Grow lights allow gardeners to cultivate a diverse range of plants at any time of the year. The indoor grow lights are specifically created to substitute natural sunlight by helping in the growth and development of plants. But since there are several grow lights on offer, selecting the best from the rest can be quite a daunting task.
You will have to pick from the different types offered, such as LEDs or HIDs. Additionally, you need to decide whether you want a 250 watts, 400 watts, 600 watts, or 1000 watts grow lamp.
For today, we will be looking at the 400 watts grow lights. These are considered to be low-powered lights as mid-range lights start from 600 watts to 850 watts, while high-powered lamps start from 900 watts plus.
In this review, we took our time to bring you the best ones that you can put your hands on. The lights that we selected are safe, powerful, reliable, and from reputable brands.
Top Six 400 Watt Grow Lights
Vegelumax HPS Super Grow Light Bulb,High PAR Enhanced Red and Orange Spectrum
What We Liked Most About This Product
Vegelumax is among the leading grow light companies on the market. They produce high-quality, feature-packed, and affordable hydroponic equipment. The Vegelumax grow light is particularly created for professional hydroponic plant cultivation. It also has an excellent bulb life of 24, 000 hours, which means that it will serve you for a long while.
Product Overview
The Apollo Horticulture GLBHPS400 grow light works exceptionally for indoor grow rooms. This is because they are HPS bulbs, and will help you to attain fast growth and higher yields.
Another important thing to note is that this grow lamp should only be utilized in grow rooms with proper ventilation. So if you want to use them in a small enclosed area, or an apartment, then this may end up being dangerous for you and your plants. Always wear protective lenses when operating near HPS lamp.
The lamp is designed specifically for professional hydroponic plant cultivation. CCT 2,100K, optimized red and orange spectrum and high PAR (photosynthetic active radiation) to stimulate lush, flower growth, enhance fruiting and abundant harvests.
Keep liquids and combustible materials away from lamp; Wait a few minutes until the temperature of the lamp drops before restart. Turn off the power before installation, inspection or removal. You should always dispose of the lamp in an enclosed container
Pros
- Offers extremely bright light
- Simple to install
- They are offered at an affordable price
Cons
- It has a poor warranty of only 90 days
- The bulb is not very durable as many users have complained about it blowing after a few uses
Eye Hortilux HX66620 Hortilux Super HPS 400W Enhanced Spectrum Lamp
What We Liked Most About This Product
The Eye Hortilux HX66620 Hortilux Super HPS grow lamp is one of the most popular and reliable HPS grow lights on the market.
The bulb gives 17% additional energy and 25% more energy in the green, blue, and violet spectrum than standard HPS bulbs. On top of that, the lamp is non-hazardous as it is both EPA and TCLP test compliant.
Product Overview
Eye Horticulture has been producing HPS lamps from 1990 to date. Users have always appreciated their lamps and they have maintained high standards over the years. The HX66620 Super HPS lamp is a quality bulb that will lead to better yields and high production in lots of cycles.
The bulb is best suited for professionals who want a reliable and high-performance HPS bulb. With its exceptional lighting system, it will provide the much-needed spectral energy levels that will enhance faster plant growth.
Besides, the lamp is safe to use as it is lead-free and doesn’t come with a lot of mercury. This means that you can dispose of it without worrying about it damaging the environment. However, this HPS bulb is slightly more expensive when compared to its competitors.
This 400-watt bulb is ideal for small to medium grow areas. Also, ensure that the room is well-ventilated to reduce risks and offer the best conditions for your indoor plants.
If you want to get higher yields from your indoor garden, then look no further than the Eye Horticulture HX66620 Hortilux Super HPS 400W light. This bulb will help you to spread the growing season throughout the year.
Pros
- It is a lead-free bulb
- Easy to install
- The bulb prolongs the planting season
- It provides excellent brightness
- It has little mercury
- The bulb performs at a high level
- They provide more energy than the standard HPS lights
- They are EPA and TCLP-compliant
Cons
- It is quite expensive when compared to similar bulbs
- The bulb gets very hot after some time of use
Relassy 150W Waterproof Plant Light, Outdoor Grow
What We Liked Most About This Product
Although this is only a 150W grow light, you can combine multilple of them to create a custom lumen as they are priced at a great rate.
