HPS vs. Induction + CFL flowering comparison

[vanduction]

Hi, this week I will be starting a comparison grow between HPS and Induction lighting.

Question: Can induction lighting produce the same flowering performance as HPS lighting, while using 50% or less watts?

The goal is NOT any of:
- examine veg growth
- produce maximum yield
- try any other kind of experimentation

Methodology:

Manufacture 2 identical growing cabinets. The only difference is the lamps installed in each cabinet.

Put in each box an equal number of veg'd clones that are ready for flowering. Feed & water the plants the same during flowering.

At the end of flowering, compare the quality & yield of each cabinet.

The lights:

Cab 1) HPS with magnetic ballast.
- Rated power: 250w
- Actual power used: 315w

Cab 2) Chinese induction lamp
- Rated power: 120w
- Actual power used: 118w

Cab 2) 2 x Sunblaster 2' CFL
- Rated power: 24w
- Actual power used: 20w

*note: The CFLs may be added because my actual power use estimates were off (I expected the induction to consumer more than rated) and I wanted to get closer to 50%. Feedback on this decision is appreciated.

vanduction Reviewed by vanduction on 11-13-2010. HPS vs. Induction + CFL flowering comparison Hi, this week I will be starting a comparison grow between HPS and Induction lighting. Question: Can induction lighting produce the same flowering performance as HPS lighting, while using 50% or less watts? The goal is NOT any of: - examine veg growth - produce maximum yield - try any other kind of experimentation Methodology: Rating: 5

[vanduction]

The Cabinets:




Construction:

Each cabinet is 2' x 2' wide, and 4' tall. Made from plywood. Painted white. (white poly may be installed later when i get some).

Watering:

The bottom of the cab is covered in rubber pond liner. There is a drain with the valve on the bottom. This will allow all plants to be watered at once by flooding the bottom of the cab and then draining it.

In future a pump/drip system may be added, but for now dumping water into the 2 boxes will suffice.

Power:

Lights, heating, and cooling all have their own plugs.



The lights for both cabinets will run off the same timer. All other items will run off continuous power.

Temperature:

Each cabinet has a high thermostat and a low thermostat. The high thermostat activates a 106cfm fan that blows out a 5" duct. Air intake is through a dryer exhaust flap.

The low thermostat activates an electric blanket under the pond liner. Now that it's winter I expect this will be necessary when the lamps are off.



Smell:

There is nothing to control smell at this time, but I can add either an ozonator or a charcoal filter to the 5" ducts.

[bigsby]

Subscribed. Please see this through! And thanks for taking the time. We need more of these kinds of comparisons.

[RackitMan]

Vanduction, where did you get the idea that induction will out-perform HPS?

To my knowledge the main benefits of induction are the lumen maintenance and the long life, unless the bulbs are specifically designed for horticulture - and even then...

I would imagine induction to be equal to or slightly better than standard t5 fluoros for flowering.

[vanduction]

Vanduction, where did you get the idea that induction will out-perform HPS?

From you, other users, and vendor's websites.

...

Forum post: http://boards.cannabis.com/indoor-li...row-light.html

RackitMan (you) said: "The light ouput is about 85% usable by the plant as compared to about 15-20% (?) for HPS."

Forum Post: http://boards.cannabis.com/indoor-li...ml#post2147172

Calbunn said: "I'm very happy with the yields and the 400 have replaced my 1000 w hps"

Vendor Website: EFDL Lighting, induction lamps, LED grow lights

"These lamps use 70% less energy than HPS"

Vendor Website: Induction Grow Lights - NewAge Lights

"This 150w Super Grow Light can replace [...] 600W to 800W HPS (HID).

[Dutch Pimp]

oh, my...take a ticket...take a seat.....:glugglug:..I wanna see this.

[canniwhatsis]

Yep,... Watching.

[drudown11]

ive been wanting to see something like this for a while

[khyberkitsune]

Well, at least you managed to get the relative lumen output matched.

Still putting my money behind the HPS due to higher usable photon flux density.

[vanduction]

The cabinets are now installed in the corner. I had to move the exhaust ducts to the side because depth is an issue.



Each cabinet has a ball valve installed. The plants will be allowed to soak and then the water will be drained.



There are thermometers with remote probes. Each thermometer has a MIN/MAX function so i can confirm that the thermostats inside are working properly.

I have confirmed that the max temperature in both boxes is about 78 degrees. The cooling works perfectly.

I plan on setting the low thermostat to 18c, which is about 64 degrees. The temperature in our area has gone below freezing but I hope the combination of plants in cabinets + the heating pads will be able to keep the temperature up. If the thermometers report the MIN temperatures are too low, then i will add insulation and/or a small heater.