does combining cfl's increase lumens

no, sorry to say, it just spreads out the lumens. Shoots, with that space have you considered HID?

what type of HID would you recommend with the space i am using?

250w is probably about as high as you could go, as it sounds as your a 'newb'. Youll need good vention as well. If money or stealth isnt a huge concern thats DEFINATLY the way to go. Your talking ounces, as opposed to fractions of an ounce.. Like 3-7 ounces.

yes, i am new to the growing sport but unlike some ignorant kids, i like to know what i am doing before i start spending money and time.

so you recommend a 250watt HID for both the veg and flower area?

which type(s) of lighting would be best for a 2x2x4 veg. area and a separate 2x2x4 flower area?

for veg youd wana go 250w MH for optimal growth.

hps for flowering

if you gots the feds.................go with hps deff

if money is an issue..................cfl's

my first grow was wit cfl's just for the fact that u crawl before u start walking and i needed to first get a feel for it then work my skills up.........as for you ? no 1600 lumens per each 23watter ........