Product Overview
The Plants Grow Lights has optimal full spectrum (380-830nm) which provides plants, veg, succulents and flowers with everything they desire in the natural sunlight at each growth stage. (630-660nm): Promote flowering, fruiting and increase yield; (440-460nm): Grow lights for seed starting, enhance germination and photosynthesis; (780-800nm): Benefit plant cell growth
Equipped with aviation aluminum as well as artful ventilation holes on the backboard, the led plant light ensures operating temperature under 167℉ and excellent heat dissipation. Extra power switch on 67-inch (1.7M) prolonged cable plus 180°adjustable bracket and 3 ways of mounting, making it safer and more convenient. Without a fan and driver working, ultra-thin and ultra-light with the wide light angle of 180°. Without noise, perfect for an indoor quiet environment
Pros
- Waterproof and dustproof unit
- Quiet operation
- Easy to install
- Controls heat dissipation
- Full-spectrum to help plants grow faster
Cons
- The case gets a little hot, thus it should be handled with care to avoid getting burned
- The light is powerful, hence you may need to put on eye protection to prevent eye damage
CALIFORNIA Light Works SolarXtreme 500 LED Grow Light Fixture – Full Spectrum 400w Watt COB Lighting System
What We Liked Most About This Product
Another quality COB LED grow light is the California Lightworks 400W LED grow light. It’s a well built light with a direct AC drive technology eliminating the need for LED Drivers.
Product Overview
If you want to get fresh yields throughout the year, you need to invest in a quality grow light like the California Lightworks 400W LED grow light fixture. It will provide you with a true full-spectrum, which your plants need for different growth stages. Also, the full spectrum helps your plants to grow stronger and quicker, for better yields.
The SolarXtreme 500 is a an easy to use full spectrum LED grow light designed especially for grow tents and smaller scale home growing
If you’ve got a small indoor grow area and want a reliable 400W 2x3000Khigh power COB LED grow light for your plants, this unit should be perfect for you. This fixture puts out a full spectrum suitable for all phases of growth without the need for adjusting.
It will help your plants in all the growth stages and give you higher yields. Besides, it is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Durable shell material
- Suitable for all growth stages
- Saves energy when compared to HPS lights
- Delivers a true full spectrum
- Simple to install and use
- Excellent cooling fan system maintains the ideal temperature
- Long lifespan of 50, 000 hours
- 30 days money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty
Cons
- Several users have complained that it gets hot during use
SZHLUX 400W LED Grow Light
What We Liked Most About This Product
Are you tired of changing grow lights at different stages of growth in your indoor garden? Make your work easier by acquiring the SZHLUX 400W LED Grow Light grow light twin panel.
SZHLUX 400W LED Grow Light is not only energy-efficient but also produces adequate lumens for different stages of growth and different plants. The SZHLUX 400W LED Grow Lighttwin panel also has the latest LED chips that give your plants more energy and light than traditional LEDs.
Product Overview
Immerse your plants in the benefits of a sunlight full spectrum. With over 95% light energy absorption, our lights deliver a balanced spectrum including white, blue, red, and IR (3000K, 5000K, 660nm, and IR 730nm). The 3000K and 5000K lights promote seedling growth with their reddish and blueish tones, while the 660nm red and 730nm IR lights enhance photosynthesis for increased yield and crop quality.
Enjoy a tranquil and efficient growing environment with the professional fanless design. By eliminating fans, it reduces noise and efficiently disperses heat through the aluminum shell and reflector. This minimizes light loss to aisles and walls, boosting light intensity by up to 20%. Ensure your plants receive ample energy without risking burns, allowing for maximum lighting headroom.
