Man, I would rather have the Metal Halide for Veg, no doubt.. I am not an EXPERT.. but I would think you would get the proper light spectrum and more lumes from a MH.. But what the hell do I know, I am sure someone else will have a different opinion.. I dont know how WATTS really plays into it, I dont think you can compare it based on watts unless you were talking the same thing like 400 Watt HPS vs 600 Watt HPS, then I would say 600 is better.. but thats apples to apples.. THIS IS JUST MY OPINION.. I would like to know what the real answer is.. but I always try to help..

I think SmokeAllDay is right, use both if you have it, but dont block the MH with the CFL, use them for side light real close to the plant, use them where the MH is not getting too.. also you could tie down some of the leaves to help the light penetrate..

Also working with one light is easier than 6 lights..But if you got them, use them all..
Keep in mind all the AMPS you will draw on that circuit also, just to be safe... You should be ok, but its fun to do the math just to make sure you dont blow the circuit..

I think its Watts/volts so a 1000Watt HPS would draw like 8.33 Amps on one circuit, which may be a 15 AMP circuit (its actually more, because the ballast needs like more watts than the 1000 watt bulb, maybe 50 more watts, it will say on the ballast) I moved all my stuff to a single circuit that had a 20 AMP breaker, I feel alot safer I have 400WATT HPS + 400WATT of FLors + 3 Fans

I hope my math is right, I hope I didnt ramble on.. take it with a grain of salt
SeedKing72 Reviewed by SeedKing72 on . MH vs. CFL for veg stage what is preferrable... 1 250 watt MH or 6 40W CFL's for 2 plants going through veg stage? Rating: 5