People hitting 3.5-4 lbs with 800-900w of diy leds in ~25 sq feet easy now.
The AC/DE hoods are the only sensible way to do DEHPS without massive ceilings.
As for cost, you can build a 1000w samsung strip light that has 27% more raw output (
than a 1150w dehps) and is better in every single regard for around $850. A 1000w AC/DE setup is like $600.
- 6x Samsung LT-FB24B double row 44" strips ($300)
- 3x Mean Well HLG-320H-48A drivers ($250)
- 6x 46" pieces of 1.8" aluminum heatsink ($180) note how its 2" longer than the strips, dont forget that
- 3/4" Aluminum L frame 1/8" thick for your frame, 4x 46" pieces - $30
- A box of 5 slot wagos - $20
- 14g and 18g solid core wire - $12
- M6 screws - $3
- Power cords - $15
- Thermal tape - $10
Total cost is about $820 plus shipping. 960-1000+ watts depending on how many extra watts your A series meanwells give you. PPF output of around 2200+
A DEHPS bulb running on 1150w overdrive has a PPF output of around 2000. And those AC/DE hoods with the glass on them eat a solid 15% of that, so really 1700 PPF. If you dont want to HAVE to replace your bulb every 3 months, a 1000w DEHPS bulb is around 1850 PPF.
And you can veg under the LEDs. Quality should increase in every regard.They'll last 8-10 years. Driver has 7 year warranty. Spectrum is far better. You can place them closer to your plants.
The DEHPS might edge it on in penetration, but I frankly really doubt it.
HPS is just not there. And if I hear someone say this is all bullshit because I dont use DEHPS myself, then you can keep telling yourself those inefficient orange space heaters are the best while us LED heads will laugh at you.