Pros
- It has 20% more PAR and Lumens than traditional LEDs
- Straightforward to install in different positions
- Energy-efficient LED
- Full-spectrum for all growth stages
- Two LED panels for greater coverage
- Outstanding LED chip technology
- Ideal for different types of plants
- Compact and lightweight fixture
Cons
- The unit lacks instruction manually, thus quite a challenge to use by newbies or people without LED grow light experience.
iPower GLSETX400DHMAC6 Horticulture 400W HPS MH Digital Grow Light System
What We Liked Most About This Product
If you want a complete grow light kit for your grow room, then the iPower GLSETX400 Horticulture 400W HPS MH digital grow light system will be a great choice for you.
Instead of buying parts, you can go for this kit as it will end up being cheaper than buying separate parts. The iPower 400Wdigital grow light system ensures that your plants receive the right light amount throughout the year for greater yields. From vegetative to flowering, and fruiting stages, you won’t have to purchase another light fixture.
Product Overview
The metal halide grow light will produce a blue and violet spectrum and high PAR (photosynthetic active radiation) that will help in the vegetative growth phase.
On the other hand, the high-pressure sodium grow lamp will produce a red and orange spectrum and high PAR that will boost flowering and promote fruiting.
The best part is that both of these grow lights need only 3 to 5 minutes for full brightness. Furthermore, they have a lower up-front cost when compared to LEDs which are usually 2 to 3 times costly.
If you have a larger grow area or garden, you will find that HIDs are the best grow lights to use. This is because they provide a high light intensity, which leads to higher yields.
Apart from having a shorter lifespan than LEDs and being less energy efficient, the iPower 400W HPS/MH grow light system is very reliable for all-year indoor plant growth.
The entire system is also well-made to last long. Besides, iPower is one of the leading manufacturers of grow light systems and they provide high-quality grow lights.
Pros
- Sturdy construction for longevity
- It has a high PAR to boost healthy plant growth
- Features both HPS and MH lights for all plant growth stages
- Easy to mount
- Exceptional bulb lifespan of 32, 000 hours for HPS and 12, 000 hours for MH
- Can be used with electronic and magnetic ballasts
- Both grow light bulbs come with a 12-month warranty
Cons
- The fixture produces a lot of heat, thus it should be handled with great care when in use
- It is quite costly when compared to other light fixture kits
- You will be required to purchase a separate inline fan
Differences Between LED vs HPS Grow Lights
| Feature | LED Grow Lights | HPS Grow Lights |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Efficiency | High efficiency, more light per watt of electricity used. | Less efficient compared to LEDs. |
| Heat Emission | Low heat output, reducing the need for cooling systems. | High heat output often requires additional cooling systems. |
| Lifespan | Long lifespan, often 50,000 to 100,000 hours. | Shorter lifespan, around 10,000 to 24,000 hours. |
| Initial Cost | Higher initial cost, but savings over time due to lower operating costs. | Lower initial cost but higher operating costs over time. |
| Light Spectrum | Adjustable spectrum can be tailored to specific plant growth stages. | The fixed spectrum, predominantly in the red-orange range, is beneficial for flowering but less for vegetative growth. |
| Maintenance | It is low maintenance, with no bulbs to replace frequently. | Higher maintenance: bulbs need to be replaced regularly to maintain light intensity. |
| Energy Consumption | Lower energy consumption for the same light output. | Higher energy consumption for comparable light output. |
| Light Distribution | More uniform light distribution can be designed to cover specific areas more evenly. | Less uniform light distribution, with a more focused light, can create hotspots. |
| Environmental Impact | Less environmental impact due to lower energy consumption and longer lifespan. | Higher environmental impact due to higher energy consumption and the need for bulb disposal. |
| Suitability | Suitable for a wide range of plants and growth stages due to adjustable spectrum. | They are often preferred for flowering and fruiting stages of plant growth due to high output in the red spectrum. |
Our most frequently asked questions on 400 watt grow lights.
What should I consider before buying a grow light?
There are various things that you have to look at before picking your grow light:
- The light spectrum
- Spacing
- Ease of installation
- Ease of operation
- The number of plants you have to cover
- Light control
- Brand
- Price and warranty
Understanding these factors will help you land a grow lamp that
Which type of grow light should I choose – LED or HIDs?
