growth.
Different growth stages of plants will also need different grow lights, over complicating the selection process.
Therefore, we decided to compile a guide to help you make your purchase decision, where we will discuss the most popular products available on the market, and do a thorough review of each.
With grow lights being so important in improving the overall quality and efficiency of the hydroponic system, we will try to help you make a better purchase decision that will cater to your specific needs.
Why you should trust us?
Before I fell in love with hydroponics and gardening in general, I was a small business consultant as well as the active CTO of a tech startup. Understanding technologies and science like a bread and butter, and being passionate with how a plant can grow and nurture, my aim is to bring the technical knowledge decisions as comprehensive as possible so that every Hydroponic enthusiasts can make the best purchase decision possible.
Types of Grow Light Products
Generally, grow lights are classified based on the types of the lighting technology, and they are:
1. Fluorescent
There are several types of fluorescent lamps you might have heard before, in terms of its usage as a grow light, here are some things you might consider:
- Very cheap
- Don’t use a lot of electricity
- Great overall color spectrum to promote wide varieties of plants
- Fluorescent lamps can be placed very close to the plants, so is perfect for small and short spaces
- One of the best choices for germination stage
- Overall yields per watt are fewer than other types
In conclusion, fluorescent light (T5, CFL, etc.) is an economic choice that can be used in tight spaces. However, overall yield is not efficient compared to other types.
2. High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Grow Lights
HID lights are commonly divided into two major subtypes: the metal halide (MH) lights, and the high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights. Here are some things you might want to know:
-Highest overall yield/watt compared to other types
-HPS lights are great for flowering stage, while MH lights are preferable in the vegetative stage
-Generate a lot of heat, will need reflector hoods and cooling system
-A bit more complicated in overall installation compared to other types
3. LED Grow Lights
LEDs have undergone major advancements during the recent few years and has become one of the most popular choices for grow lights and any lighting system because of its high efficiency. Here are some things you might need to know:
-Very low temperature, so you eliminate the need to build an additional cooling system
-Easiest installation compared to other types
-Provides wider spectrums than other types, and can cater to many different varieties as well as different growth stages
Product Recommendations
1. TaoTronics 24w Led Grow light Bulb TT-GL22
2. TaoTronics 12W Led Grow light Bulb TT-GL20
3. Erligpowht 45W LED Red Blue
4. Morsen Full Spectrum Led Grow Light Bulb
5. MarsHydro Mars300 LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Hydroponic
6. VIPARSPECTRA Reflector-Series 300W LED
7. Galaxyhydro LED Grow Plant Light 300w Greenhouse Indoor Hydroponic
8. OxyLED LED Grow Light Bulb
TaoTronics 24w Led Grow light Bulb TT-GL22
TaoTronics LED light
Grow Plant Light for Hydropoics Organic Mini Greenhouse
24w LED Grow light Bulb TT-GL22
TaoTronics Led light Bulb is Long lifetime expectancy of over 50,000 hours.
TaoTronics is one of the most reputable brands for grow light products available on the market. TaoTronics’ grow light products have been some of the best-selling products on many marketplaces, and the TT-GL22 is one of their most popular items.
The 24 Watt grow light comes with twelve 2W LEDs, with 3 bands of color spectrums of reds (630 and 660 nanometers), and blue (430 nanometers) which have been suggested as the most optimal spectrums for plant growths.
Applications
Being of a LED type,here are some considerations you might want to have for installation and application of the TaoTronics TT-GL22:
-The installation setup, as with most LEDs, is relatively easy
-LEDs, however, tend to need more space between the lamp and the plants. Being of a smaller LED, you can space the TaoTronics TT-GL22 18 inches or more from the plants.
-With two bands of red spectrum wavelengths, the TaoTronics TT-GL22 is more suitable for flowering and fruit periods
-Consists of 3 LEDs of 660 nm, 7 LEDs of 630 nm, and 2 LEDs of 460 nm
Accessories
You might want to consider using reflectors or combining with HID lamps for maximum yield and using programmable timers
Pros and cons
- Highly efficient
- Long lifetime expectancy of over 50,000 hours
- 12 months warranty+6 months extended warranty
- Three bands of red and blue lights can cover wide kinds of plants
- Very easy installation can fit standard E26 fittings, including a simple desk lamp
- Lower temperature can avoid heat venting and light burning
Cons
- Covers only red and blue spectrums, might want to combine with other lamps with green and white spectrums
- As mentioned, LEDs might need more space between the lamp and the plants
- LEDs tend to get smaller yields per watt, but compromised by its efficiency
TaoTronics 12W Led Grow light Bulb TT-GL20
TT-GL20 Bulb
Grow Plant Light for Hydropoics Greenhouse Organic
12W Led Grow light Bulb TT-GL20
The TaoTronics TT-GL22 is more suitable for flowering and fruit periods.
