the LEDs are WAY too far from the plants.
they should be right on top of the seedlings.
the floros are also to far away.
not a very scientific test, though interesting.
My one comment is it does not seem fair to compare a 4 tube fl fixture against the led's. Maybe only a 2 tube fixture would be a better test?
Agreed. However, given the increase in efficiency and longer life (vs fluor lamp & ballast), LEDs should command a premium. Once we get a test where the LEDs are close to comparable and have an idea of lifespan and energy savings, it should be easy to calculate a break even cost.heres my thought......if a $200plus LED setup cant compete with a 4 tupe flourecent setup but might with a 2 tube.....the LED's are a money pit andnothing else.......the LED set up he bought was suggested for a 1x3 foot area and moving the lights closer will only decrease this area....on 1 foot deep shelves, i use 4 tubes(18 inches deep i use 6).......if i have to dish out close to $500 to cover an area $25 worth of flourecents will do...........well i would rather dump my money into plants
However, given the increase in efficiency and longer life (vs fluor lamp & ballast), LEDs should command a premium.