You're talking 1200 watts for 12 plants - seems like overkill, man.
I dunno what you're trying to grow - 8' plants, or 3 pounds each, but it seriously seems like you have an ideal setup and are just overthinking it.
Chill out, grow what you need, and enjoy! Damn.
Try having a dicot that has turned tri-cot. Not sure how to deal with this one except to see how they ultimately grow.
I'm thinking they'll be hermies, or produce at best a low yield. Luckily only a couple out of all.
Re: Probation or parole laws??
It is my understanding - locally, your mileage may vary - that PO's can search any and all "Common Areas" - living rooms, the basement, etc...in addition to the room the parolee is staying.
As he put it, "This is the area I control" - seems to be a good guideline...
I generally just use the paper towel method with a lot of water - most seeds will go pop under those conditions if they are reasonably viable.
Had to soak some questionable ones, and a seed eventually popped. I'd probably just use it to see if anything that didn't succeed under the paper towel...
Can get a pouch for cheaper than that at any average tobacco shop. It will roll up a little different but it's adequate to get the feel for doing it. Think a pound runs around $18 here, to give you a general idea. Pouch shouldn't be more than about what a pack of cigs costs.