LED grow lights for shelf systems make lots of sense. Why waste energy with old-school fluorescent lights for home grow projects? These LED are more than twice as efficient compared to traditional T12, T8 & T5 tube lights. They even outperform LED replacement shop lights. This Spider Farmer SF300 & SF600 review features grow lights that are excellent alternatives to older tech. Perfect for growing on window sills or grow rack shelf systems.
0:00 – Overview
1:06 – Features
2:01 – Test Reports
2:57 – SF300 PPFD Maps
4:31 – SF600 PPFD Maps
6:34 – SF300 Value
7:43 – SF600 Value
8:32 – Recommendations
This UPS power station can backup a grow light!
► https://youtu.be/h3sUUHCEqbs
=========================
PRODUCT LINK (# CommissionsEarned):
=========================
Spider Farmer SF300 (Don’t buy if it’s more than $73):
► https://amzn.to/3t4o06G (Amazon)
Spider Farmer SF600 (Don’t buy if it’s more than $100):
► https://amzn.to/3t3bSmt (Amazon)
Support my channel by buying through my link! 🙂
=============
PRODUCT SPECS
=============
SF300/600
• Spectrum: 3000K/5000K/660nm/730nm
• Driver: Unbranded, Non-dimmable
• Efficacy: 2.3 umol/J
• Distance: 6″-12″
• Plants: Lettuce, Microgreens, Seedlings, Clones, Culinary Herbs, House Plants
SF300
• 192 Diodes: 3000K/5000K/660nm/730nm
• Power: 33W (29W)
• Coverage: Optimal: 10″ x 20″ / Max: 18″ x 30″
SF600
• 384 Diodes: 3000K/5000K/660nm/730nm
• Power: 74W (65W)
• Coverage: Optimal: 12″ x 36″ / Max: 18″ x 42″
==================
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
==================
Spider Farmer is tackling a niche market with these 2 fixtures. I was excited to see them doing it. Amazon is full of shoddy looking linear LEDs. No way to know what you’re getting with those things. Growers have needed some affordable LEDs to replace the classic shop light approach. The SF300 / SF600 pumps out twice as many photons per watt compared to fluorescents.
The SF600 is my preferred model from a value perspective. It can be used for large vigorous seedling production. It’s suitable for clones, culinary herbs, lettuce, microgreens & houseplants. The natural looking white light is attractive in the home. If used to replace a 4 bulb T5 system, the SF600 can pay for itself pretty quickly through electrical savings.
IMPROVEMENTS: These LEDs are nice but not perfect. I’d like to see a power supply with a good power factor. You can’t brag about ‘high efficiency’ when your product has a PF of 0.6 or less. This limits these units to small scale, home users only. And even still, it’s a product that wastes energy & isn’t as good for the environment as it could be. Keep in mind: Many shop lights have bad power factors too. And plenty of other LEDs on Amazon face the same issue.
A dimming feature would be helpful. I see lots of quantum-styled LED boards with dimmers even though growers may never use them. But in tight quarters on a grow rack, you might not have room to raise those lights. You can reduce the photo-period. But being able to dim the light would be so useful!
Daisy chaining might be a nice option. Not for dimming, but for pass-thru power. A grower might have 3 or 4 of these. Cable management would be easier if they could all be connected.
I would absolutely spread apart the 2 strips of diodes. They are much closer than they need to be. This causes light spikes in the center, while reducing light coverage at the sides. It forces the lights to be mounted higher. This could all be improved by adding a couple inches of space between the 2 LED strips.
FINAL THOUGHTS: If you’re looking to phase out some cheap shop lights, these lights are great. I advise getting the SF600. Only get the SF300 if your space is too small. The 600 is a massive upgrade to 2 bulb fluorescent systems. Make sure you have enough height. One 600 could replace a 4 bulb 4 ft T5 depending on your coverage area. (Technically the light output matches a 3 bulb T5.) Compared to other cheap LED strip lights, the SF300 & SF600 might be better. But you need good spec sheets for comparison. What’s the true PPE? What about the Power Factor? Good luck getting that info from Amazon sellers. At least this review shows exactly what you’re getting!
#IndoorGrowing #LEDlights #HomeGarden #SeedStarting
#GrowingGreens #Albopepper
•••••••••••••••••••••
SUPPORT:
•••••••••••••••••••••
W E B ➝ https://albopepper.com
F B ➝ https://www.facebook.com/albopepper
I G ➝ https://www.instagram.com/albopepper
T E E S ➝ https://shop.spreadshirt.com/albopepper/
•••••••••••••••••••••
31 Comments
You can view the integrating sphere test reports at my website:
https://albopepper.com/reviews-garden-products-SF300-SF600-linear-LED-grow-light.php
PRODUCT LINK (# CommissionsEarned):
SF300 (Don't buy if it's more than $73):
► https://amzn.to/3t4o06G (Amazon)
SF600 (Don't buy if it's more than $100):
► https://amzn.to/3t3bSmt (Amazon)
Don't let Spider Farmer price gouge you!!!
