Latest update: I've got 8 x 4' T5s and presently have 6 girls of different strains under a 600w MH in the second week of veg. looking real pretty! Hungry/thirsty girls they are! I still need another hood that I will use for flowering with the 600w HPS bulb I bought. I have a buddy that has helped me by doing some house repairs, who is helping build a wall in my basement(with a door and lockset for privacy and discretion). So, I will have two 600w HIDs for veg and flower, and the T5s for the little ones. I've been using Fox Farm OF soil mixed 50/50 with Pro Mix and the FF line of nutrients. I also have a bag of Black Gold soil for seedlings/clones.
I guess, as many have stated, you really can't get a decent product without putting a little money into your gardening. I figure I've spent around $600-$700 so far and probably will dump another $300 plus or minus into this endeavor. So, thinking back to when someone said "I spent 1K..." and I gasped. That really isn't a big expenditure for what you will get from it. You get what you pay for, right? The funny thing is, Im still mostly without meds. I've had a bit here and there, but, I'm sure, not what I will have come harvest time! Whatever...
I thank this forum and the gents here for the guidance! Especially tet1953!! Dude, you've been very patient, dealing with my amateurish questions!