Low Heat Lighting.

[Dutch Pimp]

I read that in order to get the light production of 400w HID using the florescent it will actually be hotter than the HID, not to mention I would need a ton of lights.

flowering with fluorescents is uphill all the way...you HAVE to SCROG...or go HID...period.

High Output T-5's or PL-L's are the best fluoros...IMO....nothing beats a HID 400 watt...except, a HID 600 watt....but, the fluoro TUBES are much cooler. Usually, not a problem with winter coming on....in cold climates...sometimes you need that extra HID heat?...I do.

CFL's are the worse choice....IMO