HLG 350R vs Mars Hydro FC 3000 LED Grow Light Comparison
LED grow lights are a smart choice for most indoor growers—selecting the right fixture can cut energy costs and elevate harvest quality. This comparison reviews the HLG 350R by Horticulture Lighting Group and the Mars Hydro FC 3000 to help you match footprint, efficacy, and budget to your grow. Note: at this time, only the HLG 350R is available at GrowersHouse.
Mars Hydro FC 3000 vs HLG 350R: Key Specifications
Use the table below to compare essential specs for footprint planning, energy budgeting, and expected light output.
| Mars Hydro FC 3000 | HLG 350R | |
| Power (wattage draw) | 300 W, dimmable | 60–350 W, dimmable |
| Voltage range | AC 110–277 V | AC 120–277 V |
| LEDs | Samsung LM301B + 660 nm Osram Deep Red | Samsung LM301H + LM351H + Osram Deep Red |
| Veg footprint | 3' × 3' @ 18" | 3' × 5' @ 15" |
| Flowering footprint | 4' × 4' @ 21" | 5' × 5' @ 24" |
| PPF efficacy (PPE) | Claimed: 2.8 μmol/J | Claimed: 2.9 μmol/J |
| PPF efficacy (PPE) | Tested: 2.4 μmol/J | Tested: 2.75 μmol/J |
| Total PPF output | 970 μmol/s | 911 μmol/s |
| Dimensions | 30.6" × 25.4" × 3.7" | 34.5" × 10" × 2.75" |
| Thermal management | Passive cooling | Passive cooling |
| Recommended mounting height | 18"–21" above canopy | 15"–24" above canopy |
| IP65 water resistance | Yes | Yes |
| Manufacturer’s warranty | 1 year full + 4 years parts | 3 years full (repair or replacement) |
Canopy Coverage
The HLG 350R offers a larger flowering footprint—25 sq ft (5' × 5') vs. 16 sq ft (4' × 4') for the Mars Hydro FC 3000—translating to 9 sq ft more in flower and 6 sq ft more in veg. This expanded coverage can boost yield potential because it nourishes more plant canopy per cycle. Although the FC 3000 outputs ~59 μmol/s more total PPF (≈6.5%), it concentrates that output over a smaller area.
Wattage Draw & Output
The HLG 350R draws about 30 W more than the FC 3000 but operates with higher tested efficacy (~2.75 μmol/J vs. ~2.4 μmol/J). On a per-watt basis, the HLG converts more energy into usable photons, helping offset the modestly higher draw.
Light Intensity Distribution
While the FC 3000’s total PPF is slightly higher, its smaller footprint concentrates intensity within 4' × 4'. The HLG 350R trades a bit of peak intensity for more uniform productivity across a 5' × 5', a key advantage when maximizing plant count and canopy utilization.
Dimming & Control
Both fixtures include dimming, simplifying PPFD tuning by growth stage and cultivar response.
Price & Warranty
Mars Hydro FC 3000: $330.99 (MSRP) with a one-year full warranty plus an additional four years of parts coverage (shipping/repairs borne by the owner after year one). HLG 350R: $549 with a three-year full warranty; HLG will repair or replace during the coverage period upon RMA.
Spectrum Comparison
Both deliver full-spectrum white with deep red. The HLG 350R exhibits less energy from ~580–780 nm compared with the FC 3000, while both are similar in the greens/blues/whites below ~580 nm. Deep red supports dense flower development at maturity; the FC 3000 includes comparatively more deep red, whereas the HLG emphasizes larger, even coverage.
Cost Comparison
The HLG 350R has higher initial cost and ~10% higher monthly energy use, but higher efficacy and a larger productive footprint can improve photon-per-dollar over time—especially if you fully utilize 5' × 5'. The FC 3000 draws less power and runs lower upfront cost, but the HLG’s bigger coverage favors higher total yield potential.
| Mars Hydro FC 3000 | HLG 350R | |
| Fixture cost | $330.99 (MSRP) | $549 (GrowersHouse) |
| Adapter for controller | N/A | N/A |
| Dimmer | Mounted dimmer box | Built-in dimmer with multiple presets |
| Monthly energy cost @ $0.13/kWh (12–16 h DLI) | 12 h: 108 kWh = $14.04 16 h: 144 kWh = $18.72 |
12 h: 118.8 kWh = $15.44 16 h: 158.4 kWh = $20.59 |
Results & Conclusions for Hydroponic Growers
Bottom line: Choose the Mars Hydro FC 3000 if you want strong intensity in a compact 4' × 4' at a lower entry price. Choose the HLG 350R if your priority is larger, more productive canopy coverage (up to 5' × 5') and higher efficacy for improved photon-per-dollar over time—especially valuable in hydroponic systems where uniform PPFD and full-canopy utilization drive yield and quality.
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Best for 4' × 4': Mars Hydro FC 3000 (budget-forward, higher localized intensity)
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Best for 5' × 5': HLG 350R (bigger area, higher tested efficacy, strong uniformity)
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Yield potential: Advantage HLG 350R due to larger productive footprint
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Operational efficiency: Advantage HLG 350R (higher μmol/J)
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Upfront cost: Advantage Mars Hydro FC 3000
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
| Which has more light intensity? | Mars Hydro FC 3000 (higher total PPF) |
| Which covers a bigger canopy? | HLG 350R (5' × 5' vs. 4' × 4') |
| Which LED is cheaper? | Mars Hydro FC 3000 ($330.99 MSRP) |
| Which is more efficient (μmol/J)? | HLG 350R (tested ≈2.75 vs. ≈2.4) |
HLG 350R
Mars Hydro FC 3000
