Mmmm...I really don't think so. You get a ??better deal? on a 400w or 600w light, but in the situation described, those aren't smart calls. I definitely wouldn't go with a 600w with what was described. Really, I wouldn't go with a 400w either. I think there's a common problem with people who use (a lot) more light than they need. The original post said ??I only plan on 2 or 3 plants max. No over kill needed.? 400w in probably overkill, unless you want to grow 40? plus plants. 600W is overkill, period.

With what was originally stated in mind, a 250w is close to perfect. You get a footprint of around 28? x 28?--that's four decent size plants. You have a significantly fewer problems with heat and ventilation and stress. You save money on your electrical bill. In other situations, you might want to go with the bigger lights. This isn't one of them, IMO. For what was first mentioned, a 250w is plenty.

Really, if you want to save $$ all around and have only 2-4 plants, you might even want to consider an $80 150w HPS and a $30 Wal-Mart clamp set up (10? clamp light, three Y-adapters, four 23w bulbs). You get a lot of flexibility with a setup like that; it's ideal for SOG or plants that are vegged for only 18-24 days. You can get four 2 gallon pots/bags and grow some 24? plants in a nice 22?x22? area, or use the clamp light with warm white bulbs and use it in conjuntion with the 150w and get 3 slightly larger plants. Just a thought there.