The method and volume of plants sounds complicated given all the factors you need to consider when growing just one plant let alone 8. 100% agreement with PhatJay on this one especially on your first grow. Pruning, mylar, topping, super cropping and tieing down are just some methods used to control your plant and create a massive yield per square foot (ive made mine grow sideways then up and have 8 tops at give or take a few inches the same height) to me sideways lighting is completely unatural and its the tops i like to concentrate on as its where all the good stuff happens. I use T5 flourescent from seedling through veg at an inch above tops then switch to 600w HPS at about 5 inches above. Remember if the light is too hot for your hand it will burn your plants. Sexing your plants is also very easy if you have two rooms and a good cloning process ie take cuttings and force to flower
d0ct0r