Led? mixed feelings

[gs007]

I am really skeptical about leds,

saw few independent grow tests 420 maz...and the more wattage expensive leds seems to be getting similar results.

However most people on the forums are showing negative feelings about them.

I am about to get my first light and really thinking about LEDS cuz it runs cool (paranoid) and dont mind spending a bit for it.

What do u guys think about these independent tests on various forms?

[headhigh]

Looking at $1200 for a half decent LED unit

 

or

 

$160 for a 400W HPS bulb, ballast & shade

 

The lumen output of the 400W is significantly higher than the LED light. While the LED is rich in the required light spectrums they cannot match HID bulbs in output hence why everyone loves HIDs. You'll get a denser fatter bud using HID.

 

You would be better off investing that $1200 into a 400/600W HID Hydroponic tent setup.

Edited May 31, 2011 by headhigh

[Trickee]

Looking at $1200 for a half decent LED unit

 

or

 

$160 for a 400W HPS bulb, ballast & shade

 

The lumen output of the 400W is significantly higher than the LED light. While the LED is rich in the required light spectrums they cannot match HID bulbs in output hence why everyone loves HIDs. You'll get a denser fatter bud using HID.

 

You would be better off investing that $1200 into a 400/600W HID Hydroponic tent setup.

 

You're right about the price, LED costs more, but then there are some experiments like this one which seem to show that LED can be better than HID. I think the only real differences between the 2 setups are price and of course the final result. LED is definitely going to get cheaper over the years, so people need to keep an open mind about what it may be able to do...

Edited June 1, 2011 by Reverend
Link is courtesy of 420 Mag

[The Hash Nibbler]

Heya Trickee, it's a pretty experiment, but you gotta realise a lot of new growers don't know the difference betwen a great 3-5w cree led system and one they can buy off ebay for $300. So they buy the LED off ebay thinking they are going to get the same results as a top flight LED set up or a good HID set up.

Thats where it all goes wrong. I got nothing against LED's apart from the fact the crap panels and stuff being sold on the net don't cut it. I would rather see someone set up a good grow with HID than spend a ridiculous amount of money on LED's that give poor results.

If you can find an LED panel that can do the job you saw in that grow for under $400 I'd be suprised. Peace. gh72

[headhigh]

You're right about the price, LED costs more, but then there are some experiments like this one which seem to show that LED can be better than HID. I think the only real differences between the 2 setups are price and of course the final result. LED is definitely going to get cheaper over the years, so people need to keep an open mind about what it may be able to do...

 

 

That is indeed what they are... experiments.

 

I'm aware that the technology will become cheaper over time, i'm well aware of rhw capabilities and the strong points of LED hydroponic gardening. However i think LEDs turn in the spotlight in regards to hydroponics will be overshadowed by plasma lighting in the coming years.

 

I use HID bulbs because they work, the strong majority of growers here use HID. A good LED grow is few and far between because of the gear required.

 

should you choose to go down the LED path, definitely make a grow diary.

Edited June 1, 2011 by headhigh

[Psychonaut]

Unless you REALLY have a good reason for needing a LED then I agree with others you are better off just going with a 400w HID.

 

As I understand it LED do put off just as much heat but because it is spread much more it is less of a factor to deal with. Do not be mistaken into thinking LED are totally quiet neither, depending on their size and make they will be running 3-6 computer fans, you could set up something just as quiet for a 400w HID.

 

If you do some decent research you can find quality units around 600-800 out of the US, with current exchange rates it actually kind of makes it more cost effective as well; probably better off waiting a few more years though for the tech to improve and prices to come down, it is a billion$ industry so we should see some great lights eventually.

Edited June 2, 2011 by Psychonaut

[minutetaker]

Considered CFLs?