With an increasing interest in indoor gardening and urban farming, there has been a significant shift towards seeking the best possible solutions for achieving bountiful harvests in constrained spaces.
One of the most important decisions an indoor grower can make is choosing the right grow light. There’s several types of grow lights available, ranging from HID(High-Intensity Discharge) and Fluorescent to LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).
However, at this day and age if a grower is truly looking for the best grow lights. They really need to be choosing LED.
Top 6 LED Grow Lights Australia - Summary
1. Pro Grow LED Model Z EVO 780W
Best Value For Money
Best For Large Areas
- Large Light Coverage Of 1.5m x 1.5m
- New Design 2023 Model
- 'Plant-centric' Samsung EVO diodes
- 2 Year Warranty
- Over 50000 Hrs Lifetime
- Full Spectrum
*Accurate price at time of publishing
About The 780W EVO
The new EVO model of LED Grow Lights from Pro Grow are really at the cutting edge of LED Grow Light technology. They have been designed specifically for the indoor grower wanting to take their grow to the next level, without breaking the bank.
At the core of the EVO model Z is the addition of the new Samsung LM301H EVO 4000K diode. The LM301H 4000K EVO Diode shifts the previous blue peak from 450nm to 437nm. Plants grown under this 'Plant-centric' spectrum have bigger and thicker leaves and high levels of nutrients.
Most other LED Grow Light manufacturers that use the Samsung LM 301H EVO opt for the Mint White diode which, in our opinion, is more suited for outdoor supplementary greenhouse lighting. This would prop up the fixture PPE from 2.8 to 3.0 Umol/j by the need to use more red diodes. But that's not Pro Grow. The spectrum is too flat in the middle with the Mint White diode for indoor use.
This is where Pro Grow really understand the grower and the lights they are producing. More umol/j is not always better. For best indoor results you must favour full spectrum over fixture efficacy.
This premium LED grow light from Pro Grow features three distinct light channels, optimised for grow, early bloom, and late bloom stages, thus ensuring the most beneficial spectrum at the most crucial periods of your plant's life. The inclusion of 4000K, Blue, UVA, UVB, and Far-red diodes boosts the plant's growth, fostering more flowering sites, enhancing flower density, and increasing overall crop yield.
"It was observed that plants grown under white-based LEDs with the 437 nm peak wavelength showed remarkable differences in plant growth and quality. The plants have 1.7 times heavier shoot fresh weight and the leaves area were 80% larger compared to plants that were cultivated under narrow spectrum LED lighting. The study confirmed that the green wavelength of white spectrum LED was more deeply transmitted into the leaves than narrow spectrum LEDs"
Source: Samsung study reveals impact of light spectrum on plant growth
Key Specs
The Pro Grow LED Model Z EVO 780W
- BPF (ePar) > 2000 μmol/s
- PPF – 1900 μmol/s
- Efficacy - 2.82 µmol/J
- Sosen 0-10V Driver
- 2510 SMD LED Diodes
- CRI 91 – Full Spectrum Array
- Dimmable to 40%, 60% or 80%
Growth - Increased Blue
Early Bloom - Increased Red & Far-red
Late Bloom - Increased Red, Far-red + UV
View the full Pro Grow LED Model Z EVO 780W Specs
The Accessories
Pro Grow Model Z Smart Controller
The Pro Grow 780W LED Model Z EVO truly excels when used with the smart controller and when growers start growing this way, in a fully controlled in sync environment, they will never go back to growing any other way.
View the full Pro Grow Model Z Smart Controller Specs
2. Lumatek Zeus 1000W Xtreme C02 Light Bar
Best For Large Areas
Best LED Grow Light For Commerical Applications
- Industry leader for 10+ years
- Maximum light coverage of 1.8m x 1.8m
- Huge 5 year Warranty
- 60000 Hrs Lifetime
- Replacable LED Light Bars
- Expensive
*Accurate price at time of publishing
About The Lumatek Zeus 1000W
The Zeus 1000W Xtreme PPFD CO2 offers top-notch full-cycle LED capabilities suitable for both commercial and hobbyist plant cultivation. It's versatile enough to support plants from the vegetative stage to more intense light requirements during blooming. It's optimized for a 1.5x1.5m area with additional CO2, or a 1.8x1.8m space without CO2 when positioned at elevated heights.