Another one from TaoTronics from the same line of products. The TT-GL20 is very similar to the TT-GL22 we discussed earlier, with the main difference being its 12W power instead of 24W.
With ‘only’ 12 Watts power usage, the TT-GL20 also utilized 12 LEDs, with 1W power for each.
With similar color spectrums to those of TT-GL22 (630 and 660 nm reds and 430 nm blue), the TT-GL20 might be your best choice if you are looking for a smaller wattage grow light.
Applications
Being of a LED type, here are some considerations you might want to have for installation and application of the TaoTronics TT-GL20:
- The installation setup, as with most LEDs, is relatively easy
- LEDs, however, tend to need more space between the lamp and the plants. Being of a smaller LED, you can space the TaoTronics TT-GL22 18 inches or more from the plants.Recommended distance is 20″-60″
- With two bands of red spectrum wavelengths, the TaoTronics TT-GL22 is more suitable for flowering and fruit periods.
- Smaller wattage made this grow light suitable for cloning and seedling period
- Consists of 3 LEDs of 660 nm,6 LEDs of 630 nm, and 3 LEDs of 460 nm. As you noticed, there is 1 more blue LED compared to the TT-GL22, also makes this light more suitable for seedling period
Accessories
You might want to consider using reflectors or combining with HID lamps for maximum yield and using programmable timers
Pros and cons
Pros
- Highly efficient
- Long lifetime expectancy of over 50,000 hours
- 12 months warranty+6 months extended warranty
- Three bands of red and blue lights can cover wide kinds of plants
- Very easy installation can fit standard E26 fittings, including a simple desk lamp
- Lower temperature can avoid heat venting and light burning
Cons
- Covers only red and blue spectrums, might want to combine with other lamps with green and white spectrums
- As mentioned, LEDs might need more space between the lamp and the plants
- LEDs tend to get smaller yields per watt, but compromised by its efficiency
TaoTronics 12W Led Grow light Bulb TT-GL20
TT-GL20 Bulb
Grow Plant Light for Hydropoics Greenhouse Organic
12W Led Grow light Bulb TT-GL20
The TaoTronics TT-GL22 is more suitable for flowering and fruit periods.
Another one from TaoTronics from the same line of products. The TT-GL20 is very similar to the TT-GL22 we discussed earlier, with the main difference being its 12W power instead of 24W.
With ‘only’ 12 Watts power usage, the TT-GL20 also utilized 12 LEDs, with 1W power for each.
With similar color spectrums to those of TT-GL22 (630 and 660 nm reds and 430 nm blue), the TT-GL20 might be your best choice if you are looking for a smaller wattage grow light.
Applications
Being of a LED type, here are some considerations you might want to have for installation and application of the TaoTronics TT-GL20:
- The installation setup, as with most LEDs, is relatively easy
- LEDs, however, tend to need more space between the lamp and the plants. Being of a smaller LED, you can space the TaoTronics TT-GL22 18 inches or more from the plants.Recommended distance is 20″-60″
- With two bands of red spectrum wavelengths, the TaoTronics TT-GL22 is more suitable for flowering and fruit periods.
- Smaller wattage made this grow light suitable for cloning and seedling period
- Consists of 3 LEDs of 660 nm,6 LEDs of 630 nm, and 3 LEDs of 460 nm. As you noticed, there is 1 more blue LED compared to the TT-GL22, also makes this light more suitable for seedling period
Accessories
You might want to consider using reflectors or combining with HID lamps for maximum yield and using programmable timers
Pros and cons
pros
- Highly efficient
- Long lifetime expectancy of over 50,000 hours
- 12 months warranty+6 months extended warranty
- Three bands of red and blue lights can cover wide kinds of plants
- Very easy installation can fit standard E26 fittings, including a simple desk lamp
- Lower temperature can avoid heat venting and light burning
cons
- Covers only red and blue spectrums, might want to combine with other lamps with green and white spectrums
- As mentioned, LEDs might need more space between the lamp and the plants
- LEDs tend to get smaller yields per watt, but compromised by its efficiency
- Power wattage relatively low, might need to install more lights to complement
Erligpowht 45W LED Red Blue
Erligpowht 45W LED
Hanging Light for Indoor Plant
Erligpowht 45W LED Red Blue
The Erligpowht LED Panel can be used for wide range of plants and growth stages.
