Take a look at hygsupply.com. They've got the red/blue/white (called full spectrum) UFO type for $150. I'm not completely sold on them but for a 2x2' area they should be as good as a 250-watt MH. IME, though, you will need to keep the light close to the canopy (my 125 watt is about 8") to avoid leggy plants.

Mike

How easy is it to replace nonfunctioning LEDs in any of the above fixtures?

How easy is it to replace a starter on a 96 Mistchi? For some people, who have the tools and know-how, not hard at all. Grandma will probably find it overwhelming!

Mike

Well, help out poor old Grandma. :)

With a standard fluorescent or HPS fixture, you just replace the bulbs. "Tools and know-how" don't come into it.

If commonly sold LED fixtures don't come with instructions on how to replace defective/burned-out LEDs (and the replacement process isn't simple) I'll be content to wait until more consumer-friendly products are on the market.

Judging from the posters here complaining about LEDs going bad, it would seem that popping out the bad ones and putting in replacements is no simple matter.

I think that's what we're all waiting for along with units that actually put out what they claim at a fair price.

The Procyon Mini 50W is an awesome light. It runs at close to room temp, and has the most efficient LEDs available in terms of lumen to watt ratio. It's a two spectrum light, with spectrums optimized for highest performance of Chlorophyll-A and Chlorophyll-B in the plant. I have recently ordered a second light to grow in a 6 square foot area. The only small small drawback I have seen is that the LEDs have very wide angle lenses. I've considered crafting a small reflective hood to optimize it further. It grows the greenest leaves I've ever seen. My plants are now definitely divas!

Here is a link that might be useful: Procyon Mini 50W homepage