I need some good Advice

So, I have 2 plants. I decided to use a rubbermaid as a pot. I cut the lid so it fit evenly in the middle of the rubbermaid splitting it in 2. All I have for light right now is one T8 shoplight with 32 watt bulbs, I know it sucks, I will be switiching to several 23 watt CFLs when I have the money. The plants are about 3 1/2 weeks old

Now I'm using the same amount of water and Nutes on both plants. They're both from seeds I just had lying around my room from different kinds of bud. One plant is Booming almost a foot tall, but the other plant is only half it's size.

The smaller plant is barely growing at all the past few days. I've even had to slant the shoplight at an angle to accomadate both plants.

I realized I did not cut holes in the bottom of the rubbermaid and tht the smaller plant could be suffering from some sort of mold or fungus from sitting in water.

I kind of just want to start completely over. So I was thinking about just putting both of them into flowering, adding the CFLs when I get them. If the smaller plant doesn't seem to do well, then just scrap it and continue with my one plant. That way when its finished I can start anew with all the lights I need.

I was thinking about using plastic trash cans for pots next time, theyre white, so would covering them in black construction paper be enough to protect the roots from the light?

What are your thoughts on all or any of this?

I don't know how your finances are but a pack of 5 decent sizes pot should be around £5.
IMO go with a HPS bulb and reflector. Anywhere from £40 - £100 depending on the wattage!

I live in the U.S. but I do not have the money for HPS or any kinds of lamps like that. they cost over 200 dollars here and I don't have that money at all.

have you checked out eBay? I found some good deals.

I just don't have the money for any deals. I'm spending 10-20 dollars a week on this grow.

I have these 10 gallon white trash barrels at my work that are like just a few bucks each. We also sell construction paper (I work at a supermarket) so I was wondering if covering the barrel with black construction paper would be enough the block any light from penetrating? I liked the rubbermaid idea until I realized i couldn't move the plants away from each other.

the cheap black pots that garden centers use cost 54 cents each new at my local garden center, if you ask real nice they may even have some used ones around back. get ones that are 10 inches across if you can or bigger. come on player you can swing 54 cents now can't you?