I have 2 x HLG 550s and was the first to import them to my country. (which is as far away as a country gets from america or china or Europe .
I also have built many hand made 3590 Cree setups.
I have over 18 years plus experience growing under lighting. Im a qualified Horticulturalist and consultant as my main job, outside of cannabis, ive grown around 200 varieties to date.
Im a big believer in defoliation.
My experience is HPS grows very well, i still think its a Gold Standard to base performance against , Cree 3590 ...builds have been a little bit better than my HLG 550. But the HLG 550 produces amazing results,and you dont have to build it yourself. interesting in testing it does better in a 90cm x 90cm tent than a 120cm x 120cm tent, as in the smaller tent out produces the bigger tent. more light reflection from the walls of the tent i guess.
My Quality and yield in all, is Very good. well ive been happy with every lighting system ive tried.
If you have a ample wattage you can probably do quality and quantity if you do other things right.
i never had any luck with those solely blue and red leds...
what a nightmare, i believe you need a full spectrum light, like white light or hps.
I suggest beginners just to use basic potting mix for a few years first. dont get into hydroponics too fast.
My biggest issue is meanwell drivers, they are not as reliable as ballasts, especially if mounted on a light fixture, but even when they are not, my stats have been 2 out of every 6 fail within 3 years.
Ive never had a hps fail yet, but your experience maybe different.
Ive never Achieved the crazy high Yields sometimes stated on this forum, at most 13 oz from a 90cm x 90cm space, but i dont veg past 3 week, usually less, and i only use fem seeds.
Just a open thread for any conversation and experiences
https://www.rollitup.org/t/hlg-550-v1.997049/ started a post there but maybe should have done it here
Also with my HLG 550s i run them very close to the top of the Plants , like 40cm above some times closer, way closer than recommended, am i doing it wrong and why, ive never had yellowing or burning, unless the leaf is wet of course. my plants never finish above 45 cm- 50 cm. 2-3 weeks veg from fem seedling.