Mars Hydro - FC-E1500

The FC-E1500 is the smallest bar fixture in the FC-E range: 150 watts, 420 µmol/s of light output and an efficiency of 2.8 µmol/J, meant for a 60 × 60 cm growing area in flower.

What the E in FC-E changes

Mars Hydro runs two ranges that look identical from the outside. The same multi-bar build, the same wave-shaped heat sink, the same foldable construction and the same spectrum. The difference is in the diodes: the FC-E uses Bridgelux chips, while the FC range came to market with chips from a different supplier.

In numbers that difference is small. The FC-E reaches 2.8 µmol/J and the comparable FC 2.85. At 150 watts that works out to a handful of micromoles per second, which you will not see in your tent and barely on your meter. The two ranges are positioned differently, so it pays to put them side by side at the same wattage and tent size.

Here is how to choose between them. If you want the last few percent of efficiency, the FC range makes sense. If you want as much light as possible in an ordinary growing space, the FC-E does exactly the same job. Control, dimming and mounting are identical across both, so you give up nothing in operation or installation.

Technical Specifications:

• Model: FC-E1500
• Power: 150 W
• Light output: 420 µmol/s PPF
• Efficiency: 2.8 µmol/J for the complete fixture
• Diodes: Bridgelux
• Flowering coverage: 60 × 60 cm
• Current: around 0.7 A at 230 V
• Dimmer: built in
• Cooling: passive, wave-shaped heat sink without a fan
• Weight: 5 kg

Frequently asked questions

Is the FC-E a lesser lamp than the FC?
No, it is slightly less efficient. The build, the spectrum and the controls are the same.

Will I notice that 0.05 µmol/J in my tent?
No. At this wattage the difference in output is smaller than the variation you create by changing your hanging height.

What tent size is this lamp for?
For 60 × 60 cm in flower. In a larger tent 150 watts leaves you short.

Can I dim several units together?
Yes, the lamps link to each other so they run at one setting.