Erligpowht LED Panel is a popular choice for indoor grow light, and with its reasons. Being relatively cheap, highly efficient, and satisfactory yield per wattage, Erlighpowht remains one of the best choices for indoor LED grow light.
The product is widely used in plant factories, greenhouses, indoor farms, and tissue culture facilities as well as many others, and is suitable for wide selection of plants such as herbs, lettuce, grapes, tomatoes, bananas, vegetables such as seaweeds, green peppers and gourd, as well as flowery plants like orchids.
Consists of 165 red LEDs of 650nm wavelength and 60 blue LEDs with 465 nm wavelength, totaling of 225 LEDs with 45 Watts of total energy.
Applications
The Erligpowht LED Panel can be used for wide range of plants and growth stages. Here are some considerations you might have regarding its installation and application:
-The built-in hanging system is quite simple to install, but is relatively thin. You might want to consider getting stronger rope hanger products from third-party
-Maintain enough space between the LED panel and the plants, with minimum space being 18″ apart
-Because this product only consists of blue and red color spectrums, you might want to combine it with other grow lights with white and green spectrums
Accessories
Commonly used with rope hangers, as well as a programmable timer. Can combine with grow lights with green and white color spectrums for better results.
Pros and cons
pros
- Highly efficient
- Many testimonies about high yields
- 225 LEDs in total with both red and blue spectrums
- Easy installation with its hanging system
- Being of molded plastic material, relatively durable
- 50,000 hours of lifetime expectancy
Cons
- Might need other lights with green and white spectrums to complement
- Being of a LED type, will need spacing between the light itself and the plants, recommended space is 18″ or more.
Morsen Full Spectrum Led Grow Light Bulb
Morsen Full Spectrum LED
LED Grow Light Bulb UV IR 30W E27 For Plants Vegetables Flower Hydroponic System Grow Tent AC85-265V
Oxo good grips pepper mill
One of the most affordable products, especially being full-spectrum.
The Morsen full spectrum LED, as the name suggests, offers full-spectrum color LEDs to cover a wide selection of plants as well as growth stages. This feature makes the Morsen Full Spectrum LED a popular choice, especially for low-wattage applications.
However, having a full-color spectrum is not its only great feature. The Morsen full spectrum LED grow light is famous for its efficiency, easy installation, and effective yield production by being one of the most affordable products on the market.
Applications
The Morsen Full Spectrum LED grow light consists of :
- 22 red spectrum LEDs
- 12 blue spectrum LEDs
- 2 white LEDs
- 2 infrared LEDs
- 2 UltraViolet LEDs
With full-color spectrums, you can apply this grow light to wide varieties of plants, as well as different growth stages.
Here are some considerations you might have during the installation and application of this product:
- Being a LED lighting, the installation process is relatively simple and almost a plug and play process
- Maintain at least 18″ of space between the lighting and the plants, during flowering periods, you might want to increase the space to avoid light burns
- Being a full spectrum grow light, you won’t need to combine this lighting with another product, and can cover almost all different growth periods
Accessories
You might want to consider some of these accessories:
- Reflectors to widen the coverage area
- Programmable timer for optimal lighting time management
Pros and cons
Pros
- Highly efficient in power usage
- Effective yield per wattage
- Full-color spectrums of red, blue, white, infrared, and ultraviolet
- Easy installation
- 1-year warranty
- One of the most affordable products, especially being full-spectrum.
Cons
- Will need to adjust the spacing between lighting and plants
- Might have the issue of durability, handle with care
- Power on the lower side, might need to install multiple lighting
- Actual wattage can fluctuate between 7 and 12 watts
VIPARSPECTRA Reflector-Series 300W LED
VIPARSPECTRA 300W LED
Reflector-Series 300W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants Veg and Flower
VIPARSPECTRA Reflector-Series 300W LED
This grow light can cover 9 sq ft (3’x3′) of growing area, with a recommended coverage being 2’x2′.
Viparspectra’s 300W Reflector-Series LED Grow Light is a widely successful grow light, especially for the above 100W class. Covering full-color spectrums, high lumen output and wide light coverage area, the product can cover both vegetative and flowering stages of plant growth by closely imitating true sunlight.
