I am currently using just 4 23watt cfls and 2 22 watt cfls and 2 15 watt cfls. I really need to add about 4 more of the 22 watt cfls. I am surprised at how they are doing. But then again, this is my first grow ever. So i cant say personally how cfls compare to MH or HPS lights. But if you are stuck with a small grow area, the cfls do seem to be the way to go. That and it really isn't that hard to make enough ventilation in a small room with cfls. I really don't think i could get away with using a HPS light in the small area that i grow in. But i did see a small HPS light on ebay from HTGSupply.com for like 69$. That i might look into. But for now i am more than happy with the cfl grow.