First time grow PC Box -> Tent / CFL -> HPS

Hey all -

I'm starting my first REAL grow (I've had prior experience, but it was really just messing around).

I've sprouted 6 bagseeds - 2 from local herbs and 4 from some East coast schwag. I've been told the schwag was potent, so maybe they weren't growing it correctly.

Currently, I have them in 2" rockwool cubes in a PC box with a single 42w CFL. I'd like to upgrade that to a 300w 2700k light since those are easily obtainable and cheap ($15) at Home Depot - do you think that would be a bad solution, or shoudl I just order 2 300w (105w) CFLs from online? Any suggestions on inexpensive (but quality) PH (EC TDS) sensors?

In the next few weeks, I'd like to pick up a 4'-ishx4'-ishx7'-8'-ish tent to move these into. I would also like to add a Lumatek 600w 120v ballast and a 6" air cooled hood with a lens. I will be moving the plants into a homebrew DWC/Bubbleponics in 18 gallon Rubbermaid containers, 12 starts to a container.

In the 18 gallon tanks I have:

- 250gph submerged pump
- Feeding 1" manifold to 10 260& 4-25GPH heads, 5 heads on each half of the U shaped manifold (each leg covering 6 root systems)
- 18 gallon tote is serves as reservoir as well, any problems with it just being self contained?
- 2 14" horizontal airstones with a dual outlet quiet air pump (makes LOTS of bubbles)
- 3" netpots (12 total per lid)

Anyone see any giant hole sin this plan? I will be adding active charcoal filtering and an axial fan as well as inline fan and ducting to lights. I'd liket o add Co2 as well, but right now that's another $500 I don't want to add. maybe one of the DIY setups on the forum....

Pics attached!

Hey all - what kind of growth can I expect from using a 600W HPS (Lumatek ballast 120v) during vegging? is it significantly less than a MH (I'd be forced to get a conversion bulb obviously, since there are no MH 600w bulbs...)... or just going back to a brazillion CFLs?

Your very first grow you're gonna go with hydro... Not particularly advisable. I would recommend growing in soil and getting a feel for the plants needs/nutrient intake abilities. Growing with a water medium is significantly more tricky because you'll have to make up for the water not having the micronutrients/decomposing matter that potting soil contains. Not to mention constantly monitoring/adjusting pH. I'm not saying it can't be done by a beginner, it's just you're more likely to run into many problems along the way with may or may not affect your yield or prevent it entirely. Anyhow, good luck.

Any more naysayers... or perhaps anyone with some helpful advice in regards to the question I asked?

well i say gl.are you going to buy any venting because that pc case will heatup.and for the foil is bad it causes hot spots and burns the plant if i was u i would go to the store and buy those window reflecters would be alot better.