LED grow light comparison - Mars Hydro TS3000 vs Spider Farmer SF4000 vs Viparspectra XS4000

[@pursaveer9027]

I'm fairly new to LED growing, and I started with Spider Farmer. The SF-4000 have very poor light distribution in a 4X4, as you pointed out in this most excellent video. In flower, there's a hot spot in the middle. I've taken them out of flower and will only use them mounted high up in a veg room from now on. It seems silly to me that the Spider Farmer people don't copy HLG (and others) and have at least a non-lit 'spacer' area between the pairs of quantum boards to distribute the light better. A few cents more aluminum would make this light a MUCH better light. It amazes me that they don't see that. And how about longer wires to mount the drivers outside the tent? You can use 2 SF-2000s instead of 1 SF-4000 and get IDENTICAL output, but with better light distribution. Of course, the better light distribution comes at a cost. Also, the way the specs are represented for the 2 different lights doesn't jive. The SF-4000 is simply 2 SF-2000s stuck together, yet it boasts 50 more watts than the pair of SF-2000s (450 watts compared to 2X200 watts). SO: the SF-4000 is over-driven OR the SF-2000s are under-driven. Which statement is true? No amount of asking Spider Farmer has produced a logical answer to this question. I also have Mars Hydro SP-3000s. The length is nice, but too skinny. The UV diodes are very few, and don't seem to make a difference. The light is a blue-white color. 2 of these in a 4X4 would work to flower. I'm using one for side-lighting now, since the shape doesn't block air flow from the oscillating fan. These lights run cool, and are well-made. The driver can be mounted outside the tent. Mars Hydro TSL-2000s are quite inexpensive, come with a timer and temperature/humidity gauge, but are cheaply made. The light distribution is better than the SP-3000, and it is a warmer color. I think 2 of these in flower would be better than 2 of the SP-3000s, but the build quality makes me think it won't last as long as the SP-3000s. The shiny aluminum reflector is not anodized, it's just raw aluminum. It will oxidize and lose reflectivity. In my limited experience, this is probably the best bang for your LED buck, because of the price and light distribution. I also have Viparspectra P-4000s, the forerunner of the XS-4000. They are described as suitable for a 5X5- ridiculous. 2 of them, yes :) These lights are well-made, and very stylish to look at. I like the way the diodes are spread out. The spectrum is about the same as Spider Farmer, just looking at the light. The XS-4000 is supposed to be a much better light for quite a bit more money, because it has better diodes. Another reviewer commented that the light has better diodes, but less of them, so they are over-driven. I don't have any of the XS-4000s though. After a few grows with quantum board-style LEDs, I've concluded that the squarish-shaped lights are the worst, in terms of practicality. 4 SF-1000s will ALWAYS be better than 2 SF-2000s, which will ALWAYS ALWAYS be better than a single SF-4000. I would strongly advise against buying an SF-4000 because the light distribution is so poor, and because they could easily do better, but choose to continue running extra hot (middle area) to save a few pennies. If you MUST choose Spider Farmer, spend more money and get your best growing value, the SF-2000s. A final little note: I bought a 200 watt 'Maxsisun' board that was 1/3 cheaper than the 200 watt SF-2000. It's just as bright, and the board is thicker. The diodes are cheaper, and there are less of them (1/3 less, actually;). The plants can't seem to tell the difference. It probably won't last as long, but the price was right, and for some of us, price is the most important consideration. I have used every one (or more) of these lights in flower, and they all produced a good product. Again, the least plant happiness was seen under the SF-4000- in veg and flower rooms.

[@growbuds5072]

Thanks for the valuable feedback! This is very much appreciated. Best regards,

[@JL-es2fp]

Shit you went in !!!!

[@greenghost-xi5jp]

Buddy u claim overdriven underdriven as if you know! Maxisun is shity brand diodes and 1/3 less plus shity quality means way the fuck over driven in your way of thinking. All led brands run diodes at 50% max driven rating. This is standard and gives better efficiency and longer life. When more diodes are added they run less. If u really understood the vipar 4000 (current model) is better than the one you have by leaps and bounds maybe to you they seem the same as w the maxi but over time and w useage you will find a very different feeling! More diodes of better quality always makes a better light period. To even suggest the maxisun is the same as a sf4000 is asinine especially after your overdriven underdriven drivel!

