How many watts do i need

how many watts do i need for each of these types of lighting if i am only growing 3 or 4 plants?:CFL's, Fluoro tubes, LED's, Metal Halides, and High pressure sodium bulbs

read the grow faq, top right

Watts are watts but when it comes to 400w CFL vs. 400w HPS the HPS will throw out more lumens wich is what the plant absorb .... The more light without heat you have the better the results... It's a simple rule! If you want to start i'd suggest you get a HPS right away... veg and flower with the same light... I know blue spectrum is better for vegetation but under my 1000w HPS... 18/6 they we're growing so fast... Anyway... if you can get your hand on a 250w or 400w hps... you coulsd cover a 3x3 area wich will allow you +/- 9 plants.

Hope this helps.