6.0 water is pretty much neutral for growing. as for the test kit, the ones used for fish aquariums has a decent scale range on it and very affordable. Lighting, I have mine under 2 24" t12 cool white tubes. Prob will change to CFL's on next cabinet but tubes is what I have for now. I also keep lights on 24/7 atm. After keeping clones in fridge for about 4 weeks I had roots showing out of 1 of the cubes after 6-7 days.