Grow lighting insights

Mars Hydro notes for better lighting decisions.

Read practical articles on spectrum, PPFD, controls, installation, room planning, and service parts.

Horticultural lighting article illustration

Why I Stopped Buying the Cheapest Grow Lights for Our Office (A Purchasing Story)

An office administrator shares a personal story about managing the office lighting upgrade, comparing single-unit costs versus total cost of ownership (TCO) for grow lights, and how Mars Hydro ultimately won the bid.

2026-06-01

Which Mars Hydro Setup Actually Saves You Money? A Procurement Manager's Take on Buy Once, Cry Once

Instead of recommending a single ‘best’ light, I break down three common grow scenarios—small-scale, mid-size production, and smart automation—and show you exactly where your money goes in each. No fluff, just TCO math.

2026-06-01

The Light Fixture Replacement Challenge: When Facility Management Meets Lighting Quality

An admin buyer shares the hidden complexities of replacing recessed lighting covers and downgrading old fixtures. Learn how to navigate the process without hurting your office's professional image.

2026-05-31

The chandelier light bulb that won't fail: A purchasing admin's guide from 5 years of high-ceiling changeouts

Smart chandelier bulb selection based on your specific situation. If you're managing office fixtures or multi-unit installs, here's the framework that eliminated our emergency changeout issues.

2026-05-31

IP65 vs IP67 LED Strips: Why Higher IP Rating Isn't Always Your Best Move

A quality manager's perspective on the real-world trade-offs between IP65 and IP67 LED strip ratings for commercial grow lighting installations.

2026-05-30

Don't Treat My Small Lighting Order Like a Nuisance. Here's Why Mars Hydro Gets It.

An admin buyer shares their frustration with suppliers who ignore small orders, making a case for vendors who respect every customer, using the Mars Hydro ecosystem as a benchmark for reliability and smart service.

2026-05-30

Picking the Right Commercial Ceiling Light: Led Track, Tri-Proof, or Downlight?

A commercial lighting buyer's guide, breaking down the differences between LED track lights, linkable tri-proof lights, LED vapor proof lights, bathroom spot lights, and DALI downlights, and how to choose based on your specific installation environment.

2026-05-29

Mars Hydro vs. Local Electrical Supply: A Cost Controller’s Take on Buying LED Grow Lights & Drivers

A procurement manager compares the total cost of ownership (TCO) for buying Mars Hydro LED grow lights and replacement drivers online versus sourcing from a local electrical supply house. Includes data on hidden fees, shipping, and warranty.

2026-05-28

I Got the Lumens Wrong on a 200-Light Retrofit: A $4,500 Mistake That Rewired My Brain

A personal story about misjudging lumens for a commercial flood light project, the expensive consequences, and the lesson learned about matching light specs to real-world needs.

2026-05-28

Mars Hydro vs. DIY Fluorescent Breakdown: What an Office Admin Learned About Lighting Upgrades

An office admin shares a real-world comparison between Mars Hydro LED grow lights and opening up old fluorescent fixtures for bulb swaps. A practical guide to smart lighting choices.

2026-05-27