Optic LED GMax 300 Dimmable LED Grow Light VS Grow Light Science Grow 300

 Indoor Grow lights are lifesavers to plants which for one reason or another are unable to obtain the benefits of natural light. The LED technology has stepped up to provide quality grow lights that will facilitate the growth of indoor plants.

Are LEDs Effective?

LED grow models have been proven to run cooler than conventional grow lights. Aside from this, they are more energy-efficient as well. On the downside, they are more expensive than other models. The question is, are LED grow models worth the extra money? Are they really worth the investment?

It’s important to note that there’s a significant variation of efficiency within different LED models. Although some manufacturers claim that their lights are nearly 100% efficient, the truth is slightly different. A good commercial LED grow light converts approximately 80% of the electricity into light. The remaining 20 percent is converted into heat.

Total output comes into play, too. The higher the output, the more light per watt. This results in less electrical usage and such a light is more cost-effective. Weighing all these factors, LED grow lights are no doubt worth the investment.

Do LED Grow Lights Require a ballast?

Unlike HID lighting, grow lights LED do not require a ballast at all. HID grow light models need a ballast so as to produce higher voltage, thereby initiating the electric arc in the bulb. LED fixtures operate completely differently and they need direct current to work.

Optic LED GMax 300 Dimmable LED Grow Light

Features:

Optic LED delivers the most advanced Green House LED Grow Light Experience on the Planet. 1 Touch Screen gives you full control over multiple GMAX Lights so you can fine-tune your lighting system with the Programmable Dimmers, Spectrum Control & Auto Sunrise. Your Gmax 300 Lighting System is fully versatile to grow any type of plants or Crops at any stage in their life cycles and do it at the highest level of performance possible between the Programmable Dimmers so you can set any level of light intensity for any point during the day & Spectrum Controls. GMax 300 is Equipped with the Latest in Horticulture LED Technology from Samsung with their new V2 LH351H Deep Red LEDs (3.75 umols/J) which weren't expected to hit the mainstream until 2022.

HID/HPS Equivalent: 600w HPS
Kelvin: 3500K DayLight White
IP Rating: IP65 Waterproof — Green House Rated
PAR Efficacy: 3.0 umols/j
PPF : 2,903 umols
Actual Power Draw: 300 Watts
LEDs per Watt: 2.6
Amps: 3 Amps at 120v (1.5Amp @240v)
Lifetime: 100,000 Hours+
Warranty: 10 Years full warranty — Lifetime warranty on Meanwell Driver
Dimming: 0–100% Dimming Capabilities (Dimmer Included)
(Works with external touchscreen Master Controller
Dimensions: 22" x 4.5" x 6"

Grow Light Science Grow 300

Features:

The Grow Light Science grow light tailored wavelengths for particular photomorphogenic responses, photoperiodic signals, chlorophyll A and B absorption, xanthophyll carotenoid pigments, and anthocyanin accumulation in plant tissue using a mix of LEDs including 3000K and 5000K (CCT) Samsung 301B white and 660 nm red. The result is a broad-spectrum power distribution ideal for full-cycle cultivation. High-quality light output for your plants at the lowest upfront cost. When you buy a grow light you want to invest in light output that will make your plants thrive. You want an appropriate level of photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) — the portion of emitted photons that your plants care about — with an optimum spectral distribution (mix of wavelengths) that are needed for photosynthesis to occur.

Wattage draw: 321 Watts
LEDs: Top-Bin LM301B Samsung diodes, OSRAM Hyper Red 660nm red
Beam angle: 120°
CRI: 90 
PAR Efficacy: 2.75 μmol/J
PPF: 884 μmol/s
Dimmable: Yes, 1–10v
Driver: Mean Well ELG Series or WeledPower HHA Series (both have 5-year warranty and a 50,000+ hour lifetime)
Weight: 14.2 lbs
Voltage: AC120~270V
Amperage: 1.7A @ 120V; 50Hz — 60Hz

Things You Must Know Before Buying a LED Grow Light

If you start off with the wrong grow light, it will ruin all your efforts and wreak havoc on your plants as well. That’s why you should make a wise purchase. Following is a detailed list of the essential factors that should be looked for when choosing a commercial LED grow light.

Output
One of the first factors you should consider is the output delivered. Therefore, make sure to read the product description for the total output to find out how many units a certain light claims to have.

It can range from 300W to more than 1000W. But if you need a grow light for commercial purposes, we recommend that you search for at least 400W.

Keep in mind that you cannot always get 100 percent power from your LEDs, so you’re very likely to end up with somewhat less output. Also, chips are going to burn out after a while regardless of the quality. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to go for a bit higher wattage than recommended. That’ll help you compensate for wattage loss.

Heat
Heat and light always go hand in hand. The temperature of a grow space plays a vital role when it comes to indoor growing. That said, the grow lights are deemed to be the biggest contributor to rising temperatures in grow rooms or tents.

While this problem can be addressed with the help of a ventilation system, you are advised to choose full-spectrum LED and avoid this issue altogether.

Spectrum
The next factor you need to take into consideration is the light spectrum. Both infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) count when growing plants indoors.

Even though plants are capable of growing under different types of light, you need to choose an ideal PAR value that allows for efficient photosynthesis. A full-spectrum LED light is a safe bet. It lets you cater to the specific needs of your plants throughout each stage of growth.

As a rule of thumb, the best option is blues which have a range anywhere from 440nm to 470nm as well as rends somewhere between 640nm and 660nm. So, you want to stick to that spectrum for optimal results.

Wavelength
By emitting different wavelengths, LEDs stimulate herb plants during different stages of the life cycle. A specific wavelength affects the particular aspect of plant growth, be it seeding, vegetation, or flowering.

If you want the LED grow light to cater to your plants at different stages, then you should go for a full spectrum or an adjustable LED light.

Just like the sun, the full spectrum consists of an extensive range of wavelengths. That makes them beneficial at all growth stages and for all sorts of plants. On the other hand, adjustable LEDs allow you to vary the light output so that you can adjust the wavelength according to any given stage.

Electricity Consumption
Your grow lights are gonna work for about 12 hours every single day and thus increase your electricity bill considerably. Therefore, it pays to buy the more expensive high-end lights that featureless electricity consumption. They reduce the bills and save money in the long run.

Growing Space & Footprint Coverage
Your growing space is another important factor when buying a lighting system. That’s because it determines the size, wattage, and amount of LED lights.

It’s recommended to measure the dimensions of your grow room first. Then you can start searching for lamps with adequate footprint coverage. That will give you a better idea of how many grow lights you need. Look for the coverage area in both the blooming and vegetative stages.

Materials & Quality Build
Last but not least, check for materials and the build of the lights. As with any device for growing plants indoors, durability always matters. If a LED grow light is made from high-quality materials, chances are it will last for up to ten years. During this period of time, you will not have to make any changes to your setup.

Look for the best LED grow light models on the market that are made in the USA, as they typically abide by strict criteria and high industry standards, using top-notch components along with the best production methods. Pay close attention to panels. These need to be sturdy and made of steel, aluminum, or materials that don’t break easily.

Budget
Budget is another important factor to take into account when browsing through commercial LED grow models. There’re a lot of premia LEDs available with more capabilities and features than other grow lights. On the other hand, there are also many budget-friendly options on the market that can still do a good job.

So, be sure to consider your budget and choose a light within your price range that comes with the features that work best for you.

Conclusion

Use these points above to help you navigate the world of LED grow lights and ensure you choose the best LED grow light for your garden. Furthermore, use the specifications published by the manufacturer to determine how the LED