There are several LED grow lights designed specifically for 4×4 foot grow spaces. These specific grow lights typically use at least 450 watts of power, and spread the light uniformly across the grow space so the buds on the far sides of the grow tent get enough light.

How To Choose The Best Grow Light For A 4×4 Tent:

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when choosing a grow light for a 4×4 space is picking one that isn’t designed for 4×4 feet. When I say designed, I’m talking about wattage and coverage area.

I’ve put together a list of grow lights below, but as long as you buy a grow light with the proper specifications, you can buy ANY brand.

How Many Watts Are Needed For 4×4 Grow Tent?

As mentioned above, the proper wattage would be about 450 watts. However, I’ve seen inexpensive grow lights for 4×4 grow tents that consume 400 watts.

400 watts on an LED grow light will get the job done, but if you want the highest yielding grow light for 4×4 feet, you’ll need a grow light consuming 450 to 500 watts.

The Best Inexpensive Grow Light For 4×4 Foot Areas:

Most growers now agree that LED grow lights are superior. But they’re still pricey, especially if you’re growing in a large area. So if you need an inexpensive grow light for a 4×4 foot area, you’d be better off choosing a 400 or 600 watt HPS grow light instead of an inexpensive LED grow light that will underperform.

HPS grow lights are an inexpensive older grow light technology that will create more heat than LEDs. So make sure your grow space is equipped to deal with a little extra heat if you go this route. Otherwise keep saving for LEDs.

If you need a further explanation about plant light intensity requirements, My article about the minimum required light intensity (PPFD) for growing cannabis is a good explainer on light intensity.

The Best LED Grow Lights for 4×4 Grow Tents:

1. AC Infinity IonBoard S44 (Budget Choice)
2. Mars Hydro TS-3000 Quantum Board (Bang For The Buck Choice)
3. HLG Blackbird (High Yielding Choice)
4. Spider Farmer SE-5000 (Bar-Design Choice)

Keep reading for details about each grow light:

Best Inexpensive LED Grow Light: AC Infinity IonBoard S44

One of the most inexpensive options to properly grow in a 4×4 foot grow tent – the AC Infinity IonBoard S44. It looks similar to other quantum board style grow lights because most manufacturers are now using this modern design. 

Why is the Ionboard S44 One of the Best Grow Lights for a 4×4 Grow Tent?

Affordability

The AC Infinity IonBoard S44 is one of the best options because of the modern design, but also because of the affordability. If you don’t mind having a grow light with less features than comparable models such as the Mars Hydro TS-3000 (below), then the Ionboard S44 is probably a good fit for you.

The IonBoard S44 is a close comparison to more expensive Mars Hydro and Spider Farmer, and uses a similar 400 watts from the wall. It’s fully dimmable and waterproof. Check out my article about grow light hang height to learn more about proper grow light intensity.

Spectrum and Coverage

The spectrum is 3000K , 5000K, 660nm red, and 730nm infrared which makes up a full spectrum light that’ll grow from seed to harvest. Its basically the same spectrum that all the higher priced options use.

The 400 watts is about 10% lower than close competitors like Mars Hydro or Spider Farmer, but it’s still enough to grow with. I wouldn’t want to go much below that in a 4×4 foot grow tent.

As you can see in the image above, the light intensity is pretty good for flowering at 18 inches hang height.

Will the Ionboard S44 get too hot for a 4×4 grow tent?

All grow lights above 200 watts make heat. The S44 consumes 400 watts, so it won’t be as bad as other grow lights for 4×4 tents that consume over 400 watts.  You should have an inline fan and oscillating fan in your grow tent and it will be manageable.

IonBoard S44 Specifications:

Pros and Cons of the AC Infinity IonBoard S44 Grow Light:

Pros:

• Great price for the power & coverage
• Includes important infrared diodes
• Can connect to universal AC Infinity controller

Cons:

• No warranty

Click Here to View or Buy the IonBoard S44 at Amazon

Best All Around Grow Light For 4×4 Tent: Mars Hydro TS-3000

(Click Here To View or Buy the TS-3000)

I’ve spoken to several growers who love their Mars Hydro TS-3000. There are a few reasons this is the best all around grow light for 4×4 tents. First is the decreased cost.