[@pursaveer9027]

@@greenghost-xi5jp I see that you are angry. Take a moment to re-read what I've written, a little more carefully this time. 1) I did NOT "claim over-driven under-driven as if you (I) know" at all. I stated what I do know, and then suggested 2 possibilities. I then asked which of those 2 possibilities was the more likely one. I didn't claim to know anything other than what I stated as facts. Perhaps you could refute the statements I made that are incorrect, and then criticize me from that point on. 2) Your writing about the vipar 4000 (whatever that is) is unintelligible. You seem to be disagreeing with Migro's test results that I reported. Perhaps you could correct his misrepresentations, after you state what his mistakes are. 3) Nobody suggested a "maxisun is the same as a sf4000. You are right that such a statement would be asinine- if it was made. But alas, it wasn't. If there are any other points that you feel need clarification, please state them and I will clarify so that you have a better understanding of what was actually said.

[@that1guy167]

👏👏👏👍🙏

[@1painter4hire]

Viparspectra is hands down, best lights for the $$$ . XS series 👍

[@999fine5]

Maxsisun uses accurate data in their listing, not only that, if you contact them with proof that the listing is off they will verify and change the info on the listing. That's honorable conduct,and rare. Most of The other companies inflate their numbers by 30% or more. Get a PAR meter and check yourself.

[@isaacou8549]

I just got my XS4000 today it is very bright. I'm happy with it

[@gregkramer5588]

Now we have the FC-E 4800 from Mars, that one looks pretty nice!

[@bbltd.3154]

15:00 for brilliant results

[@tyeueyu]

I love the effort that went in to cutting out the umms. Thankyou

[@villain3131]

I have the Spider farmer sf 4000 in a 5 by 5 tent and it works fine .

[@michael2305]

it works alright, but when you put four sf-2000s in it you will see what FINE really means. :D

[@m.ka.5058]

i got two sf4000s in an 8x4 and it shreds balls.

[@thejurnalist9870]

Thank for the video I've been waiting for this comparison

[@Unc_Shine]

They upped the price of SpiderFarmer's last week. Now the SF4000 is $630! Other than that thanks for all the info, keep it up bro!

[@johnnysailiata]

They just dropped the Spider farmer SF 7000! For 800$

[@growbuds5072]

Thank you! Yes the price has been increased by the manufacturer recently since they have limited quantities available apparently.

[@dogmosatchmo]

The new sf4000, has a different diode layout, and upgraded drivers that don't get anywhere near as hot. It's also significantly cheaper than it was. I got my new one for 325 with a promo code.I have both, and Spider Farmer seems to address issues, listen to their customers, and have great customer service. Mars Hydro doesn't even honor their warranty without pulling teeth. And by pulling teeth, I mean having to do a chargeback because they claimed damage in shipment isn't their responsibility. I don't even shop at grow shops that push Mars hydro, it's that serious for me.

[@TommyMurrayJr]

What promo code did you use

[@alphaomega8373]

Mars for my win. Can't touch their customer service. Over a year pass the warranty and they still take care of you. Without making to feel like you are on trial. Zero complains and my plant thrive with the two ts-1000s i have. Regret buying the King Plus 1200w they had a buy one and half off the second one. But in the end they will all do the job.

[@alphaomega8373]

@@Retrakk Thanks Timothy!

[@irnesbegic8892]

I want to get the mars tsw2000. You think two of them would be enough for 6 plants?

[@alphaomega8373]

@@irnesbegic8892 Would be perfect space the light no more that 4 inches apart

[@alphaomega8373]

@@irnesbegic8892 Once things get back to normal and my budget allows. I am going all out and get the 3000.

[@samuelperson8090]

You're joking right? Fuck mars hydro customer service. TS3000 failed in kess than 4 months of use and I've been waiting a month for my warranty replacement.....don't worry it's on its way, so sorry for any inconvenience this has caused. I'm 40 emails in and for the first 3 weeks they asked me to disassemble the drivers and send them pictures. Fuck mars hydro

[@mellowman8695]

They changed the light layout on the new sf 4000 lights. The lights are more concentrated on the outer corners.

