I'm fairly new here, however, have done extensive research (i'm still a n00b) lighting is one of the most important factors in your grow. You need to determine the best lighting for your needs and $$$. My suggestion is get the most you can afford, keep in mind heat/ventalition with the HID systems. I would chose hid over cfl anyday. cfl and floros are awesome for seedlings/germination/cloning etc. If you intend on having a few plants, you probably could get away with cfl, but ur plants will no doubt benifit from HID, even if you have one or two. So if you can afford it, go with HID if you have the ventalition/ heat worked out. If you want a little, virtually maintenance free light, go with cfl.... from what I've read though, your plants will not be as big or dense as they would with hid. Of corse I could be totally wrong... :wtf: told you, I'm a n00b, I'm not stupid though, and can read, however do not have the "lab time" - which is WAY more important then ANYTHING you can read. Good luck!