there's been good stuff said here but if you're on a budget, well some of that shit is PRICEY. the meters for instance are gonna run you over $100.00 and that only if your lucky or cheap.
the reason you use MH for vegging and HPS for flowering is the different spectrums of light and you CAN get decent results with CFL's, not as good but still good, and lots cheaper.
anyway, you're not ready yet, you need to read some more about light and nute's and air and ...........
justanotherbozo Reviewed by justanotherbozo on . new and need advice for first system first of all this website is awesome and i am new so HELLO! I'm planning on growing some hydroponics as soon as possible but i need advice on what to get... i was looking on eBay for something similar to this T5 FLUORESCENT GROW LIGHT & 6 PLANT HYDROPONICS KIT DWC - eBay (item 200212509240 end time Apr-07-08 12:31:47 PDT) It looks nice and comes with a light. Not many systems come with a light on eBay. Do you think this would work? It looked perfect at first but then after looking at Rating: 5