I use ViperSpectra for my grow lights. Here is an example of my indoor set-up
I sort of have a multi-layer system when it comes to protecting the carpet from accidental spills. I have under-the-sink silicone mats to capture the runoff. I let the runoff naturally evaporate as I have seedling heating mats underneath the silicone mats. I have shelf/drawer liners covering each level to capture any random water that leaks. This water is also naturally evaporated.
Underneath the shelves I am using some extra linoleum that came with the house. In the past I have used extra thick contractors plastic (I think it was like 6mil or something) that I once used to surround my grow shelves. This layer captured any leak by and spills from my fertilizer mixing, watering, and refilling of my can. I also have some pigmats lining the gap between the wall and the linoleum to make sure I reduce any runoff that makes it to the carpet.
After this is all said and done, I will probably have spills here and there. Once my plants are back outside, I give the carpet a good cleaning with a wetvac
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My advice on getting started with these plants:
Make sure to give each plant a good cleaning before settling them into their winter home. Overwintering is a great time for pests to run rampant due to the lack of predators. I tend to do my tropical repotting when they come indoors as this helps to eliminate any pest eggs hiding in the substrate. I will also defoliate some species to help prevent this as well. I would not repot and defoliate at the same time. only do one or the other if warrented. Most of my tropicals will drop their leaves in favor of some newer growth acclimated to the grow lights.
Keep on top of your watering. I found it easy to neglect the watering even when my plants were in a spot that I saw them every day. In my set-up, I have to still water them at least every other day.
Don't let your plants grow too tall and get close to their lights. The leaves can burn or get damage from the lights (probably a sort of UV damage). Set up the light(s) so that they are far enough away that the plants can have space to grow, but close enough that they will still receive the most light practical.
You might not encounter a rot smell unless you are watering too frequently enabling conditions for rootrot/other fungal growth. You will probably encounter a wet dirt smell at most.
Pay attention to how cold the air is by the window. Windows transfer a lot of thermal energy. Depending on how your windows are, they could be make the aird close to the window too cold for your plants nearest to it. It could benefit you by creating a draft in that area. Moving air is your best friend for indoor growing
As for the foil pans, as long as the planting is not in direct contact with the runoff it will not rewick the water. However, if you don't have a way of disposing the water, the runoff will build up. The stagnant water from the runoff will probably a great spot for molds to grow. You will need to dump it often enough to prevent this. Back when I used plastic catchers for my trees, I would have to dump the excess after I watered to prevent unwanted growth from occurring (IE alge, mold, pests).
Humidity trays don't do much to add humidity, maybe 1% or less, buy it can't hurt much either.
