Need some lighting advice - First time grower

Hey guys, im thinking about attempting to grow a crop.

I have read a bit about lighting, lumens etc.
Basically, i was wandering what would happend if i didn't have the "minimum" of 3000lumens per sq ft, would it simply grow slower?

Also, because im a frist time grower, i don't want to spend much on any of the stuff. So basically would a 200W CFL Lamp (NLite PURple) be effieicent enough to grow this crop.

I have read a bit about the light spectrums, but i don't get it entirely. What would happen if i had used a light spectrum closer to the red side, would i still get a descent enough yield?

Thanks in advance guys

Regards,
Nathan.

CFL's are shit, imo. How many plants do you want to grow?

Best is to buy MH and HPS lights. MH is best for veg' and HPS for flower... although you can just use the one type of light throughout both stages if you desire.

Light=bud. The more light you got, the more bud you get. If you slack in this area prepare for not very much come harvest time.

EBAY................

Although most on here (maybe even the world) would suggest that HPS is the best if you're just going to use one all the way through. Personally, I'm not sure.

Also, buy a 400w... if you're talking £'s, around £60... I suppose you just double it for $'s.

Found a site! Great Stuff Hydroponics > Your online supplier of Hydroponics

Found it on ebay

Thanks alot man, you legend!

I probably wouldn't get a 400W, because of the heat im growing in a tiny cupboard

do a switchable ballast 250 or 400 mh/hps!! HTG Supply on e bay! bout the cheapest anywhere!