With its built-in 4,72″ cooling fans and heat sinks, the Viparspectra 300W grow light also has a great heat dissipation feature, maintaining cool temperature during use which is highly important to maintain plant’s health.
Applications
The Viparspectra 300W LED’s performance can compare to a 250W HID lamps, despite ‘only’ using an active wattage of 136 watts.
Here are some considerations you may have before installing this product:
- This grow light can cover 9 sq ft (3’x3′) of growing area, with a recommended coverage being 2’x2′
- Recommended space/height from plants are 24″ and above
- With full-color spectrums covered, this product can be used for many types of plants at different grow stages, and you most likely won’t need to complement it with another product.
Accessories
Here are some accessories you might want to consider for this product:
- Rope Hangers
Although the package comes with its own hanging kit, you might want to consider a stronger one
- Programmable Timer
Extremely important for an efficient hydroponic system
Pros and cons
Pros
- High wattage-lumens efficiency, very bright
- Wide coverage area of 3’x3′
- Reflector included
- Hanging kits and 6′ power cord included
- Lifespan expectancy of 100,000 hours
- Easy installation, won’t need additional ballast
- Full-color spectrums
- Built-in cooling fan and heatsinks
- 3 years warranty, 30 days return policy
Cons
- The 25′ height/space requirement might limit some applications
- Might have durability issues, handle with care
- The built-it hanging kit is relatively unstable, you might want a stronger one
Best LED Grow Lights : Galaxyhydro LED Grow Plant Light 300w Greenhouse Indoor Hydroponic
Galaxyhydro 300w LED
Plant Light 300w for Greenhouse Indoor Hydroponic Grow Lighting 9 Band
Galaxyhydro 300w LED
Galaxyhydro is a reputable company dedicated to the research and product developments surrounding the emerging hydroponic industry. Their 300W LED Grow Plant Light product deemed a special mention of being a 9-band color spectrum grow light with a best-seller status in many marketplaces.
Covering almost all of the essential color spectrums for healthy plant growth with 100 pieces of LED, the Galaxyhydro LED Grow Plant Light can cover many different kinds of plants from vegetables to fruits to flowers, and can be utilized in all growth stages from germination to vegetative to flowering stage.
Applications
Here are some considerations you might want to have before installing this product:
- The package comes with its own hanging kit, the installation process is relatively simple, and won’t need additional ballast
- Recommended height/spacing between light and plants are 48″-56″ during germination stage, 40″-48″ during vegetative stage, and 24″-40″ during flowering stage
- The product came with its built-in cooling system, and can maintain low temperature even after long usage.
Accessories
- You might want to consider replacing the hanging kit with stronger third-party products
- Lighting time is essential to maintain healthy plant growth, and you can maximize it with using a programmable timer
Pros and cons
Pros
- Nine bands of color spectrums covering red, blue, white, ultraviolet, and infrared lights
- Two built-in cooling system
- Two years warranty and 30 days return policy
- Can be used for wide selection of plants and all different growth stages
- Very durable and reliable
- Can cover up to 140 sq ft (13 sq m)
- Actual power is 145W, which is quite efficient compared to its competitors.
Pros
- Nine bands of color spectrums covering red, blue, white, ultraviolet, and infrared lights
- Two built-in cooling system
- Two years warranty and 30 days return policy
- Can be used for wide selection of plants and all different growth stages
- Very durable and reliable
- Can cover up to 140 sq ft (13 sq m)
- Actual power is 145W, which is quite efficient compared to its competitors.
cons
- Height and spacing requirements can limit its application, needing up to 48″ of height.
- The built-in cooling fans are relatively loud during usage.
MarsHydro Mars300 LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Hydroponic
MarsHydro Mars300 LED
Full Spectrum for Hydroponic Indoor Greenhouse
MarsHydro Mars300 LED
One of the most High power efficiency and energy saving products on the market.
MarsHydro is one of the most reliable brands for hydroponic lighting. With almost a decade of experience, their products are some of the most popular choices for hydroponic enthusiasts and industry practitioners.
The Mars300 is one of the best selling grow lights in 300W range, and not without its reasons. Covering red, white, and blue spectrums, the product is one of the best choices for vegetative and flowering stages. One of the few products available with UL-safety certifications, the product is very durable and reliable, while maintaining great power efficiency and yields.
