2 x 3 x 4 (or 5)ft. is doable, even with an hps. If you want to go the CFL route, maybe check out Wal-Mart, Lowes, etc. first, and see what they have. You can probably get 4 clamp light sockets, 12 Y socket splitters, and 12 x 23w-42w CFL's for 2/3 the price, maybe less, and at least double the wattage...

I'd say 400w HPS is the way to go from the start, but if you aren't keen to invest in ventilation (strong inline fan, carbon filter, cooltube/vented hood), then stick with the CFL's for now.

LST is nice, but for height restrictions, SCRoG (Screen of Green) is even better. Here's a good link : http://boards.cannabis.com/closet-ca...ly-ladies.html. Also the second and third link in my sig has Scrog examples.

Some pics from the second link: