600w HPS vs 2x Procyon 100

[Revanche21]

If I replaced my 600 Watt HPS that I use throughout my entire grow with two Procyon 100's for a 3x3 or 4x4 area;

what would happen to my yield?

would I get more? less?

[Revanche21]

any guesses?

[oldmac]

any guesses?

Hey Revanche,

My guess is yield would go way down. Using 4'x4' grow tray as an example,( 'cause that's what I'm working with now) 2 Procyons would not cover it. 1 Ti SmartLamp will not cover it (at least for MJ) and if you even look at the 600HPS you'll find light coverage drops off in the corners compared to the center of the tray.

Possible that a combo of LED and fluoro might work, maybe 2 Procyons and 2 200wattCFLs. Dollar for dollar the HPS is probably the way to go, but for me I'm up to trying to light 4'x4' trays with 1-Ti SmartLamp (300watt LED) and 4-4' T5s driven to VHO levels (340watts T5) for a total of 640 watts of hi-tech hy-bred.

[Revanche21]

what about in a 3x3 area?

would it be way less?

[aahigh]

If you have at least 1/3 the wattage with a red-blue combo (1 blue per 6 red) you should get better results.

Cheapest per watt I have found tonight:

High Tech Garden Supply (http://www.htgsupply.com/)

Has 50 watts for $139 or $2.80 per watt

Expect to spend $3 to $6 per watt for LED lighting.

http://www.ledgrowlights.com/university%20of%20minn%20study.PDF

The research suggests LED's are better, just make sure you have at least 1/3 or more LED wattage to be fair to the LED's and you should be fine.

My understanding is that the initial cost will be recouped in energy savings (assuming you aren't stealing electricity) withing a year to three years depending on usage and electricity costs in your area.

[aahigh]

www.LEDwholesalers.com - 55 Watt LED Plant Hydroponic Grow light Panel Red Blue (http://www.ledwholesalers.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=379)

This link is for 55 watts for $115 or $2.09 per watt. Looks like you could get a couple hundred watts for $460 but not sure who all has tried this particular model to comment on it.