Mars Hydro has since released a new bar-style grow light called the FC series which includes the FC-4800 model designed for a 4×4 foot space.

Due to that, the price of this TS series has decreased. However you’re still getting 450 watts of performance. You can dim it, daisy chain it, and flower 4×4 feet with it!

The FC-4800 is a bit more expensive than the TS-3000 so I still think the TS-3000 represents the best value for a 4×4 foot space given there isn’t much difference between this and the newer FC-4800. 

Let’s take a look at some of the Mars Hydro TS 3000’s features:

Why is the TS-3000 one of the best LED grow lights for 4×4 grow tents?

The most important factors immediately come to mind. Light intensity, white light spectrum, modern design, and cost.

The light intensity (PPFD) on the Mars Hydro is stronger than the Ionboard S44 discussed above, but weigh that against the lower cost of a IonBoard.

At 11 pounds, all grow tents should be able to hang the TS-3000 with ease. These grow lights come with proper hanging equipment.

Great Features:

I always say you get what you pay for when it comes to grow lights. The Mars Hydro models have a nice feature that other models don’t have. It’s the extra cord length attached to the drivers, allowing you to hang them outside your grow tent and maintain a lower temperature inside the grow tent.

The Mars Hydro TS-3000 also has a dimmer on the driver to make easy adjustments for the cannabis veg or flowering phases.

The TS-3000’s intense light will ensure your plants don’t stretch because they’re hungry for additional light, meaning it’s easier to grow them at the size and height convenient for your 4×4 grow tent.

Will the Mars Hydro TS-3000 get too hot for a 4×4 grow tent?

Believe it or not, many growers are still using or transitioning from HPS grow lights that get considerably hot in grow tents, and thus expect LED lights to be the same. Quality LED grow lights, including the Mars Hydro TS 3000 are perfect for use in grow tents.

The slim design of the TS 3000 makes it efficient for dispersing heat. With that said, all grow lights release some heat, and you may want to consider placing an inline duct fan and filter in your tent to maintain an ideal growing environment. Several owners of the light have written reviews and nobody has complained about heat thus far.

Other Specifications Of The Mars Hydro TS 3000 LED Grow Light In Your 4×4 Grow Tent:

The quantum board design is the most modern on the market. Compared to older grow light designs, the quantum board design does not contain cooling fans, and the light intensity (PPFD) doesn’t fade as much as you get to the edge of the coverage area.

The efficiency, or micromoles (uMol) per watt, is higher on quantum boards than more classic designed grow lights. That means you’ll get more light for the amount of power you consume.

The Mars Hydro TS 3000 LED grow light is equipped with 684 High quality LED chips. The light pulls ~300 watts from the wall, and Mars Hydro claims 2.2g per watt yield, although cannabis yields generally vary widely.

(Click Here to View or Buy)

The white light spectrum is scientifically proven better than pink/purple spectrum of the past. You get white light plus infrared with the TS-3000 grow light.

This LED grow light comes with a generous 3 year warranty and 30 day money-back guarantee. I know from personal experience that Mars Hydro responds quickly if you contact them.

In my opinion the Mars Hydro TS 3000 LED grow light is the second best all around LED grow light for 4×4 grow tents. All the features and capabilities come together to make a 4×4 growing experience easy and stress free.

Click here to see reviews and prices for the Mars Hydro TS-3000

Pros and Cons of Mars Hydro TS-3000 LED Grow Light

Pros:

• Built using highly reliable materials
• High intensity / PPFD numbers
• Can be controlled using timer
• Dimmable and daisy chainable
• Worry free customer oriented warranty

Cons:

• Slightly outdated design

My verdict

Over 100 growers have purchased this light and reviewed it highly.

I definitely recommend two Mars Hydro TS 3000 watt grow lights because with the features and capability offered, they’re a perfect fit for a 4×4 grow tent.

Click here to see reviews and prices for the Mars Hydro TS-3000

Highest Yielding LED Grow Light For 4×4 Tents: HLG BlackBird

My third choice is the highest yielding LED grow light designed for a 4×4 grow tent. It’s the HLG Blackbird. HLG has been around for several years and they’re known for developing high quality grow lights

The Blackbird combines several HLG QB quantum boards onto a single unit. I’ve grown with HLG’s previous 650R model and can vouch that these are very powerful grow lights that grow some incredible plants..

