I use regular old T12 fluorescent shop lights to start my seedlings. What Shadegardener said above.
Keep in mind the T12s are being phased out, so getting bulbs will be harder. However they're cheaper. I recently bought ballasts to convert my T12s to T8s. Haven't done so yet, because this season I made some seed trays outta pallet wood and fence pickets, filled em with potting mix, sprinkled the seeds and put them outside, under my covered patio. All the seeds germinated, and all the seedlings are growing.
Didnt need a single one 'a those 16 double bulb light kits...That's 32 tubes!!! (I use two kits, side x side, or 4 lights per shelf.
If you go this route, get some concrete blocks and cheap boards to make shelves. Use eye bolts, hooks and Jack chain to suspend you're lights.
Don't spend a lotta $$ on this. You actually live in a temporate climate, and can start your seeds in trays under a shaded tree...
Hugs!
