cliffcliff - I'm a fence sitter at this point. Will be watching Moddy420's grow with interest. It sounds like you are a dedicated grower with experience. But it also sounds like you have not done your homework. LED is a changing technology. There is no doubt that it showed poor results in the beginning and the market if flooded with cheap crap that promises the moon and stars but doesn't deliver. But the tech is changing fast. Even if my yield is off by 15% I would use LED. Why? It eliminates so many issues - heat, venting, wiring, fans, etc. You mentioned flyovers in your neighborhood. I'm guessing they are using an infrared to identify heat signatures? You would be fine with LED. While I can setup a safe HID grow room, there is the ever present danger of fire. OK it's unlikely but shit happens and if it hits I lose my house, perhaps my family and insurance ain't going to cover that. When you do the math you realize that there are big savings on electric, bulbs, setup costs (if starting from scratch). Now there is also the question of what your goals are. I'm not growing for an audience. Just my own self indulgence and to benefit a friend with legitimate needs. That said, there is no reason why this couldn't be scaled up.

I am not sold but I am sure interested. While I do my research I'm not blowing people off. I'm trying to learn. People here will respect your difference of opinion and will walk through any valid questions that you post. Just ton down the hostility. No need for it.