New entry on the XS-2000(and/or 2500);
In early 2024 I purchased what was then a new
Viparspectra XS-2000, on eBay which upon initial inspection seemed quite a bit more upgraded than what was shown on Ebay. In hindsight what I purchased may have actually been the new XS-2500 on account that the images and specs match on both sides. That said, I have a few pointers for those new to the
Viparspectra line. NO... I am NOT a representative of theirs or anyone else's company but I like this lamp for what it does and it is kind of a hidden gem in my personal opinion. There aren't any pictures nor side by side comparisons to be listed here. These are instead about how the "Dimming" switch works.
Within the last year of my experience with the
Viparspectra XS-2000(2500), I have learned the HARD way that starting and vegging plants under full 100% power will deliver short, squat, very articulate and PM prone plants. The 100% setting is best left for the last two weeks of flowering. It really does its job at full power and is better left for the finish.
This one is a very unique beast! Within my own arsenal I utilize cheap, non programmable timers and climate guages. That said, In the event that you use your timer to turn the lamp "off" you will miss what this lamp does on the first setting. Which to the "naked eye" will look like nothing but the naked human eye is not meant to see infrared. That said, at least twice a week I subject my plants to 30 minutes infrared spectrum only within mid dark cycle. It requires some savviness to pull it off the way that I am set up but the infrared influence literally puts them to sleep and "dreaming". Lol I almost think by their reaction that infrared is almost hypnotic to them.
On a different note* I wouldn't use anything over 50% power from seed or clone onward until two weeks well-into flower on account that the 75% setting is again(too concentrated) for common vegetative growth. It will instigate a not only a short plant but one so tightly structured that you're doomed to mold, PM and over crowding. You're hitting them with the whole kitchen sink that just isn't meant for vexing nor mid-season growth.
Ladies and Gents, this lamp is actually hotter and more concentrated than any
Spider Farmer(or others), in its class and is actually more powerful per capita than the XS-4000(Do the math!).
In short, the
Viparspectra XS-2000, and again, I am pretty sure that I accidentally landed a 2500(by spec), this lamp is one to be reckoned with. Another fine perk is that my inside tent temperature averages 71 degrees Fahrenheit at 50% power; 76 degrees @ 75% power and a sweet spot of 81 degrees Fahrenheit at full 100% in a 2x4x7 tent. The Meanwell ballast* lives up to its name and emanates the perfect heat(at least for my personal set-up).
In proper order:
1) What appears to be "off" is actually infrared
2) 25% is everything you need for seed germination; early propagation; starters etc and is good for initial vegetative growth.
3) 50% is a sweet early June date on the river with your girlfriend or your buddies. Pull out the sunscreen and remember to hydrate because the rays are intense. You're gonna get pink in this climate.
4) 75% is the Hot August Night that Neil Diamond did at The Greek. It's HOT, it's dry and you just want to get inside and retire to the AC.
5) 100% is like that time that my 93 Ford Aerostar overheated at Zyzzx Road off of I-15 outside of Las Vegas in 116 degree heat at 6:00pm. The sun is at horizon level but is just as scorching as if straight overhead. This is a far-cry in the face of realistic measures but I would put the 100% setting as being the equivalent of being on the island of Kauai at peak summer season. UV is off the charts and if you're a honkey towhead from the mainland with porcelain white skin yer happy ass is in for a lactic acid backlash ad potassium deficit and sunburn beyond your wildest dreams.
Lastly and not to be redundant... I would only caution using the 100% setting within the last 2weeks of flower at best. This bitch is a bit too hot for any other part of the cycle.
There it is for better or worse, folks. Just relaying my experience with the settings nob.
Cheers dears!
Universal