The Lumatek range stands out for its modular design, allowing easy replacement of individual light bars. While many new LED Grow Lights require a full replacement whenever a diode fails, with the Lumatek Zeus 1000W, you can simply swap out the faulty bar and keep on growing 🤙.
Key Specs
The Lumatek Zeus 1000W
- EFFICACY: up to 2.9 µmol/J
- PPF – 2925 µmol/s
- Higher Spec Osram and Lumileds Diodes
- 2510 SMD LED Diodes
- Full Spectrum
- Dimmable to 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%
View the full Lumatek Zeus 1000W Specs
The Accessories
Lumatek Control Panel Plus 2.0
View the full Lumatek Control Panel Specs
3. Pro Grow UFO Grow Lights
Best For Small Areas
Best UFO Grow Light
- Australian Brand
- Multiple Sizes Available(500w, 300w, 200w, 100w)
- 3 Year Warranty
- Over 50,000 Hrs Lifetime
- Full Spectrum
- Only 500w & 300w Fixtures Are Dimmable
*Accurate price at time of publishing
About The Pro Grow UFO Grow Lights
One thing you will notice straight away about the Pro Grow UFO Grow Lights is the build quality of the light. They are our go to recommendation when our customers are after premium UFO Grow Lights They feature a full-spectrum LED array backed by the ultra-reliable Optimum drivers. Their die-cast aluminium housings ensure a cooling, fan-less operation that's completely silent – a welcome feature for any grow space. Notably, they have an IP-55 water resistance rating and cleanable lenses, making them completely safe to run the diodes facing up for under lighting.
The Pro Grow UFOs have some of the highest diode counts in the industry which ensures the lights don't need to be pushed to extremes to achieve maximum PPF. By incorporating more diodes, these LED grow lights run cooler, more reliable while delivering an excellent color rendition.
Key Specs
Pro Grow UFO Grow Lights
- EFFICACY: up to 2.1 µmol/J (All Fixtures)
- 100w PPF – 210 µmol/s
- 200w PPF – 410 µmol/s
- 300w PPF – 620 µmol/s
- 500w PPF – 1050 µmol/s
- Full Spectrum
View the full Pro Grow UFO LED Grow Lights Specs
The Accessories
Pro Grow Model S & E Smart Controller
Its variable dimming, temperature, and humidity monitoring using RJ-14 cables, and multiple safety features, position it as a top-tier choice for both beginner and commercial growers. Compatible with several lighting models, including the Pro Gro UFO LED 300 & 500W.
View the full Pro Grow Model S & E Smart Controller Specs
4. Cultiv8 Solar Sun LED 300W UFO
Best UFO Grow Light
- 3 Year Warranty
- IP65 water resistant
- Air Cooled Design
- 50,000 Hrs Lifetime
- Full Spectrum
- Underlighting Accessories
- No Smart Controller Accessories
*Accurate price at time of publishing
About The Cultiv8 300W LED UFO
The Cultiv8 300W LED UFO ensures outstanding harvests in both volume and quality, operating more silently and with minimal heat.
This innovative series of LED grow lights delivers unparalleled yields, using about half the electricity of traditional HID lights and generating almost no heat
Key Specs
The Cultiv8 300W LED UFO
- EFFICACY: up to 2.5 µmol/J
- Dimmable
- Full-spectrum class-leading diodes
- RCM certification
- SAA approved
- Comes with a Rope Ratchet hanger
The Accessories
Cultiv8 Underlighting Accessories
Coming in two different angles, 45 degrees and 90 degrees, these accessories will allow you to get the most out of your grow space.
