i have found some cheap MH and HPS lights online and a really cheap MH/HPS combo light. i just don't have the space for that right now. i will have to look into something similar to what you recommended. i don't really have a "grow room". i'm just kinda winging this. it's not that i don't take the cultivation of miss mary seriously, i just kinda decided to do this on the spur of the moment just for the hell of it. when i move in the next 6 months i'll have a dedicated proper area/setup. i appreciate the advice and will look into it.

my buddy is about to do a computer case grow with some lowryder hybrids. i'll probably help him out. that should be fun!

-shake

edit: i also just found an LED setup that will cover 15 sq ft. for $140 US. it says it uses 45 watts and puts out the equivalent of a 250 HPS.