This would be the recommended grow light if you have a more flexible budget and a desire for high strength grow lights resulting in max cannabis yields. 

Why are HLG Grow Lights One of the Best LED Grow Lights for 4×4 Grow Tents?

Because of the small design and efficiency of 2.79 umol/joule of the Samsung LM301H LEDs, this grow light produces very little heat. That’s a huge benefit when you start putting grow lights in smaller spaces like 4×4 feet and below.

The LM301H LEDs were designed for horticulture (plant growing) applications, and will outperform inexpensive LED grow lights.

Another great feature of this grow light is the ability to hang it so close to your plants without burning or bleaching them.

The previous grow lights mentioned above are required to be hung as much as 2 to 3 feet above the canopy unless you dim them. You can hang this HLG Blackbird between 18 to 24 inches during flowering. 

HLG grow lights are sufficient to get your plants through all stages of growth (You can read more about daily light requirements here), and the light is dimmable from 10-100% intensity if you want to adjust it.

Will the HLG Blackbird Grow Light Get Too Hot for a 4×4 grow tent?

The design of the Blackbird is the most efficient design currently in use when it comes to heat dissipation for LED grow lights. 

All grow lights emit some heat, so you need a space fan and inline fan handy in your grow tent regardless of your choice. With that said, heat coming from these lights will be much more manageable than the older high pressure sodium (HPS) grow lights.

What Else You Should Know About The HLG Blackbird:

HLG LEDs are full spectrum lights built using high-quality materials. This is a hand made product compared to mass produced overseas product. It comes with a 3 year warranty and the company is based in the US.

If your goal is to produce extra potent cannabis, you can buy an attachable UV-light bar that for the HLG Blackbird. UV spectrum is known to increase THC production. 

Along with the perfect design for a 4X4 grow tent, high-quality light, performance capability and reasonable price HLG offers 3 years of warranty!

What quality plants are people growing with these lights?

Click here to see reviews and prices for the HLG BlackBird at LED Grow Lights Depot

Pros and Cons of the HLG Blackbird

Pros:

• Sturdy and Strong Build
• Strong enough for C02 Growing
• Competitive Price
• Optional UV light attachment
• Cost effective in terms of power use

Cons:

• Not the cheapest option, but you will get what you pay for with this grow light

Click here to see reviews and prices for the HLG BlackBird at LED Grow Lights Depot

4. Spider Farmer SE-5000

(Click Here to View or Buy On Amazon)

My final recommendation for the best LED grow light for a 4×4 grow tent or grow space would be the Spider Farmer SE-5000. This option gives you the newer bar style design, 480 watts of true power, and a better price compared to the Timber Cypress 6 above.

Think of it as the happy middle between the older TS-3000 design and the newer high power Cypress 6 design. Spider Farmer is a brand that runs mass production so the value you get in the SE-5000 is the among the best you’ll find in a grow light of this style and power. 

I recommend this grow light as one of the best value picks for a 4x4ft space. I bought the smaller SF-2000 for my 2×4 foot grow tent so I know these lights well. You can read my full Spider Farmer review here.

Why is the SE-5000 Grow Light One of the Best LED Grow Lights for 4×4 Grow Tents?

To say it simply, the Spider Farmer SE-5000 meets all the requirements you’ll need to illuminate a 4×4 foot space properly. The light is strong enough, and the coverage is uniform, with minimal intensity fading across the canopy.

As you can see in the image above, peak light intensity is roughly 1300 micromoles in the center and between 500-800 micromoles in the 4 foot range. It’s plenty to grow you a respectable yield, and when you consider the price the SE-5000 becomes a very attractive option.

Are there stronger grow lights out there for 4×4 feet? Sure, but be prepared to pay top dollar. If you don’t mind paying extra, check out the HLG 650R.

Will the Spider Farmer SE-5000 Grow Light Get Too Hot for a 4×4 grow tent?

The bar design of the SE-5000 is the most efficient design currently in use when it comes to heat dissipation for LED grow lights. 

All grow lights emit some heat, so you need a space fan and inline fan handy in your grow tent regardless of your choice. With that said, heat coming from these lights will be much more manageable than the older high pressure sodium (HPS) grow lights.