[@onksjason]

Good to hear I’m definitely leaning to giving spider farmer my 600 bucks.

[@antoniowest3148]

Way better layout on the new one! Just got it and comes with the dimmer now

[@emmawilley8190]

The new viparspectra bar light should be on list ,is an awesome bit of gear packed full of leading hardware

[@flsfamily7897]

Has anybody tested the 1800w X6 cob led. I had a few grows with it works really good

[@paullares7566]

It would have been helpful to know the hang height of each light

[@RicoRodriguezGrows]

XS4000 makes my plants happy

[@RicoRodriguezGrows]

1 year later I’m replying on my own comment I still absolutely LOVE this light I just purchased a second one. Hopefully I get the newer version!

[@innocentbystander856]

Spiderfarmer SE 7000 is the best so called budget light you can get...it will totally cover a 4×4 and more ...I currently got 2 SF 4000s in a 4×8 tent and you barely get complete coverage and really you don't because my mylar tent is amplifying the lights...the SF is a good light for the money but the NEW SE series is the way to go... this is the light that's built for your tent the dimensions on the se7000 are 45"×45" and it looks like the sun 😎

[@samuelperson8090]

I love my se7000! In a 5x5 I have 1150 in the middle and 900 at the corners.

[@krazykillar4794]

I subscribed. Best comparison and review channel Respect 👍.

[@davidyhan]

i dunno about other lights. but i use mars t3000. and its def worth it. i got it used for 120 a pop

[@SimplyGrowBudz]

Thanks for the review it really helps us guys

[@clear2b416]

Where's viparspectra they're cheaper an I believe much better but that's my opinion. But I'm rarely wrong . Actually all three light companies get the job done very well for the money. I just like the quality of viparspectra Mars is almost there they actually have the daisy chain which could come in handy. I think spider farmer is overpriced! But people really like them.

[@growbuds5072]

Thanks for the feedback! Viparspectra has some older models that are quite affordable but we have reviewed their latest model the XS4000 which is quite kore expensive. Best regards,

[@Retrakk]

@@growbuds5072 Their P series lights are equally solid (arguably the better light, at least more cost effective), and would probably make for a better comparison. Just as much output as the XS, but far cheaper due to the off-brand diodes and driver.

[@jasonkrysta4113]

The worst light of the 3 is vipar

[@Retrakk]

@@jasonkrysta4113 Not if you take longevity into account. That lower running temperature will equate to longer lasting components (less degradation of diodes).

[@brianmcdermott2596]

now that the xs4000 can be had for under 375$ does that make a difference in all this?

[@josesoria5199]

At what distance did you measure the usable PPF of 831 umol/s for the spider farmer sf-4000?

[@alexmaclean1]

So based on this if I found an sf 4000 for sale for $470 it would be a pretty good buy then.

[@erikmiddleton179]

Spider farmer 4000 best in a 3x3 and it performs best at 24 inch from canopy I find to be the sweet spot

[@michael2305]

I said it once I'll say it again --> 2x sf-2000 > 1x sf4000, you can hang the sf 2000s @ 18 inches and run them at 90% with much better uniformity.

[@alexmaclean1]

​@@michael2305 still making a choice on lighting, do you still stand by this statement?

[@1painter4hire]

So to use a light as a starting point for a first grow, which would you buy ? Please 🙏 any help would be appreciated. Thank You

[@dannybeck6156]

Mars hydro cheaper and still dose the trick

[@1painter4hire]

@@dannybeck6156 Thank You 👍

[@dannybeck6156]

I run the two 2000 and a spider 600 cob blurple led for a 5x5 an they work well

[@1painter4hire]

Wow, that sounds like a great set up, never thought of mixing the different types, makes more sense though. Got me thinking 🤔, Thanks Again for Your Time

[@jasonmaheux4216]

@@1painter4hire mars is yge way to ho

[@darrenmahabir3295]

your chart for the spiderfarmer and mars hydro are identical values!

[@WildBill496]

Rumor is they are the same company.

