stealth box question

Hello. I have been reading a lot on here, following grow guides, journals and all that. Learning what I can in hopes that when I ask a question it is an informed one. Also trying to help at least once. So I got a question at this point. I got four plants in a stealth box. Two 18 gal rubbermaids lined with reflective material to maximize light. I have four 13 watt daylight bulbs, 1 13 watt warm light bulb, and two 17 watt warm white bulbs running in my box. All bagseeds since its just for me and I not experienced enough to know all the strains out there (wishing someday!). Now since I am starting out I bought MG soil because it was the easiest to get in the winter where I live. Selection was not like it probably is in the summer...hell I had to buy pots online lol. So what I am wondering is as follows:

1: For a first time grower, how should I deal with Ph? I know people drop like 150 on Ph meters...but that seems a lot until I know what I am doing and whether I can even succeed.

2: somewhat silly question...but for now I am doing 24/0 light...is that cool or should I do 20/4...18/6? Seems there are different opinions on the subject.

3: pot sizes? Currently I have everything in about 1 qt pots. I know some people go up to multi gallon pots. I have transparent orchid pots and no root ball yet at all. Dont want to make a tree, just want to grow a nice plant.

I don't know what else I should throw in here...I realize I could up the watts since I have four plants and with CFL's there is the 100 watts + 50/plant rule. Just one plant doing well, two plants so-so, and one is small as shit. I will try to post a pic if I can soon. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks to everyone for all the contributions to the site! I have read so much I can't talk everyone here!

Poo