Hello everyone! Happy Holidays. I’m new to growing and thinking about my lights. 2 SP3000 and FC4800, which one is better? They both look good, anyone using them for grows?
6 Likes
welcome to OG enjoy
3 Likes
Welcome to overgrow brother… 
I don’t have experience with either of them, don’t worry, some experienced users will come along…
2 Likes
I am currently running a FC-6500 and love it. Prior to this I had 2x TSL2000’s in the same 4x4.
Both your suggestions are good options and I’d pick one over the other for different reasons.
2x SP3000 = 2x planting “zones”, where you can have 2 different heights in the same tent.
1x FC-4800 = canopy height must be evened out.
There are also several growers here on OG that are listing these lights so folks can see what they are able to do. Search OG for both those fixtures and you’ll find a lot of examples to learn from 
Welcome to OG @LeeLee !
6 Likes
I’d go with the 2x sp for the added wattage in flower and the flexibility mentioned by @Pigeonman.
Electricity costs are a concern in the UK so I’d start with fc for veg/early flower then swap over to the 2x sp3000 a month or so into 12-12.
That might not be convenient for you but if i had they lights that’s what I’d do.
The amount of plants would also play a part in my choice, I’m basing the above on a full tent, growing a single plant or with space around the canopy I’d probably just stick with the Fc.
Welcome to Og
4 Likes
I personally have run the FC 6500 in my 4x4 and loved it.
4 Likes
100% good point @Star_Dog! I run my 4x4 at 12/12 exclusively during off-peak hours as due to the draw of the FC-6500. This being said I don’t think I can run it higher than 78% dimmed or I’ll start burning the plants 
4 Likes
What brands? I see those numbers are different depending on manufacturers.
3 Likes
Everything I’m talking aboot is Mars Hydro. 
4 Likes
That’s understandable but the dimmer on the FC models work great. I tend to over power my tents as I would rather have too much instead of not enough and I don’t move my light. Mount it as high as I can and just dim accordingly. I rarely get my lights up to 100%.
2 Likes
Yeah I’m hanging 12" from canopy and if I go higher than 78% the plants get really upset.
3 Likes
I’m in a 4x4 now and the next light I get I will will just squeak in that tent and be for a 6x6 flower foot print and at least 8x8 veg.I’m going to run that thing at a third the power for veg and half in flower.I should be able to get twice as much life out of that light and more lumens that the old one
2 Likes
I think there’s a misunderstanding, i was suggesting using the 480w for veg and early flower then boosting the wattage to 600w with the two sp for added weight.
I have a 4x4 camopy with a 720w light above it running at 92%
3 Likes
I run bothe these light kits. In two separate tents.
The Sp3000 is in a 2x4 tent. Go to my thread
BigMike55 and MarsHydro Go Crazy
That light kit is featured there.
In my 4x4 tent I’m running a FC E4800. Great light too. I show a bit of that light kit in that same thread.
If I were starting from scratch and had the $$$. I would go with two SP3000. That way you could place taller plants in one zone and shorter ones in another zone and raise or lower the lights to get the perfect canopy distance.
Both lights are incredibly efficient and would serve well.
5 Likes
Thank you for your sincere advice. I decided to purchase a FC6500 so I can use it at every stage. Overgrow is really a good place. It is a pleasure to meet you guys. 
6 Likes
The next trick is to not kill any plants.
You’re in a good place for advice, that’s for sure. Many outstanding growers in here.
2 Likes