[@mothergreen2115]

Thank you i saw that also all 64 numbers are the same. I also noticed the temperature listed was 60C for both the driver and heat sink for the mars but the spider farmer was 65C driver and 53c heat sink but spider farm gets the thumbs up. i would think that you would want lower driver temperatures but i new to this and i may be wrong if so please let me know.

[@briangray426]

How can you call this accurate if you tested them from different heights. You had to get the mars hydro way lower to achieve the same thing from the Spider Farmer... and I have seen this test elsewhere and the numbers were way higher...

[@growbuds5072]

Hi Brian, Sorry if the explanation was not clear regarding this specific aspect of the test. We could have placed all the fixtures at the same height but this would have given a lot of room for misinterpretation because if you take the SF4000 for example and you place it at the same height as the TS3000 you will get very high readings in the central area (so intense that it’s above the recommended 1000-1500 ppfd) on top of that, since it’s hanging too low, the light can’t spread very much so you end up with a small area with ridiculously high intensity and the rest with almost nothing. This is what the focal effect does , it’s like placing a flash light too close to the wall. You won’t light the entire room. So if we instead decided that we want a healthy light intensity to be our maximum reading (in this case 1000 ppfd) we can then place all the fixtures at slightly different distances and compare how they perform. Some test might give higher results of course, the fact that our mylar is not the best you can get and there is a side of the tent open will reduce the overall performances. Hope this helps,

[@jonyoakem6882]

How would you use the dimmer in veg and or flower and why

[@r777phy]

To stop strain on the driver also could be to set the wattage it pulls from wall lower

[@agendreygrec3695]

That's not a method to compare. You should have tested them at the same height or give the height to reach 1000 PPFD. But even that information is wrong, the optimum for cannabis is 1500 to reach a 60 DLI. Because actually Usable PPF does not mean anything, it is DLI we use to compare an indoor grow to a sunlight grow (sun = optimum light condition).

[@growbuds5072]

Thanks for the feedback. We have made some improvements like displaying the heights but even without that information this test provides a benchmark to compare grow lights specifically. When we look at the total PPF it mostly gives us an idea of the efficiency and coverage of the product. This is useful when we have to compare many products ( we are not comparing with the sunlight here, maybe we’ll do in a next video) From there if you want you can calculate your DLI and all that stuff ( 60 DLI is not THE optimal number it depends on the strain and other factors) We feel that for most growers 1000 PPFD is a reasonable target but you can always give them less or more, it’s your choice. Thank you,

[@MM-ie5jo]

Can you test And compare spider farmer 7000 vs spiral farmer 4000? Please and thank you.

[@growbuds5072]

We will in the near future! Thanks for the recommendation :)

[@CrilleyG]

Thanks for all the info , by any chance did you record the heights where they hit the 1000ppf in the center. I have the Mars Hydro Ts 3000 and just curious if I'm too close to my canopy top. And you just did the test on two of the lights I own. Thanks in advance if you did rocord the it.

[@johnnysailiata]

Most likely you are,especially if you have a taller plant,I have the same issue,had to top my plant when I really didn’t want too,the problem is the hanging wires are too long you can make you’re own to shorten them,make you able to pull the light higher

[@Mr_PNW]

@@johnnysailiata I don’t own that light but looking at how the wires attach to the metal frame surrounding the drivers, may I suggest adding four holes at the lowest lip in each corner. Then just use four rope hangers, bypassing those stock wires altogether. Your light would be more stable at 4 points spread out. You would also be able to bring it up higher at that lower connection point.

[@tylertylertyler3521]

Cool test. Just got a ts3000 mars hydro to test.

[@joel6300]

how is it!? i’m thinking of buying a ts3000 soon, i have 3 plants in a 4x6 vegged under a ts1000, is the 3000 enough for 3 plants?

[@prestontingley8914]

This is amazing, I was looking for a comparison between Mars’s TSL2000 vs SF2000 but this about says it. I’m still curious if tsl will have way better light uniformity, therefore more even growing canopy

[@SageLakshmi]

In general sf lights have a higher ppfd but drop off a bit along the corners and edges than the mars hydro

[@gdahlberg55]

Are you french Canadian?

