dude im using CFL's and T5 flourescent lighting. I recommend this route if you plan on topping or supercropping your plants. That is my plan for my next crop, to produce more bud on top( which is where the light is strongest with CFL ) you can get the bulbs and fixtures at walmart ( which is how i started) and put out good plants. you just have to top your plants to produce bushes, with more top cola sights, instead of one tall plant.
definitely get a mix of high quality soil with perlite mixed in to keep it from packing. i make my own, usng 1 part perlite to 4 parts soil. definitely get a 20-20-20 fertilizer for veg growth. a good nursery will have it.