Based on the numbers I've ran LED lights don't break even until the end of their lifespan, if then. Everyone loves them or claims they do at first but almost all show disappointing results often in multiple areas like yield, density and coverage.

If LED were 25% of current cost it may be more viable but, imho, it's just not ready in the free market/bang for the buck arena. It'll grow decent plants given enough w/sft but most people underestimate how high that requirement is. I just think there are better alternatives unless the grower just wants to use LED for some other reason(s).

YMMV...

SisterMaryElephant wrote:Based on the numbers I've ran LED lights don't break even until the end of their lifespan, if then. Everyone loves them or claims they do at first but almost all show disappointing results often in multiple areas like yield, density and coverage.

If LED were 25% of current cost it may be more viable but, imho, it's just not ready in the free market/bang for the buck arena. It'll grow decent plants given enough w/sft but most people underestimate how high that requirement is. I just think there are better alternatives unless the grower just wants to use LED for some other reason(s).

YMMV...

Its very much like the hybrid car vs non hybrid car debate. It doesn't matter how you do the math a hybrid costs more and will cost you more over the life of the car. I own a Honda Civic it was 18k brand new gets 32-38 mpg. Honda Civic Hybrid was 24k drive off price...thats 6k more for 42mpg Even if I drove the stinking thing 5-6 years the 18k Honda Civic is cheaper. The only thing you get outta a hybrid is feel good if your into that.

Good analogy!

I owned a Prius for 4 years. A total POS and a GIANT lie as to mileage.

Powerwiz wrote:

SisterMaryElephant wrote:Based on the numbers I've ran LED lights don't break even until the end of their lifespan, if then. Everyone loves them or claims they do at first but almost all show disappointing results often in multiple areas like yield, density and coverage.

If LED were 25% of current cost it may be more viable but, imho, it's just not ready in the free market/bang for the buck arena. It'll grow decent plants given enough w/sft but most people underestimate how high that requirement is. I just think there are better alternatives unless the grower just wants to use LED for some other reason(s).

YMMV...

Its very much like the hybrid car vs non hybrid car debate. It doesn't matter how you do the math a hybrid costs more and will cost you more over the life of the car. I own a Honda Civic it was 18k brand new gets 32-38 mpg. Honda Civic Hybrid was 24k drive off price...thats 6k more for 42mpg Even if I drove the stinking thing 5-6 years the 18k Honda Civic is cheaper. The only thing you get outta a hybrid is feel good if your into that.

At the end of week 1 both sets of 3 - plants 'look' very similar. They are both stretching at the same rate [so far]. Plant heights are all between 29.5 and 30.5 inches. [3.5 inches of vertical growth at the end of week 1 of the flowering cycle]

The following temps were measured via Infrared Thermometer:
Grow Room - 73 degrees F
Co2 - 1550ppm average
Watered with flowering fert formula 2-18-2012
Fertilizer used - House and Garden line

LED output at acrylic lens. 102.5 degrees
Leaves at top of canopy. 79.2 degrees [Lens 18" from top of canopy]


HID output at glass cover. 115.5 degrees
Leaves at top of canopy. 82.4 degrees [glass 18" from top of canopy]

Among many other observations, we'll follow specific terminal buds through the grow, let's call them Becky [HID] and Molly [LED].

In the side by side, the LED plant looks a little more bushy. But all in all, both are growing nicely. Great job Bro. h

hemivette wrote:In the side by side, the LED plant looks a little more bushy. But all in all, both are growing nicely. Great job Bro. h

Thanks hemivette,

I have a wall in the way otherwise I could stand back further and get more inclusive pics. 8 x 8 room is way small. Hemivette... did you put a Hemi in a Vette? Or am I way off?

Lol. No your on the mark. Oldschool drag racer. Ive done some crazy shit, none of it street legal. A hemi in a Vette isnt my original idea, but I did make up the name in the early 90's, and has been been my username since. h

hemivette wrote:Lol. No your on the mark. Oldschool drag racer. Ive done some crazy shit, none of it street legal. A hemi in a Vette isnt my original idea, but I did make up the name in the early 90's, and has been been my username since. h

NICE!! What was the hp? Which Hemi did you use? What year of Vette? Got any pics? I used to own a 65' Shelby Cobra [Superformance] w/ a 525hp Windsor. 0-60 in 3.8 sec FUN!!! When I had it built I wanted to put in an aluminum Side Oiler in it but I couldn't justify the $25,000 for a motor and the weight would have made it too front heavy. MY Windsor allowed me to keep the car at a 50/50 weight distribution and 525hp is plenty for the streets Actually, I grew up just blocks away from Carroll Shelby in SoCal. He used to build his Shelby Mustangs on the south side of LAX Airport where I lived as a kid. I wish I still had all my cars...... Do you still have a race car? So many stories from that era.....

It was an old drag motor I had (392) Huffed it was a little over 1500hp, never dyno'ed it in the car, but would say it was around 700hp. The Vette was a scab together of several different years (shit laying around the shop) Title is 69'. I ended up selling it to a guy who turned it into a 4X4.



Ya if we only could go back in time. My first car (14yo) was a 70' 442, second was a 69 Hurst Olds (ended up tubbed, with 580hp, and 640ftlbs, M22, and 4.88's) and number 3 was a 70' Camaro with the split bumper and extended nose. Factory 4.11, 4 speed car with a 500hp small block. Wish I had all 3 of them.

Life and family took over and everything was sold. I have a 97 Blazer, and a 97 Monte, that are both meticulously maintained. I still go to the NW Nationals every year, but have developed a brain tumor over the past few years, so I am unable to work for more than a couple hrs at a time, and have been basically forced to retire. I dont think it will be long, and I wont be driving anymore.

Yes many memories. Peace! h