Applications
The Marshydro Mars 300 is best utilized for vegetative and flowering growth stages, and will be the most effective with these following conditions:
- Coverage area of 2’x2′ during vegetative stage and 1.5’x1.5′ during flowering stage
- Recommended spacing to plants of at least 20″ during flowering stage, and 30″ during vegetative stage
- Steel hanging kit is included in the package, and the installation process is relatively easy
- Although the product is very durable, it is not intended for outdoor use
- 14-18 hours of lighting for flowering stage, 10-12 hours for vegetative stage
Accessories
You might improve the Mars 300’s performance by complementing it with other products such as:
Improving the included hanging kit with stronger rope wire products
Adding programmable timer to improve its efficiency and effectiveness
Pros and cons
Pros
- Red, blue, and white spectrums, perfect for both vegetative and flowering stage.
- Very durable and reliable with rigid construction.
- 1-year warranty with 30-day return policy.
- High power efficiency and energy saving.
- UL-safety certified, zero risks of catching fire.
- Easy installation and Use.
- Lifetime expectancy of up to 100,000 hours.
- One of the most affordable 300W-rated products on the market.
Cons
- Actual wattage is ‘only’ 132 Watts.
- Might need supplemental lighting to cover green spectrum, as well as infrared and ultraviolet lights.
- Height and spacing requirements might limit its applications.
- Maximum coverage area of ‘only’ 2’x2′ is less than its competitors.
OxyLED LED Grow Light Bulb
High Efficient Hydroponic Plant Grow Lights for Garden Greenhouse Aquatic 12W
OxyLOxyLED LED
This LED Grow Light Bulb Built-in heatsink, maintaining cool temperature during long usage.
If you are looking for an affordable grow light especially for small hydroponic projects, the OxyLED is one of the most affordable options you can get.
However, being cheap doesn’t necessarily mean it compromised the overall quality.The OxyLED Grow Light Bulb is highly efficient and came with 3 blue LEDs and 9 red ones, covering the red and blue color spectrums needed for plants’ healthy growth.
With focused spectrums of red and blue, the OxyLED is effective for leaf and fruit plants and can assist the photosynthesis process to promote healthy growth. Being of 12W in power wattage, the product is best utilized for small plants or small projects.
Applications
Here are some considerations for the installation and applications of the OxyLED Grow Light:
- Best installed with a height distance of 2′-3′ from plants
- The installation process, as with most low-wattage LEDs, is very simple
- Best utilized for flowering stage and germination stage
Accessories
- You might want to consider adding reflectors to widen the coverage area of the grow light
- Proper lighting time management is important to promote healthy growth, consider adding programmable timer
Pros and cons
Pros
- One of the most affordable grow light available on the market
- High energy efficiency
- Built-in heatsink, maintaining cool temperature during long usage
- Easy installation and very easy to use
- Durable and reliable
- 1-year warranty and 30-day return policy
- Covering red and blue light wavelengths highly important for plant growth
Cons
- Low wattage, might need to install multiple lights to achieve the desired result
- Small coverage area
- Relatively low overall light intensity and output
- Actual wattage of only 8 Watts
Ultimate Buying Guideline for Best LED Grow Lights
Although there are many factors that may affect your purchase decision, here are some of the most important ones you must consider:
1. Power Efficiency
The overall wattage usage and yield per watt are some of the most important considerations you might have, especially if you are running a commercial hydroponic farm. Consider whether the size of your grow area fits the wattage requirement of your selected grow light.
2. Color Spectrum
Different plants and different growth stages might need different color spectrums to achieve optimal growth. Make sure that your color spectrums match your crops’ needs.
3. Heat Dissipation
If you are using grow lights that will generate heat over time, you might need to build an additional heat ventilation system.
Editor’s Choice
Here are our product recommendations based on different factors we’ve discussed above:
1. Best Energy Efficiency
Winner: Galaxyhydro LED Grow Plant Light 300w
With the actual wattage of 145W, great yield/watt, and high overall efficiency, the Galaxyhydro LED Grow Plant is the best choice for an efficient hydroponic system.
2. Most Affordable
Winner: OxyLED LED Grow Light Bulb
Very cheap, but not of a cheap quality. High energy efficiency, red and blue color spectrums for a wide range of applications, and great overall performance.
3. Best Overall
Winner: Galaxyhydro LED Grow Plant Light 300w
The Galaxyhydro LED Grow Plant Light is not only power efficient, it’s also competitively priced, generating great yield per watt performance, and can cover full 9 band spectrums for a wide variety of applications.