My First Grow + Plenty of Q's!

Hey, first time posting here, I've been reading up on growing and been asking plenty of friends about it too. I think I've read like 10 grow journals start to finish and tons of info on everything I could about growing. So... I am finally to the first grow!
Alright, so I really want to make my first grow worth my while, so I am trying to make sure everything goes smooth as possible. I guess I'll give the run down:

Grow Area: Not sure 100% yet, but most likely in my never-checked-on closet where I've been safely hiding away all my stash for a while. It'll be a stealth micro-grow in one of those giant rubbermaid tubs (apprx. 2.5ft x 1.5ft x 2ft) that will be placed under some computer boxes in the closet.

Strain: Once again, not 100% sure. I'd love to hear some recommendations. High yield isn't my biggest concern. I was thinking of lowryder because apparently it grows very short which would allow me to have more plants in the tub, or this one cross strain I can't think of the momment... I think it's called C99 or something (it sounded good because it has low oder.) I am looking for something easy to grow in a short time span (I'd like to harvest in 3 months if that is reasonable), gives off low oder, and can grow in a small space.

Lighting/Case: Like I said, I'll be using a large rubbermaid tub with a removable top. I have no idea how much light I need, I've been reading for days about lighting and I am still not sure. I would like to use the ecolux florescent bulbs since they're cheap and easy to get and also don't require as much ventilation. As far as ventilation is concerned, I am gonna have 2 intake 80mm PC fans on both ends near the bottom of the tub and probably a filtered breather vent cut into the lid.

Obstacles: Unfortunately I am only just 18, and I still go to school and live with my parents. I am pretty sure my dad doesn't give a shit, and my mom is a drunk... so I doubt they'd find it since they haven't noticed the hot boxed bathrooms everyday lol. But, just to be sure, stealth is the number one concern. My room is at 76F to 81F everyday and my closet is probably usually the same... which from what I understand is just a tad too hot for growing. Also, since I am growing in a closet inside a tubberware tub, a steady supply of fresh air might be difficult. I like to keep my closet door closed at all times, but I guess I could leave it cracked open.

Questions:
1.) What type of lighting should I be looking into getting? I was thinking 3x 24in. 20w Ecolux plant/aquarium flourecent tubes. They're cheap, apparently they specifically cover red and blue spectrums well and they're $7 a pop. Not sure what K they operate at, but I believe it's like 5400k or something... Would this be enough in my situation?

2.) How could I go about wiring the lights? I am pretty good with wiring, but can I just hard wire in (as in not using socket but attaching directly to the pins) 3 bulbs to one ballast that came from a single tube aquarium hood?

3.) What kind of strains would you guys recommend?

4.) Would miracle grow potting soil mixed with medium grain sand work well? I don't know anything about nutes yet. I will most likely start them in those peat cups or w/e they're called and then transport them to a large deep community tray. If someone could post a good nutes tutorial it would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry if this is in the wrong section, but I figured since I am new I'd post here. Anyways, hey everyone! Hope I can get this going soon!

Well, after a bit more reading, I've settled some of the lighting problems. I wont be using type T12 lights like the Ecolux's I mentioned. I want to use CFL's instead (probably a duhh for most people lol) I was thinking a couple 42watt (150watt equivalent) CFL's would work... just not sure what the K ratings is on them. Also... I've heard that there are ionizing bulbs out there that kill smells, where could I find one, and do they really work?

42 watt cfls can be bought in different Kelvins check out 1000bulbs.com other than that the absolute best advice I can give is if your dad doesn't care get his permission. U should never grow in someone elses home without it...

~Lady

We've got some stuff to talk about now don't we?

I want you to read this entire thread. https://www.rollitup.org/newbie-central/332734-my-very-first-grow-pics.html

He's new as well but some of his struggles with totes are decently well documented. With ambient temp that high you're going to need very powerful forced air circulation. Do not grow an autoflower, you will have zero control on the size the plant reaches.

You have CFL questions. Read this. https://www.rollitup.org/cfl-growing/

An ionizing bulb is a very powerful ultraviolet source. If you look at it while it is running you will be permanently blind. They're also expensive.

Additionally, there isn't a way in hell someone in your room won't know there is weed growing in your closet. You're going to have to ask more than likely.

Sorry it took so long to answer. I had to confront my dad about the whole situation. he basically said I can as long as my mom doesn't find out and I do everything my self.

And thanks grizzly for the link, although I am planning on keeping the lid closed when I am not there. I can get plenty of PC case fans since they're easy to get, I know how to wire them, and they're quiet. I was just wondering how much airflow would I need so it doesn't get too hot. If I have constant airflow, will the temps be able to be close to the ambient 75F?

Alright, I hit the stores today and I picked up some CFL's to at least start my grow. I got a six pack of 26watt 5600k 1720 lumen CFL's. I also picked up some of those replacement light switch/socket peices for lamps. I also got the tuberware container and a few other things. Now all I need is some better potting soil since I only have MG, some good seeds, and an active carbon filter. I am leaving on vacation for a few days, so I'll post my progress soon. COMMENTS PLEASE!