[@gregoryhelton2408]

Ok i want to grow some weed and I've been looking for the best over light for a 5x5 tent. There's so many choices and it can be confusing?!?!?!!? What I need to know is what is the best light that isn't going to cost a zillion bucks for a 5x5 tent?!?! Any help is appreciated and thank you!!!!!

[@growbuds5072]

If you want something state of the art you might have to spend a little bit more than very cheap products with dubious claims. Especially if you are in a 5x5 going for a Quantum Board might not be the most effective long-term choice. I would suggest looking into this light: www.wegrowbuds.co/products/photontek-x-600w-pro-led-grow-light It’s from a reputable company so the claims are as real as they get and various trustable reviews point to to this as being a good professional light that stays quite affordable for what you get.

[@growjaysimpson4646]

You want to get one light that will actually fill your tent you're going to spend money. Check out medic grow. They have a 1000 watt bar fixture that will kill it for you in a 5x5 and the cost is way lower than any other fixture in its class. Good luck sir. The light he recommends to you is about 300 more dollars and 400 less watts than the one on medic grow

[@gregoryhelton2408]

@@growjaysimpson4646 I decided to go with the Crecer PanthR 2. It has really good reviews and it's affordable as well. Thank you kind sir for your input!!!

[@jccuchvjvj]

Is any difference between lm301h, lm301b, Seoul 3030 leds? No one yet compared them with the same driver.

[@growbuds5072]

Great question! We will check if we could compare those in the future. It would be very interesting indeed.

[@winstonpratt604]

From what i know the h is the same as the b with a longer lifespan i dont believe its spectrums changed or anything tho

[@jccuchvjvj]

@@winstonpratt604 I'm 99% sure it's the same. They say Seoul ain't worse in any way but there's no real test right there to be sure is there any difference Watt per Watt.

[@jasonkrysta4113]

What heights would be handy to know?

[@jakeholland6194]

It's more complicated than just heat when it comes to leds. My advice is to follow the heights that came with the specific lights directions. Start with the largest distance from canopy , then lower it until the plants react negativity (drooping away from light etc.)

[@charlespolack]

Are you planning on doing another video comparing any of the higher end LED'S? Im curious how Luxx would compare to these.

[@growbuds5072]

Yes we will! We will try to have some Luxx to review as well :)

[@frankst2788]

What type of sensor is that you use on the grid?

[@Rottentaters]

It’s a PAR meter (photosynthetic available radiation)

[@timarena1365]

Why didn’t you use the Mars ts4000 ?

[@samuelperson8090]

I guarantee it isn't the ts3000.....fuck mars hydro and their customer service. Half of my ts3000 won't light up all of a sudden and their advice was to take apart the drivers and wiring to see if anything got burned! Fuck them so hard. I also have a 2020 spider farmer se3000 and a 2021 se7000. So far spider farmer will get all of my future business.

[@lonniestilley8382]

I cant even get a response from spider farmer. Spent thousands on their equipment, now when a light fails after not even a year. Good luck getting them to honor their warranty. Good luck even getting a response 👍 plus they run to hot, fix the sink or add fans

[@briangray426]

It actually says that is covers 6×6 veg and 5x5 in flowering ... for spider farmer anyway

[@jasonkrysta4113]

Mine doesnt, states 5x5 and 4x4 for flower?

[@briangray426]

@@jasonkrysta4113 that's strange. Sf4000 right?

[@romondoalexander8851]

Why you callin these “budget”? what would not be a budget LED for a 2x4 tent?

[@skunkybudtoker9092]

Did you actually check the wattage on the lights? The listed watts are never accurate.

[@growbuds5072]

Not for this test, but we will in the future. They are. Indeed not always accurate but most of the time by very little. It’s however an improvement on the accuracy of our protocol for sure! Thanks for the feedback,

[@名誉-g2b]

Hi guys, I'm French, I watched the video but I'm having a little trouble understanding English. I would like to buy a 120x120x200 cm box. What would you advise me ? Ts 3000 ? Sf4000? Viparspectra XS4000 ? Do you know of complete kits or do I have to buy the items separately ?

[@oscarcano6183]

Look on Amazon the have grow tents

[@giocostanzo9809]

How do I order?