5. Pro Grow 60W LED Grow Light
Best For Propagation
- 3 Year Warranty
- Philips 6500K Blue Diodes
- Over 50,000 Hrs Lifetime
- Sosen Drivers
- High CRI of 90
- Only suitable for Vegetative Growth
*Accurate price at time of publishing
About The Pro Grow 60W LED Grow Light
The Pro Grow 60W LED Grow Light is a best seller here at Grow Kings and is our goto recommendation for cloning/propagation due to the Philips 6500K Blue Diodes and the long design so it runs the entire length of most seedling/dome trays.
Couple that with the 6500K Blue Diodes and you have a perfect recipe for fast and healthy growth.
Key Specs
Pro Grow 60W LED Grow Light
- EFFICACY: up to 2.4 µmol/J
- Total PPFD 140 µmol/s
- 6,500K Vegetative Spectrum
View the full Pro Grow 60W LED Grow Light Specs
The Accessories
LED Stand to suit LED60XS
The inclusion of an adjustable drawstring and dual hanging cords with hooks at both ends ensures flexibility and ease of use
6. The MOJO COW Twin Bar Propagation LED Grow Light
Best For Propagation
- 3 Year Warranty
- Daisy Chain Up to 10 Lights
- 2 x 26W High Output LED bars
*Accurate price at time of publishing
About The The MOJO COW Propagation LED Grow Light
The The MojoCow PS1 is another top choice for seedlings and cuttings, boasting low power, long-life LED technology. Its unique combination of red and blue diodes offers a plant-specific spectral output that caters to different growth phases and even various plant strains.
With its flexible "Click and Lock" spine, you can easily customize your lighting setup, making it adaptable to diverse growing needs. Plus, the high-grade LED diodes ensure ultimate reliability with a lifespan that'll keep your plants illuminated for years.
Key Specs
MOJO COW Twin Bar LED Grow Light
- EFFICACY: up to 2.4 umol/J
- IP65 Water Resistant
- 3 Year Warranty
5 Reasons Why LED Grow Lights Are Better
LED grow lights use significantly less energy than traditional lighting systems, making them more cost-effective in the long run. This efficiency makes them a favourite for both commercial and home growers looking to balance costs with results. Before you buy use our LED Grow Light Cost Calculator.
LEDs have a longer lifespan compared to other types of grow lights. With an average life span of about 50,000 hours, they far outlast alternatives like HID or fluorescent lights, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
High-quality LED grow lights can provide a full spectrum of light, including the crucial red and blue wavelengths needed for photosynthesis. This full-spectrum capability ensures your plants get a balanced light diet for healthier growth.
Unlike other lighting systems, LEDs generate considerably less heat. This gives you the advantage of positioning the light closer to your plants to achieve higher PPFD levels, without increasing the risk of harming the plants. Also, LED’s substantially minimise the risk of fires and lower costs for cooling your indoor garden
LEDs come in different shapes and sizes, making them adaptable to various growing conditions. Whether you're propagating new plants, growing in a small closet or a large greenhouse, there's a LED grow light that will fit your needs.
Things To Consider Before Buying
While LED grow lights are generally more energy-efficient than other types of lights, there can still be variability between models. Consider the wattage and estimated energy consumption in relation to your electricity costs. Before you buy use our LED Grow Light Cost Calculator.
Different plants require different light spectrums and intensities at various stages of their growth. Understanding the specific needs of your plants can help you select the most suitable LED grow light.
The size of your growing space will directly influence the size and number of LED lights you need. A larger space may require multiple lights or larger units.
Lighting is one of the most important factors in a successful grow. Much more important than choosing the best hydroponic nutrients.
Quality LED Grow Lights aren't cheap and need to be looked at as an investment, so it's important to find a balance between cost and the features you need.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of indoor gardening, LED grow lights have proven themselves to be a game-changer. Their energy efficiency, longevity, full-spectrum capabilities, safety attributes, and versatility make them an outstanding choice for growers of all calibres.
However, as with any investment, it's crucial to consider factors like electricity costs, the specific needs of your plants, the size of your grow area, and your budget. This will help you select the best LED grow light for your needs and if you need any help please don't hesitate to contact a fellow grower. We're always happy to help.