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Recently, I came across a YouTuber who reviewed dozens of LED grow lights from Amazon. These were mostly tested in basement or indoor setups for seedling growth. He shared his insights on whether these lights actually work, recommended a few reliable models, and offered some advice on how to choose grow lights wisely.
It was an informative video, especially for home gardeners—but I noticed a few points that don’t entirely apply when it comes to leafy greens and vegetable seedlings. And I’d like to share my perspective based on his content, along with some practical suggestions.
Facita 600W – Dimmable, easy to install, very effective for seedlings.
Aeocrine 1000W – Has VEG and BLOOM modes, well-rounded features.
Grassyland 1000W – Solid build, stable performance.
Bloom Plus 1500W – Though labeled 1500W, actual output is closer to 1000W. Still works fine.
Other budget LED lights – He mentioned using some for 2–3 years with only one LED chip failing. Still performed well overall.
Don’t trust only good reviews
Many 5-star Amazon reviews may be fake. It’s more helpful to read the 1- or 2-star reviews for real issues like burnt-out lights, overheating, or defective LEDs.
Go for 600W–1000W rated lights
Although actual power draw is often much lower (~150W), lights labeled within this range generally provide enough intensity for home use.
Ignore the complicated specs
Metrics like PPFD, micromoles, and spectral charts can be confusing and often don’t matter for typical seedling growth in indoor settings.
Keep your budget between $60–$200
He found many lights around $60–$75 that worked great, so there’s no need to spend over $200 unless absolutely necessary.
While I appreciate the YouTuber’s efforts and practical approach, I believe some of his advice isn’t ideal for everyone—especially those growing leafy greens or doing small-scale indoor gardening.
The recommended 600W and 1000W lights are often overkill for leafy greens. Even though the actual power draw is only around 150W, the intensity at close distances can still be too strong for young seedlings in his video display.
My advice: For leafy greens, actual power between 18W–100W is more suitable, and keep the light at least 30cm (about 12 inches) away from the plants.
Yes, negative reviews can highlight product flaws. But issues like LEDs not lighting or bulbs overheating are sometimes due to misuse or unrealistic expectations. For example, we once had a customer ask why their T8 tubes were overheating. It turned out they were using 36W T8 tubes at 120cm (4 feet) length, packed too closely together—no wonder it got hot!
In some cases, plant light manufacturers boost wattage to meet consumer demand for “high power at low prices,” which can lead to overheating. But we don’t operate that way. Our focus is on sustainable design and long-term value—not just closing a sale.
Tips: When in doubt, ask the manufacturer. A good supplier will give you honest advice based on your actual setup and plant needs.
These grow tube lights might not look as flashy as UFO lamps or quantum board panels, but they offer even coverage, low power usage, and good heat management. For home growers with DIY seedling racks, grow light lights are a cost-effective, efficient option.
The YouTuber said specs like PPFD and light spectra aren’t important—and for leafy greens, that’s true. But for growers raising light-intensive crops like cannabis, these specs are essential.
For professional or high-yield growing, detailed data helps you make precise lighting decisions, especially in commercial setups.
The YouTuber’s testing is helpful, especially for people growing larger or fruiting plants. But every growing situation is different. What works in one context might not be the best fit for yours.
My advice: Forget the hype and specs for a second. Think about what you’re growing and where you’re growing it. Then pick a light that fits.
In the end, the right light isn’t the most expensive or most powerful one—it’s the one that suits your plants best.
From custom light planning, to tailored quotes, and everything in between, our team of horticulture experts are always ready to assist.
Vanten LED
Guzhen, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
WhatsApp: +86 180 2409 6862
Email: info @ vantenled.com
We are a professional LED plant light manufacturer, committed to using technology to enhance the maximum potential of the lamp, continuously maximizing the benefits for growers, and saving energy for the planet.
