Grow Light Comparison – Mars Hydra vs Viparspectra

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When it comes to growing medicinal cannabis, it is imperative that you have a high quality and durable grow light. Today you can easily find a wide variety of grow lights on the market.
In fact, there are so many types and styles of grow lights that it can be overwhelming when shopping.
Two of the top leading brands for grow lights are Mars Hydra and Viparspectra. In actual fact, they surpass most grow lights in quality, durability, technology, and advancement.
Both brands provide numerous features and have their own specific benefits that can be quite valuable to the grower.
If you want the full breakdown and side by side comparisons, keep reading.
If you want the short version up front, here’s a simple table showing the side by side.
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Build and Design – Mars Hydro vs Viparspectra
Both the Mars Hydro and Viparspectra have an excellent build and design. However, both models are different and have their own unique features.
Mars Hydro – the build and design of the Mars Hydro grow light focused on top performance and high efficiency. It is equipped with the latest LED technology that delivers the highest PAR/LUMEN output with a Max 2.5g yield per wattage (power draw). The design is superior to the traditional 600w HPS grow systems with maximum quantity and quality at 100w. Moreover, the low wattage offers premium efficiency, drastically cutting your utility bill and overhead. The Mars Hydro light also disperses heat quickly with its high reflective heat sink. The aluminum also reduces light lost to the walls and aisles by increasing the light intensity up to 20%. Moreover, it features a noise-free fan constructed of aluminum for a fast cool-down and a longer shelf life.
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Viparspectra – designed to provide growers with high level photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), which is the amount of light that is available. The grow light also has a customized light spectrum for increased yields and optimal plant growth. As well, it is very efficient and consumes minimal energy which drastically lowers operating costs. Viparspectra’s lights are designed with three major financial drivers to help customers accomplish their business and cultivation goals.
- Improve revenue per square foot
- Lower operating costs per pound (finished product)
- Offer high quality, reliable and year round crop production
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The Spectrum – Mars Hydro vs Viparspectra
Both the Mars Hydro and the Viparspectra grow light have excellent full spectrum to improve your plants health, production, and yields.
Like all other plants, cannabis plants require a certain amount of light spectrum to be healthy and productive. Blue light is best during the vegetative stage.
Red light is ideal for the flowering stage. For optimum results, your plants need other colors on the spectrum as a supplement.
According to the Marijuana Seeds Center, the best light spectrum for cannabis is as follows:
- Vegetative stage – blue spectrum that reaches between 400 and 500 nm is optimal
- Flowering stage – red lights ranging from 620 to 780 nm is the best. 660 nm is considered the optimal number
Mars Hydro – has an innovative full spectrum light that features more warm red and white lights. This is excellent for all stages of growth, from vegetative to flowering. It is also good for larger buds. It has a full spectrum of 3000K, 5000K, and IR 660nm plus 760nm RED.
Viparspectra – has optimal full spectrum lighting that supports the perfect light from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage. The full spectrum lights encourage higher yields and bigger buds. In addition, the grow lights have a dimmable feature that allows precise control for each particular stage. It also features a Reflector design that increases PAR output by 50%.
Coverage Capabilities of Both Brands
Coverage capabilities are important when growers need to decide on deciding which grow light to buy. Actually, the coverage capacity is highly dependent on your needs.
For instance, if you have a 20” growing area then a 2’ x 2’ coverage with 130w should be sufficient. On the other hand, if your grow area is larger such as 24”, then you may want to consider a coverage capacity of 3’ to 4.5’ at 140w.
So if you have a smaller sized growing area, then a grow light with a larger capacity would not be the best choice. Likewise, selecting a grow light with a small coverage capacity is not the best choice if you have a large growing area.
When it comes to coverage capacity, the Mars Hydro and Viparspectra are pretty similar. Both offer about the same amont of coverage capacity.
Mars Hydro – the Mars Hydro has a capacity of four for 4’ x 4’ coverage. It has a 600w LED Grow Light with a 2’ x 2’ Sunlike Full Spectrum. In addition, it offers a high reflective heat sink LED grow system that increases light intensity by 20%.
