Listen mate your thread title says it all my freind do as you said use this as a learning experiance and do your thing no matter what lights you are using .getting cfls would defenetly be the best optoin to get the best from ur plants olr a hps when the finaces permit .they are light straved hence the spindly stock and small leaves but you are enjoying yourself right? thats what its all about and tellin you mate never be embaressed of trying no matter what the state of ur eqipment or grow area its all about having fun and smoking the end product and you will improve through time so will ur eqipment grow area and yeild . be safe and enjoy . the postman.