Start out with autos so you won't have to worry about light cycles. If you're going to use CFL'S use a lot of them and count the actual wattage not the replacement. In another words if the bulb says 100 watts that' s generally the replacement value and not the true value.When I grew with CFL'S I had 700 actual and heat was no problem.
If you can afford though I recommend a dual MH HPS ballast of at least 400watts.
How in the world did we ever grow a plant without a scientist genetically modifying it to 'autoflower" for us?!?!
It's a bunch of fucking bullshit if you ask me.... we use timers to control our Christmas lights... how hard is that to do to your HID light or any appliance?
and for outdoor.... outdoor IS auto!! TA DAAAA!!
do some strain research... find something that's 'easy' to grow... White Widow, Northern Lights, ....
but seriously.. dont be afraid of light cycles... learning about them will only help you.
I second the call for HID lighting though...
I own both 400W and 600W. The 400W is great but if you can afford the 600W... more than worth it.
It's efficiency is mathematically superior. Mine paid for itself and then some with ONE flowered plant...
and indoor vs outdoor.... eh... outdoor you certainly get a better yield with the sacrifice of quality.
I love my indoor grow...it's my baby.. but I throw a few outside so I can get some midgrade. why not do both?
I will say...many White Widow strains have leaves that are seemingly harder to spot from the air...
not as jagged and noticeable compared to say Jack Herer...... and it is certainly an easy grow....