Lighting LED v.s. HPS

[Beef_Rockmore]

Are LED lights better than HPS or metal halide? I found a good answer here: http://gardeningunlimited.com/2013/05/01/are-led-grow-lights-better-than-hps/

In short....not yet. Low heat output from LED results in temperature problems causing water logged roots from soil not drying and other related issues. Mitigating these issues may result in offsetting any money claimed to be saved by using LED.

 

[TaNg]

Hay bro welcome to AFN and thanks for sharing. That article is a few years old now and at the time of writing may have been relevant but not now, LED grow lights have come on leaps and bounds the last two or three years.

 

[thetreeman]

Have to agree, from the research Ive done, HPS cant keep up with LED, even if you use the new double ended bulbs. Of course LED hurts a little more to get into as it costs about 2 to 3x as much / light, but 12 months later, your investment will have paid off....

 

[bad dragon bzzz]

im on my 3rd light all have been led,all have been different makes and different watts.i have read a shitload,learnt a shitload.but still know next to nothing.i have however come to a conclusion.
that is led v hps v hid v cfl v metal hilide = lemons v apples v oranges v pears v banannas.
hope that makes sense.

 

[IndyLED]

I am getting between 1g to 1.75 gpw depending on strain I am running with 100watt CXB3590 and 120watt Vero29s

 

[F.N.]

The Gavita high hps state of the art super sonic hydroponic grow light can be whipped by four 75 dollar a piece galaxy hydro 300 watt led light actual draw 360 true watts between the four lights for $300.00 US you can beat a 1000 watt easily.

 

[lost360]

I just picked up a platinum led its 600 watts hopefully it works ok

 

[IndyLED]

I use a 5x10 growlab with standard Intake/Exhaust with 1700watts LED Pic from July2015. There is no need for extra extraction equipment that HPS/MH require. Ive spent many thousands testing many Fixtures over last 18months and Can say? You get what you pay for.COBs are the next gen because of durability and grower serviceability.

The 2014 LED of the year K5($1250) is no longer in service because of 40% emitter failure
All my epistar fixtures get handed down to my wife for all her spring market vegetable starts. Lots of emitters are out on those but work great for purpose

 

[F.N.]

Oh yea a grower after my own heart LOL. I run 1700 watts of led too. In a 4X8 I have a 1200 watt COB that is durable and grows wicked pot. I had a inferior cable plug I turned on my 1200 watt for the first time in two months I felt the wire it was HOT I pulled it out the thing arcked quite the noise. I grabbed another cord pluged her it and she is working great. I also run three apollo 6. And three generic led 300 watt epi leds I love the way they frost up under the cheap ones I have been running all of them 24/7 for 8 months plus solid and not one light out on any of my lights. Knock on wood

 

[Ozone69]

I think it's a very subjective question. What's better for one grower may not be better for the next. For example, they are looking at needing supplemental heating. But I'd wager there are plenty of cases where if LED's are not used then supplemental cooling becomes a requirement. If you're like me and growing MJ is to you just a hobby with benefits, I say figure out what works for you and have fun with it.