hydro is kinda expensive to start up. why dont you wanna try soil first? low cost set up. you could make a diy hydro, just google it. i know if you did soil you could fit atleast 16 plants there. pots only take up a square foot. also about your lighting and stuff, a good place to shop is craigslist.com under the farming+garden section. just look for a good digital ballast. when you shop for ballast try to look for something U.L. listed, and maybe something without a fan. fans fail or tend to blow heat back in your grow room. lots of good deals on craigslist. i bought an inline 12inch fan on there for only $75! anyways just a few options for ya, sorry im not going to shop for ya tho!