yes they are different but if there are people new at growing and dont have the money or if heat is a problem with summer coming up . cfl is the way to go. get that 1st grow under you belt and save some money for a 1000w system, exhaust fans, intake fans, grow box and etc. i myself like that 4 way 125w bulb holder. postmandave can you start a thread for new growers that dont have the money nor space for heat on fluorescent systems. DONT GO POSTAL ON ANYONE, lol