VHO are florescent lights - the most powerful ones (florescent) out there. Come in 40w, 80w, and 110w (per bulb). They still fall shy of most HID (high-intensity discharge) lights. HID's come in a variety of wattages, 400w and 1000w being the most common from what I've seen. HPS and MH are two types of HID lights - High-Pressure Sodium, and Metal Halide are what they stand for, respectively.

So HID's (include HPS, MH, MV, etc) are not florescent lights at all, different type of construction entirely. Normally HID's are used since their efficiency is very good in most cases, and they come in wattages stronger than any other light type.

From what you've said HID would be an overkill. A small florescent light would suit you well, I wouldn't even bother getting VHO or anything just for a few small plants in a temp operation. It definately won't get your plants growing the fastest - you'll need some good wattage (400+ at least) to do that. But that also doesn't mean it won't work, it'll just take longer to grow.

They don't start to smell for awhile either, don't worry too much about that - it's mainly during flowering when they being to stink up the place nicely. If it's a problem, open a nearby window and put an exhaust fan in it.