1) Does this look like a quality system (ballast etc) for the money?
2) Reputation of this distributor?
3) Recommended T5 bulbs (and where to obtain them), as I really have no idea about these other than knowing there are different lumens etc etc and some are better for plants). I'd like to stay with T5's...
4) Will I need the 'large' or 'small' system per the link and how many bulbs do you recommend (2, 4, or 8)? What footprint (LxW) will the large/small systems given the bulb choices provide ample lighting for?

Thank you very much!

http://www.lightinguniverse.com/products/view.aspx?sku=1969608

2. I have no idea about Lighting Universe.

3. There isn't a huge difference between the best and the worst T5 tubes, they are all pretty similar. Rated lifetime should 20,000 hours or more. Look for lumen maintenance of 95% or mean/design lumens of 1900 on the 24W HO tubes.

4. You would need at least 6 tubes for the area you are looking at, probably 8.

Have you considered using 4' tubes since you are looking at a space about four feet long? They are more efficient, you get twice the tube (twice the light) for only slightly more money, and the four-foot tube length is more widely available. The "foot foot" T5 is actually a 46" tube (54W in HO form), T8 or T12 would be 48" long.