Check out my other reviews:
"1000" LED Grow Lights Shootout pt 1: https://youtu.be/g6n8VhVGKDY
"1000" LED Grow Lights Shootout pt 2: https://youtu.be/WmjOSzSF-HI
Spider Farmer SF2000: https://youtu.be/lK28aiRQ_Vs
Spider Farmer SF4000: https://youtu.be/Cl5P3sKDQ0o
Active Grow LoPro Max 320W: https://youtu.be/PCaesi_M5DQ
Maxsisun MG3000: https://youtu.be/Tw6-w2gybgo
This UPS power station can backup a grow light!
► https://youtu.be/h3sUUHCEqbs
Check out my Grow Light Cost Calculator: https://youtu.be/aToYhyPZMVs
Learn more about artificial lighting and plant growth:
► What is PAR Light? https://youtu.be/O3dxjk_E2Ac
► The impact of Red or Blue light on plant growth: https://youtu.be/sfihE4IuFuU
► To avoid Tip Burn: https://youtu.be/gHWf4Hfi3hA
► Light Cycles & DLI: https://youtu.be/dQlOJ1zvoPI
Really helpful video, always love when you dig up the truth on these light specs. Would you have any other recommendations for a nice 2ft led bar with good output or do you imagine the sf300 would be the best bet for a small grow space?
So I got a 4 bulb t5 powerveg 4ft that I use to clone and germ in I dont like when I have to put them under the led veg tent and they have to get use to the intensity and adjust accordingly would this sf 600 be a better option for a small 20 site clone box and little germ dome instead of the t5 power veg and then they would always be use to.the led lights thanks for any help growmies and the t5 has to be using way more electric
Does anyone know if the zeggwell 220 watt grow light is any good. I got it on amazon and if it isn't I'm going to return it. Please anyone who can offer info. I'd appreciate it greatly
Awesome work you do here, always excited to see a video.
Omgosh the quality of the video editing in this for a review is A++++ I'm looking for a shelf light for propagation and really appreciate the review
Could you pls review Sansi grow lights…. i am not sure if they realy are that good …
Hi sir.. i have a request for you sir did you know about solar tube. If you have time sir can you pls try that if its work for lettuce or any other vegie plants sir thnx so much for ur video.
So, would these lights work well for veg? Or should i be using a more powerful light?
Any feedback on a "Vivosun vs 1000"? Thank you!!
Do Not Buy Mars-Hydro! They do not honor their warranty and customer service is non-existent. I purchased a Mars Hydro FC 3000 grow light on November 30, 2020 for $359.99. In June (2021) I noticed the dimmer switch wasn’t working halfway into a grow. I contacted Mars Hydro on June 8, 2021 (as well as 6/9,6/10, 6/21, 6/22) and explained the situation. I’ve sent pictures. I’ve sent videos. I’ve even offered to buy another light, have them send it to me, and let me send the malfunctioning light back to them and they just didn’t respond (6-16-21). Every request is met with another question. Today’s date is July 12, 2021. Mars Hydro has neither repaired or replaced or refunded my money. I’m asking PayPal to step in. Do not buy from Mars Hydro and especially not from marhydro. I have physical proof in the form of saved emails to verify everything stated! WPR July 12, 2012
The SpiderFarmer SF-600 is a decent linear-LED grow light. From the $60 plus dollar price range it sold for not too long ago, the price has just been raised to $109 dollars on Amazon, which makes it quite expensive for the footprint that this light provides. There are much better LED grow lights available at the $100 plus dollar price range.
Hey
Thanks for a nice review. I have 3 SF 300 since I needed a narrow formfactor at 60cm length.
Now I am look at something for my Milsbo greenhouse from Ikea but its superhard to find some better alternative.
Are there any good performing LEDs about 60cm with better performance?
Love your stuff. 👍. Would be great see one of these breakdowns on the the best bulbs for strictly racked systems though. 👌 Looking at you microgreens. 👀
THANKS for this video on growing vegi starts on shelves! I saw one of your other videos on led grow lights and I appreciated the thoroughness & technical explanations, but I was wondering if it was mostly on lights that are strong enough for cannabis in grow tents, when I'll be only growing vegi seedlings to a reasonable size before spring planting, and maybe some year round basil etc. I'll be using two levels of a shelf / rack w/no grow tent. (I'm thinking of getting a rack that's 4' long and 18" wide from Costco, Trinity brand since we have one already & it's very sturdy.) While I don't mind spending a bit more for a powerful led unit that has a dimmer, I don't want to waste electricity.