Viparspectra – the Viparspectra has a coverage capacity of 2’x2’. It is ideal for vegetative coverage at 24”and 1.5’x1.5’ and for flowering coverage at 18”. For optimum results, you should hang the grow light at 20″-34″ for the vegetation stage. During the flowering stage, the light should hang at 16″-20″. In addition, you can adjust the height and brightness to fit your growing needs.
Power Efficiency – Mars Hydro vs Viparspectra
Power efficiency grow lights are extremely important, especially when it comes to saving costs. Not only does an efficient grow light cut back on energy consumption but it also has a longer lifespan.
Both the Mars Hydro and Viparspectra grow lights are highly effective and efficient.
Mars Hydro – The Mars Hydro consumes only 100 Watts of true output with an amazing 225 PCS LEDs. It also has a higher intensity with its fast heat dispersing aluminum the decreases light that’s lost to walls and aisles.
Viparspectra – The Viparspectra grow light has an actual power draw of 130W ±3% at 120V. What is more, it has a lifespan of more than 100,000 hours. Another great feature includes lighting safety. It is UL Certified and meets the UL arduous testing and safety standards. As well, it is fire resistant.
Warranty and the Budget Factor – Mars Hydro vs Viparspectra
Buying a grow light is an investment. For security and ease of mind, it is important to have a warranty. As well, a cost effective price is always desired.
Unfortunately, many grow lights do not come with a warranty. However, both the Mars Hydro light and Viparspectra have you covered.
Mars Hydro light – The Mars Hydro light comes with a 3 year hassle free warranty. In addition, the price tag is very reasonable for such a high quality grow light.
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Viparspectra – The Viparspectra grow light comes with a three year local warranty and a 30 day money back guarantee. In addition, they offer free advice on how to help you grow your plants better. The cost for a Viparspectra is very reasonable and about the same price as the Mars Hydro.
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Mars Hydro Reflector Overall
The Mars Hydro Reflector is a very affordable and efficient grow light with high quality. In fact, rarely do you find the quality at such a good price.
It utilizes the latest technology and can be daisy chained.
The grow light is similar to natural light and offers full spectrum 3000K, 5000K, and IR 660nm and 760nm RED. It is applicable for all plants stages such as the vegetative and flowering stage.
It also offers a highly reflective heat sink which boosts light intensity up to 20%. In addition, it features a noiseless fan for a more peaceful experience.
The Mars Hydro Reflector is the perfect choice for beginning growers who want to save costs.
Pros
- Noise free fan
- High efficiency, consuming only 100 watts
- Full spectrum of 3000K, 5000K, and IR 660nm plus 760nm RED
- Delivers the highest PAR/LUMEN output with Max 2.5g yield per wattage
Cons
- Some consumers claim it gets a little hot
- No switch on the unit. It only has a big fat power cord
Viparspectra Overall
The Viparspectra is a great choice for both novice and mid-tier growers. The lights have a very affordable price, which is rare for such high quality.
The grow lights are definitely appropriate for maximizing yields and keeping plants healthy. One of its greatest features includes full spectrum light and a Reflector design that increases PAR output by 50%.
It is also energy efficient using only 300 watts. The Viparspectra grow light also has a lifespan of more than 100,000 hours.
It comes with a three year local warranty plus a 30 day money back guarantee. In addition, the Viparspectra UL Certified for safety standards.
Pros
- Height and brightness can be adjusted
- High quality spectrum& dimmable features
- UL Certified – meets arduous testing and safety standards
- Daisy Chain feature – the ability to connect multiple lights together with fewer outlets
Cons
- A few issues with the fan being too loud
- Some consumers claim that there is reduced brightness after a year
Viparspectra Vs Mars Hydro LED Grow Light – Final Verdict
Both grow lights have high quality standards, has about the same amount of coverage capabilities, and similar warranties.
Although both grow lights are priced about the same, the Mars Hydro is by far more efficient using 100w as opposed to the 300w watts that the Viparspectra light uses. However, the Viparspectra grow light features a Reflector design that increases PAR output by 50%.
The Mars Hydro only offers a 20% increase.
In addition, the Viparspectra offers more features such as a lifespan of more than 100,000 hours, is fire resistant and is UL Certified for safety standards.
If you are looking to save costs, then the Mars Hydro is a great option. However, if you prefer extra features then the Viparspectra grow light should best fit your needs.
Regardless of which grow light you decide on, you will make a good choice. They are both great quality at an affordable price.            Â