[@davidestt6145]

could you do a test or ask to do a test on the new Sayhon SH4000

[@growbuds5072]

Will look into it, thanks for the suggestion!

[@davidestt6145]

@@growbuds5072 if you get in contact with Sayhon I think they are looking for someone to do review on youtube

[@davidestt6145]

I sent them growbud.com & growlightscience.com to check to get a review I guess we'll see THANKS David

[@matthewklim7398]

this video did not help me in any way.

[@antandshell]

LOL 🤣

[@crazycraigy01]

400w Halide//Hps Dual Spectrum with a Mars Hydro Ts 1000 @ 150w...= 550w...good Cri...Par..lumens and heat...

[@jasonkrysta4113]

You can grow some serious buds with the sf4000.

[@growingtogether35]

lmao

[@xxskullexxx4087]

@@growingtogether35 no joke fr fr

[@growingtogether35]

Amazon any CMH fixture can be the 175 dollar amazon vivosun the fixture wont make or break you then go buy a 3100k lightspeed/ushimo or if you want the best philips and you make these lights look like a pile of dog crap for about 300 bucks canadian I own 8x nobel cmh fixtures and 8x 3100k lightspeed bulbs I wont look at another light.

[@reneschipper6262]

Till now I only have bad experiences with Spider Farmer, their prices constantly change and customer service doesn't even know their own prices. They seem a very unreliable company so far. I am scared to buy their products. If anything goes wrong I have to deal with their customer service?

[@SparkyJohn111]

Marshydro have real bad customer service, they refused to repair my light that failed after just 3 months of use. Spider farmer are better lights by far.

[@kibatsf]

100$ less for only slightly less performance in PPFD. Battle of the BUDGET lights... no clear winner? Hello?

[@bruce3579]

Sf wins

[@therealjackfisher]

Looking at these lights there is no better light.. All of them have way too high lumen for any plant to deal with, thats why they come with a dimmer. 50-70% output is more then enough for any plant and any strain to fully develop.

[@samuelperson8090]

That is such a vague statement that it is wildly inaccurate.

[@joshcrocker4596]

$500 "budget" light. Crazy

[@michael2305]

we're growing plants here, not making light for our desks. if you want it cheap put your plants in the sun.

[@bobbezotte3965]

why cant everyone just get to whats best.no one cares about unboxing and detailes and scintific coogly gob.

[@growbuds5072]

I understand your point and would love to cut short and say in a few minutes video what is best, however like most things in life, there are a lot of aspects to analyze and take into consideration to even speculate on what is “best” Like many other products such as cars, you have pros and cons and you might have to dig into the science a little bit to understand what is the best choice for you. Nonetheless thank you for the feedback we will try and make our videos even more straightforward in the future.

[@CanmarryGrow_official]

Greetings 🥦👌

[@AnthonyHillard-xd3pf]

Oo

[@majmarkmiranda]

Dam if he would of did the same light spread and distance for all and then measured the temp under the light after 2hrs like I think light spread is important clearly his sciences is skewed by the spomsors

[@growbuds5072]

Thanks for the feedback. There are no sponsors at all for these videos so nobody is pressuring us to show their products as superior. We also thought about doing a traditional testing and hang them at the same distance, but we figured that the best benchmark for growers would be to have them all placed at the distance where we get a 1000 ppfd which is the maximum recommended if you don’t supplement CO2. This way you can see how the real coverage looks like if you would be looking to have the ideal intensity at least at the center of your canopy. Hope this helps,

[@majmarkmiranda]

@@growbuds5072 and that's great but makes it hard to see what is better other than price point and coverage but when u get products that are very similar perform well its very hard

[@buddahlovers]

Spider farmer 3000 se

[@PhyteByte]

Bar style is 600$+ and worth over a quantum

[@leahwilber2908]

Spider farmer all day

[@theloftbird9659]

Please get to the chase

[@growbuds5072]

There is a lot of information to cover and a lot of context to it so if you want the final word you can fast forward the video to 15:00 Thank you for the feedback!

[@RSI24]

Spider Farmer is hype shit...they failed with Mezhi name so they change names to sell more garbage

[@bassankensington6048]

body. grow some plants and see the results . what you are saying mean nothing