Okay im abit new aswell but I have done alot of research maybe I can help some....

Lights: 400w HPS system seems to be the poplar lights... go on ebay look up "grow lights" U can get a nice one for 100-200 bucks LIGHTS ARE VERY IMPORTANT FOR HIGH YEILDS.
If your cheap like me im using 24" floro with a hood... ima have to get 400w hps for flowering if i want nekind of yeild.... but floro will work for veg state ....

Area: Plants grow best in 70-78 temp get a thermomitor (10 bucks at walmart)

plant: Cant help u on this although I hear "Lowriders" are very small and potent!!! also white widow are very easy to grow..

smell: i dnno , thier is something hi tech out thier but fuck that get air freshner...

meter: 5$ for a light timer, 10$ for ph test kit

Fwi: I run my plants on a 24/7 light untill they reach the height I want them and then im going to 12/12 ...

*note* im still a noob too but most this info should be close to accurate or ACCURATE...