At least the quantum’s dont follow the sad HID BOYS ...
Given the losses of trapped light , reflector use , ballast losses ( up to 25 % ) , glass , hoods and efficiency drops from high temps ... only a caveman would stick with HID . Even with a digital ballast which is the only part of that setup which is efficient, still leaves the BULB and enclosure form factor.......These disadvantages ALONE should open your eyes.
QBs , COBs , Samsung Strips all make the transition a no brainer.
Those who complain either are stuck in the past with polyester pants and puka shell necklaces.
Blurples “ were “ at on point... an evolution in grow lights ... believe it or not.
Unfortunately the market became flooded with Chinese clones and cheaper parts .
Plastic drivers , mono color diodes , poor heat management, lousy pcb construction.
QB boards are rated at least 50000 hours .... I have been running perpetual grows since dec. 2015.
Non stop , just cycle changes. So as far as quality compared to having hid fade as bulbs decay , buying more , spending on cooling , ducting , power usage ... on and on. Fuck that.
Regardless of grow size micro or open space ... the quality of buds show. No more airy fucking , French fried , crispy grow issues.... unless you want to cook a pizza. Yes there are great HID grows with the proper dialing, but for cutting out the problems BEFORE makes it better.
2 grams a watt is totally doable... no matter the light.
Simply run a heavy veg stage , canopy management , cropping , LST , etc.
Although I don’t play that gram game ( kind of dick sling bullshit ) especially when you grow personal , like I do . But the above 50 watt grow with 4 plants was to see how well that one panel grew.
50 watts in a 3x3.
They were autos .... one in the rear right corner is a Blue Dream and got bigger but let’s say out of 4 plants I harvest an ounce each ( I know I got more ) but for argument sake ....
I got 28 grams each let’s say ( 4 x 28 = 112 grams ) .... under 50 watts ...
One QB 304 ( 3500k ) @ 18” height .
LST only since they are autos.
So that is 2.2 per watt.
There is no magic involved just efficient light ..... strips , cobs , led , QB ..... Period .