You seem to want to go slow and learn along the way. In the spirit of learning here’s a thread you may find interesting. DIY lights, may be something you can learn about. It’s certainly not for everyone, but building your own lights can reduce expenses and allow you to get the latest in LED technology.
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Also, if you have a green thumb already, you’re sure to have success.
I’m pretty sure @R0ck was good in the garden and when he started growing cannabis it came pretty naturally to him. His first few grows have been impressive.
I think he has a grow journal.
Also, check out @Hellraiser and his journals. They’re basically marijuana gospel. Amazing info.
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@Hempqueen9 ,
You have found a new family here, as you can see we love to help.
Look forward to seeing your first grow.
You are well covered here. I will keep watching.
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Greetings…
Have you looked into HPS lights?
I got a 600 watt with dimmable electronic ballast, hangers, timer for less than $150 on Amazon.
Just my .02¢
Good Growing
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What @DirtBug said 
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@Bulldognuts thanks for the thread, I had no idea there was such a thing!
Yes, I want to learn a much as possible as I can as I go! Botany is immensely fun to me, I keep some citrus as a hobby and had a grow tent for them in the winter so thought “Why not!”
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Like many people here, I started with Amazon cheapies, then bought some lights from a manufacturer in Michigan called Budget grow lights dot com. Excellent lights, but still not enough to do what I wanted. I then built my own. Pacific Light Concepts Photo Boost Strips and I’m more than happy with the results. If you decide in the future to DIY, all the help you may need can be found on this forum. 
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@DirtBug I have not! But I am going to do so now!
A week or so ago someone mention Eco Farm lights. I was intrigued and took a look. They have a bunch of lights. I grabbed this one just as an example.
It looks like it has good quality components like Samsung 301B diodes, meanwell driver. There are other lights with UV and IR and separate controls.
A 240 watt fixture is pictured for $207. Less another 23% sale discount? I think??? So 160 for that light, and if it is what it says. @NeoGroR
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No doubt. If it is what it says, that’s a good light. And with UV? Score.
I’m expanding my grow eventually and I’ll need another light to flower… although I want to buy a big bad a$$ light, I may try something like this
Lots of blurple companies have turned the corner.
The Migro YouTube channel has reviewed many of them and they’re not too bad.
@NeoGroR would something like the 240w from the above site be better than the following:
At first glance, they’re both comparable in some ways. I’ve never worked with or heard of either company.
I’d look for some non biased reviews on YouTube.
The one advertises IR and UV. These diodes tend to have a much shorter life than full spectrum white light diodes, to the best of my knowledge. So that’s a consideration.
The light that is mentioned by beardless would rock a 3x2 area. IF it is what it says it is. Just remember that the UV and IR LED’s will stop working before the white ones… but even with the short life span, you should get 2 years out of the IR and UV LED’s.
I could not find that light anywhere online. Maybe @beardless will share where he found that light.
The other light (VL-1)lacks UV and IR, but it will do well in a 4x3. You can always add supplemental IR and UV. Check out Rapid LED dot com for their supplemental strips that would fit perfect in your tent. Those can always be added later. They’re not a vital component.
Read up on the companies and their customer service. If you feel comfortable making the purchase, go ahead and pull the trigger on either.
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Also, you have ventilation, correct?
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@NeoGroR I am currently looking into carbon ventilation kits, would you happen to have any thoughts on ventilation as well? Lol
I think I am going to end up getting the VL-1 (add the IR & UV strips). My current set up is a diy grow tent for my citrus. I am getting a new “more official” grow tent tomorrow in the mail and am suuuper excited! 
So now I’m shopping for the proper accessories to grow right!
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The light I pictured is straight forward 301B. I wasn’t very clear. I mentioned they also offer lights with UV & IR but this one does not.
I am building a 32" x 72" closet right now. So I get to pick out some more lights. Within the last 4 weeks or so I bought a Sonofarm SF-4000 (400 w 301B & 660 red) and then a HLG 260 rspec. I will probably relocate the HLG to the closet and add to it. Have not decided on the configuration yet.
I just ordered an exhaust fan. I found this info to be useful
It is from the Technical Guides section on AC Infinity site.
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AC infinity. Get the 6 inch fan with the 6 inch filter. Either fan control will work. Great stuff and better prices
Use code Growcast15 for a good discount
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I wish I knew the code at 10 this morning. I ordered the S6 for the closet I mentioned.
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I love my light . .
I got 2 bulbs with it…one for veg and one for flower…
Just be aware the bulbs need changing about once a year (depending on usage)
The bulbs run from like $40 and up depending on quality.
Good Growing
Has anybody checked out the Mars ts3000? For a 4x4 grow tent? I’m preferably looking for one light but if a cheaper option would be to do multiple I will