Quote Originally Posted by adamrichnorml
i need some advice on a system i am putting together im gonna be using a complete hydroponic system and i have purchased 4 led panels with a wave length reading of Red: 640nm Blue: 460nm they are 56w each units do you think these will produce a positive result or should i step out and purchase another few panels and make it a 400w plus system? store information shows the comparable to a 400hps but ive only grown under hps -mh systems so im nervous about my purchase i hope an honest opinion or some knowledge will reassure me with my decision to move with the future of lighting and it makes my pockets cry much less at utilites time
I think this would depend on the type of panel. You said 56w, the only 56w panel that I'm aware of uses tail-through 'lite-brite' diodes. While these panels will work, they won't work as well as a panel using SMT diodes, which will output much brighter at the same power draw. Also, you'll have to keep those panels further away from your plants so to allow the light to combine and cover the plant evenly.

Total 224 watts of LED. Well, if you do everything right, you should match a 400w HPS or MH without too much of a problem.