Yes, i have heard alot of good things about Lps recently (week or 2) and no they are basically the same set up as hps i believe. I am going to see if they have ballasts at home depot but i highly doubt it. If i cant find any around here i just may make the craziest CFL set up this side of the planet!

Oh btw, i have heard soft white cfls are bad and all and i am using cool white for now but my friend with surprising results has been usuing soft white and they are no where near good but if you cant find cool white for veg soft white cfls are good enough to start little seedlings if you plant on transplanting to outside, they are good to use for 2 weeks max, and only if the light is 1 inch away from the plant. None the less i was pretty surprised. Good for starting seedlings.