There has been a lot of debate about which grow light you should use for your indoor grow tent. Even though both of these grow lights are exceptional, they also have their ups and downs. To determine which one is better, here is our comparison:
- Pick LED grow light if you want a longer-lasting unit. HIDs have a shorter lifespan and most of them will require replacement after 12 or so months.
- HIDs are normally cheaper when compared to LEDs. So, if you’re on a tight budget but still want a reliable grow lamp, go with HIDs.
- If you want a more energy-efficient grow light, pick LEDs as they don’t consume a lot of energy when compared to HIDs.
- LEDs are safer to use as they don’t emit a lot of heat when compared to HIDs. They run cool and need less ventilation.
- Select HIDs if you have a large grow room and choose LEDs if you have a small grow area.
How far should my grow light be from the plants?
Positioning your grow light in the wrong range from the canopy of your plants may cause light burns or retarded growth. So, you should not place the lamp very close or extremely high from your plant’s canopy. The range will vary from one grow light type to another. If you’re using LED lights, the right range will be:
- 250 watts – 16 to 30 inches
- 450 watts – 20 to 30 inches
- 600 watts – 24 to 26 inches
- 900 plus watts – 26 to 42 inches
While if you’re using HIDs, the right range will be:
- 400 watts – 12 to 19 inches
- 600 watts – 14 to 25 inches
- 1000 watts – 16 to 31 inches
From the ranges above, you can see that it is vital to consider the number of watts a grow light has before deciding on the distance of installation from the plant’s canopy. The more watts the grow lamp has the higher it will be from the plants.
Should I consider the safety and longevity of the grow light?
Yes, you should. First of all, you should think about your safety and the longevity of your plants. Some grow lights overheat, which end up ruining your plants. To avoid this, you should get a grow light with proper ventilation and quiet cooling fans. Furthermore, the unit you pick shouldn’t have ozone depleters and chemicals that can harm your plants.
When it comes to longevity, be sure to select a grow lamp with sturdy materials, such as aluminum. Besides, you should select a unit with 1000 lamp hours or more. If you have a small grow area, pick a sturdy but lightweight grow light.
How long should I leave the grow light on?
It depends on the type of plants that you’re growing. Different plants require different amounts of light.
For instance, vegetables and flowering plants require around 12 to 16 hours of light every day. However, you should not forget to turn off the light for at least 8 hours of darkness.
As you already know, plants need both light and darkness to develop. The light is vital for producing energy, while the darkness helps in the energy breakdown for the growth and flowering of plants. This normally takes place at night or in the dark.
Are the number of lumens important when selecting a grow light?
Yes, you should. First of all, you should think about your safety and the longevity of your plants. Some grow lights overheat, which end up ruining your plants. To avoid this, you should get a grow light with proper ventilation and quiet cooling fans. Furthermore, the unit you pick shouldn’t have ozone depleters and chemicals that can harm your plants.
When it comes to longevity, be sure to select a grow lamp with sturdy materials, such as aluminum. Besides, you should select a unit with 1000 lamp hours or more. If you have a small grow area, pick a sturdy but lightweight grow light.
Which high-intensity discharge lights are commonly used in growing plants indoors?
The two most popular high-intensity discharge lamps used in grow rooms are high-pressure sodium lights (HPS) and metal halides (ML).
These two are popular because they play particular roles in the growth and development of plants. For instance, the metal halide bulb is best for early vegetative phases of growth, while the high-pressure sodium light is more suited for flowering.
Conclusion
If you want your plants to develop steadily and healthy, you need to get the right grow lamps. There are many 400 watts grow lights on the market, but not all of them will offer you outstanding results. The six 400 watts grow lamps that we’ve selected are some of the best. We conducted thorough research before coming up with the products.
Before picking a grow light, ensure to pick a device that meets your needs and budget. It should also be safe, easy to install and use. You can also check the HLG – Horticulture Lighting Group, I hope you’ve found a 400 watt grow light that will be perfect for your grow tent!