Just purchased the sf300 yesterday happy growing ✌️
I appreciate the level of rigor you bring to these videos! It'd be cool to see a comparison of these SF strip lights versus the LED T8-size grow lights from amazon sellers like Barrina and Monios-L. The price per lumen on the T8 lights is really incredible, but I wonder if we pay for it in light quality or efficiency.
Is the only reason to get this over a 100w square light the vertical space? Seems like the 100w tend to be more efficient, and give you a less cramped working area. I’m looking to use mainly with seedlings and currently have a small T5 unit, but am leaning toward a 100w square based on your videos. Thoughts?
Perfect video for my project, thanks!
I am sorry if I just spammed your wall. I am having issues commenting. My comments don't send with an error or disappear after I refresh page.
Hi Al, could you please give a thought (or even review in a future video? 🙂 ) this integrated home gardening system?
"the-click-and-grow-25" from clickandgrow (seems that I can't post links)
They use 2x16W LED lights and I wonder if that is strong enough or whether the lights are any good for growing leafy vegetables at all.
I want to build something similar to what they offer myself with professional light and after viewing countless of your videos I fell in love with SF 3000 (or MG 3000) as it uses similar looking aluminium profile design. I thought I would take two out of the four for each shelf, but that still gives 150W – is it too strong? After seeing this video, I am not so sure about my choice any more. Is it an overkill for having the light 40 cm (15 in) above floor of the shelf (just like in the link)?
Thank you
Great review. I wish I would have found your review a week ago since I just ordered 2 x SF300 fixtures. I was hoping I could use 1 x SF300 for 3x 10×20 seedling flats (side by side) but it appears this will be insufficient.
Thank you for your always profession/ academic content. I’m setting up for an indoor lettuce grow in a 12 x 24” EarthBox, in an enclosed 12” x 36” “side” space of a small ACinfinity 2 room tent. I have 46” of overhead. The SF-600 won’t fit my 36” space so I’m going for the SF-300. More than happy to Use your Amazon affiliate link to support your channel!
Excellent review my friend.
they should do a V-shape of the led-stripe to eliminate the hotspot in the middle and spread out the light. it would be a perfect shelf light then. (just few degrees would do it)
Your videos are great! I appreciate that. I'm just getting into all of this and started with succulents. I have an indoor built in planter with little natural light which measures 5"X40" with 14" of height clearance. I'm looking for lights and am pretty clueless. I have 5"X42" of mounting clearance for mounting lights. Was looking into led strips and most websites link to Amazon which leads me to believe their reviews are biased. And Thr magenta lights seem gimmicky. Do you have any recommendations? A nudge in the right direction would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Hi. I really love your reviews, thank you!!! I am looking for a long type of full spectrum LED grow lights for my indoor set up in my garage hanging over a large raised bed (100cm x 90cm) to grow lettuce, carrots, herbs, and if possible under these lights, peppers and tomatoes. I see from your review that the Spider Farmer sf300 (or 600) would be great for this, but are they good, as their advertisement says, for flowering and fruiting of harder to grow indoor veggies like peppers, tomato's, zucchini, broccoli for example?
If you were growing these together in a raised bed, how would you do this- so as not to get some (lettuces) leaf burn, while others like peppers close enough of light to produce their fruits?
Is it possible to mix them or better to keep them separate with a different light source? I’m not using a grow tent, only tin foul around them to help keep the lights concentrated inside.
I already have a wonderful shop light fixture with high lumens and kelvins for germination which works perfectly. I’m looking to grow inside throughout the winter.
Is the 300 unit good for peppers and tomatoes or can you suggest other models- with affordable premium price range?
Thank you for your help and for sharing your information!
God bless,
Pat
Just purchased 4 sf600's and 5 rack 4 foot long shelves. Going to grow spinach and butter lettuce. By next year because of the world and cost of fertilizer the price of greens is going to skyrocket. I will be doing hydroponics. Off topic … Bought 300 lbs of wheat berry and wondermill to mill my own flour. Bought 1440 w inverter generator and propane heater, BBQ . Have a large pantry, 12500 cash and am preparing for what's coming!
You would think they would add a few LED's at the ends and remove some from the middle to remove the intensity spot at the centre to a more uniform spread.
Or am I overlooking something obvious
For these LEDs, are the 3 key parameters mainly determining efficiency? Color, Photo, and Electrical?
Would a MarsHydro TSL2000 @ 25% power or the SF600 be better for seed to early Veg?
Do you have any other suggestions?
Thanks