What Else You Should Know About The Spider Farmer SE-5000 In Your 4×4 Grow Tent:

The SE-5000 is dimmable from 100% to 25% power. With that said, the only time I would dim this light is if I was growing seedlings, or if my plants were in the late flowering phase and growing too close to the light.

The light uses top-bin Samsung LEDs to illuminate your space. They emit full spectrum 3000K, 5000K, ultraviolet, infrared, and far red 660nm colors. The ultraviolet and infrared diodes will really help you grow top-shelf cannabis and they’re a rare feature on LED grow lights. 

The MOSO driver is the high quality industry standard for grow light drivers. This is where you’ll find the dimming screw for the SE-5000.

Overall, users of this light seem to be very satisfied and it’s undoubtedly one of the best grow lights for 4×4 grow tents.

Click here to View or Buy the Spider Farmer SE-5000 on Amazon

Pros and Cons of the Spider Farmer SE-5000 LED Grow Light:

Pros:

• Strong intensity readings
• Top quality
• Power efficient 
• 5 year warranty

Cons:

• Not the cheapest option

Also Read:

• 10 Best 600W LED Grow Lights
• The Best Cheap LED Grow Lights

My Verdict

This new quantum board technology is spreading like the plague, and for good reason. Growers have decided that this is the best way to grow.

I would definitely recommend the Spider Farmer SE-5000 for your 4×4 foot grow space.

Check out what growers have grown with these grow lights so far (Pictures from Instagram):

Click here to see reviews and prices for the Spider Farmer SE-5000 on Amazon

Considering a 3×3 or 2×4 foot grow tent?

I’ve also outlined the best grow lights for 3×3 foot and 2×4 foot grow tents, because I find many people consider multiple tents or different size grow tents.

Other Questions I Receive From Growers Considering Grow Lights For 4×4 Grow Tents:

             1. How Many Plants Fit in a 4×4 Grow Tent?

It truly depends how large you intend to grow the plants. For example, you can train one plant to grow very wide and take up half of the tent. In that case the answer is two. Otherwise I recommend giving each plant 2×2 feet of space, so you’d be able to fit four plants total in a 4×4 tent.

                2. How Many LED Watts Are Needed to Grow In A 4×4 Grow Tent?

Let me distinguish between LED watts and true watts. LED watts can be the number of watts in the title – which is a misleading marketing tactic – or it can represent the total watts of the LED chips. Both of those numbers are irrelevant for determining what’s needed in a 4×4 grow tent. Take a look at the true watts number described below:

Each manufacturer provides a true watts number for their grow lights. I Recommend 450 watts minimum based on the best LED grow lights that cover a 4×4 grow space effectively.

You can get by with a slightly lower powered light like the 400 watt Maxsisun PB 4000 mentioned above – but only if you’re on a budget. I really recommend 450 watts as the minimum.

                3. Do I need an oscillating fan for my 4×4 grow tent?

Yes! You need an inline fan and an oscillating fan. The oscillating fan will push air around and prevent mold and mildew spores from taking root. It’ll also provide the plants with a steady source of fresh air.

4. What Size Inline Fan Do I Need For a 4×4 Grow Tent?

I wrote a whole article on determining grow tent fan sizes here:  My guide to grow tent fans, carbon filters and installation. The minimum power inline fan you’ll need for a 4×4 grow tent is ~250 cfm. That’s assuming use of a carbon filter and one bend somewhere in the ducting. Bending the ducting more than one time will require a little  bit more power.

4. Is it better to grow with a grow tent or open space?

One big secret you likely didn’t know about grow tents is that the interior reflective mylar actually increases the light intensity (PPFD) on your plants. So whatever PPFD the grow light manufacturer is claiming, you can safely estimate up to 20% higher PPFD values if you’re using a grow tent. Grow tents also allow you to control temperatures and humidity more easily than an open space. I highly recommend using a 4×4 foot grow tent compared to an open space.

What else you’ll need after choosing a grow light for your 4×4 foot grow tent:

If you’re just getting started growing indoors, you’ll likely need a few more items in addition to your grow tent. The growing environment is crucial to the quality of your crop. You can run through my checklist here to make sure you have everything!

Cheers, and happy growing!

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References

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