Compare LED grow lights by wattage, spectrum, coverage area, efficiency, and price. Learn how to match the right light to your grow space.
Top LED brands we carry: ThinkGrow Model-I (720W, spectrum tunable, $649-749), PHOTOBIO MX 680W ($1,299), Gavita 1930e LED ($1,099). For inner canopy supplemental: ThinkGrow ICL-300 ($199). Budget options: various bar-style LEDs from $200-500.
Key specs to compare: efficiency (umol/J — higher is better, look for 2.5+), spectrum (full spectrum with deep red for flowering), coverage area, and warranty. Most commercial growers use bar-style fixtures for even canopy coverage.
LED is the standard for efficiency and spectrum control. Target PPFD: Seedlings 200-400, Veg 400-600, Bloom 600-900+. Light schedule: 18/6 for veg, 12/12 for bloom. Common LED options: bar-style fixtures (ThinkGrow, PHOTOBIO, Gavita) for commercial, panel-style for home grows.
Wattage guide: aim for 30-50 actual watts per sq ft. Hang height: follow manufacturer specs, typically 12-24 inches above canopy. Adjust height based on plant response — light stress shows as bleaching or taco-ing leaves.
For LED grow lights, aim for 30-40 watts per square foot of canopy for flowering. A 4x4 tent (16 sq ft) needs a 480-640W LED. For veg only, 20-25W per square foot is enough.
PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) measures the light wavelengths plants actually use (400-700nm). PPFD measures PAR intensity at canopy level. Aim for 800-1000 μmol/m²/s PPFD for flowering.
Full spectrum (white) LEDs are simpler and work well for most growers. Targeted spectrum (red/blue heavy) can push more energy into photosynthesis-active wavelengths but requires more expertise to dial in.