Yeah, breeding is a wierd but interesting thing! So Greatwhite, you had 10 plants under 1 600watt HPS? So a 400watt HPS will probly only support upwards of 4-5 plants? Also, how big can I get my plants in veg. under 4 40watt T12 fluorescent lights? I would go with an MH but I like how fluorescent realy keep the plants small and compact. How long will it take for my plants to reach 2-2 1/2 feet? Thanks Greatwhite, you've been a great help man. Not sure how to give rep. lol
I had 10 plants under 600 HPS for two weeks into flower when I added another. The second one was not truly necessary - I happened to have the $$ handy (and I was stoned on E-bay) so I added. Prior grows were restricted to just the one lamp (M/H in veg & HPS flower) & results were very good, this go-round the buds are larger and not airy at all, just solid.
IMHO you could light my grow area (2.5'x7'x8'H) with the 400 + a light mover - mine is manual (affectionately named the MLM aka Mexican Light Mover), rigged a sliding mount on a piece of pipe & would move the lamp from side to side every couple hours when I was home & it worked well.
I'm unable to help you with the CFL question as I have not grown with them other than for Germ & seedlings. As far as height, again I'm doing things a bit different - I have my screen set @ 29" (to clear my lower fan) & I use M/H to get them there. This last grow the plants went to 6 1/2' & I started sweating it towards the end. Couldn't raise my lighting any higher but it worked out.
Good luck with your endeavor & stay stealth!
Peace
GWN