High-efficiency 730W bar-style LED for 5’×5′ flower (larger for veg). Newer EVO versions use Samsung LM301H EVO diodes with higher output and app control. Mars Hydro
AT A GLANCE (FC 6500 / FC 6500 EVO)
• Power draw: ~730 W (AC 100–277 V) Mars Hydro
• Coverage: 5’×5′ flower; up to ~6’×6′ veg (room-dependent) Mars Hydro
• Light output (EVO): ~2117 µmol/s PPF; ~2.9 PPE (fixture efficacy) LED Grow Lights Depot
• LEDs: Samsung LM301H EVO + deep-red (FC series); Bridgelux on FC-E series (see compare) Mars Hydro
• Dimming & daisy chain: onboard dimmer; link multiple fixtures (up to 60 in FC series) Manuals+
• Control: manual dimmer; “Smart”/EVO models support Mars Hydro app scheduling & groups Mars Hydro
• Drivers: commonly Inventronics / MOSO (varies by batch) GZ Grow Shops
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WHAT IT’S GOOD FOR
• Even canopy intensity in 4’×4’–5’×5′ rooms/tents with excellent corner coverage. Coco For Cannabis
• High-light crops (fruiting/flowering) and dense leafy greens at scale.
• Multi-fixture commercial layouts with shared dimming/control. Manuals+
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COVERAGE & HANGING HEIGHT (START POINTS)
• Seedlings/clones: 30–36 in, 25–40% power (watch DLI).
• Veg: 24–30 in, 40–70%.
• Flower: 12–18 in, 70–100% (raise light or dim to keep PPFD/VPD in range).
Tip: Use a PAR meter or the manufacturer’s stage guides (FC/FC-E) and tune by plant response. Mars Hydro
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INSTALLATION QUICK GUIDE
• Mounting: Use included bars/hangers; confirm structure for ~13 kg/28 lb fixture weight class; keep recommended clearances.
• Power: 100–277 V; dedicated circuit recommended. Follow nameplate/plug guidance in the FC-series manual. marshydro.eu
• Control: Set the onboard dimmer; for multi-light rooms, set one “main” and others “EXT” to mirror dimming. Manuals+
• Environment: Coordinate light intensity with HVAC/dehumidification to hold target VPD.
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MAINTENANCE
• Dust/wipe bars and drivers periodically to maintain cooling.
• Inspect connectors, dimmer knob, and link cables.
• Log height, dim level, and weekly plant response; adjust to keep PPFD/DLI on target. Coco For Cannabis
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TROUBLESHOOTING QUICK LIST
• Hot spots / tip burn: raise light or dim; verify airflow across canopy.
• Uneven growth: re-level fixture, check bar spacing and tent walls for reflections; confirm PPFD map. Coco For Cannabis
• Daisy-chain not syncing: ensure main light on “DIM,” subs on “EXT,” and solid TRS connections. Manuals+
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ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS
• Controller/app (Smart/EVO) for timers, groups, and remote dimming. Mars Hydro
• Additional link cables for multi-fixture rooms. Manuals+
• PAR meter (recommended) to verify canopy PPFD and dial in heights. Coco For Cannabis
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IF BUYING NEW (EVO UPDATE)
• The FC 6500 EVO boosts output and efficacy over prior FC 6500 generations (≈2117 PPF, ≈2.9 PPE) and adds app control. If you’re choosing today, the EVO is the current target. LED Grow Lights Depot
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COMPARE: FC 6500 VS FC-E 6500
• Diodes: FC = Samsung LM301H EVO (higher efficacy); FC-E = Bridgelux (value-oriented). Mars Hydro
• Power: both ~730 W; coverage similar in a 5’×5′. Mars Hydro
• Takeaway: FC 6500 = max performance/efficacy; FC-E 6500 = lower cost per watt.
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FAQS
Is 120 V ok? Yes, FC-series supports 120–277 V; check your plug type/circuit per manual. marshydro.eu
How close can I run it? Many growers finish flower at ~12–18 in with dimming as needed; confirm with PPFD/DLI for your crop. Coco For Cannabis
What’s the real output? Independent tests and 2024 reviews report ~2.9 PPE and ~2117 PPF on the EVO revision. LED Grow Lights Depot
Can I link multiple lights? Yes—use the included dimming link; the FC series supports large chains with one master dimmer. Manuals+
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DISCLAIMER
Specs can vary by production run (drivers/diodes/revisions). Always verify the nameplate, current manual, and your site’s electrical capacity. Tune height and dimming by live PPFD/DLI and plant response. © 2025 Mars Hydro FC 6500 Guide.