Quote Originally Posted by oren27
I really need help on the following subjects:
*lighting - what kind of cheap lighting OR fluorescents are best? Should i get or build some kind of timer for the 12\12 stage?
* ventilation - I was thinking of installing a computer fan on the back side of the closet. how efficient is that?
*I have a relatively tiny growing space, how much plants should I start with and what options do I have because it is only 18 inches tall.

I would be very happy to get as much help as I could so feel free to suggest anything, and meanwhile I will keep on reading the forum.
Thanks you very much guys!
*lighting: "PL-L four pin 2G11 base L type florescent" is most effective and the cheapest way. Their length depends on their wattage. Four or six 55w or 80w you can use (aprox. 22" in length). You can buy them ready with fixtures or you can do it yourself. T5 also can be used but only 24w T5 fits in your space (22"). Which needs more bulbs and ballasts to make equal wattage with PL-L. This nearly doubles your expense. If you use T8 plants stretch. If you use CFL costs more and you loose some more space in height.
Total 200-300w of light is enough.
*ventilation: PC fans are OK for fluorescent setup. You can use one or two from the both sides (15" sides) as intake and one on up middle of 31" side as outtake. If you use two for intake, make sure you have same amount of air outtake. You can keep intakes in low speed by using low power adapter or speed controller. Or you can choose silent fans, they work slower. Or you can use bigger fan for outtake.
* Two plans with good training (LST/topping/SCROG) can grow well in there. You can use short but wide pots. Those long balcony pots can be good idea. Also grow some short length strains.

Hope this helps.