Questions on nutrients shelf life and wattage for seedlings

Its been almost a year since I visited. I've decided to try one more time with a "stealth box" instead of giving up. I already have 90% of the equipment; seedling kit, soil, amendments, nutes. I know my questions are idiotic but in my defence I've never had a succesful grow. I'd still like to keep the project small until I get at least one successful grow.



To be frank; I'm sure I fu--ed up the lighting needs on my last attempt. I only used single Fluorescent lamp (exact wattage I forget) for seedlings. They (seedlings) became tall but couldn't hold themselves up. I thought I'd use some 46W CFL (in both spectrums) from the stealth box (Rubbermaids) or buy some lower watt bulbs. I'll need to do some testing but maybe someone could point me in the right direction. Is that even enough wattage? Do they need to be as close as possible or further away?

Last year I was lucky to get some free nutes from "General Organics" Bio-Thrive. I have both the Grow/Bloom & Ca/MG+, root, bud, weed. I've kept them all this time in a fairly cool place and haven't opened them since my last failed attempt. Does anybody know how long these kind of nutrients last?


I'd appreciate some advise and patience. I'll try not to ask to many questions or to overthink this one. If you need some more info please ask.

Thanks
Geo

Since no one answered.

Expiration dated should be on the back or bottom. I have used a single T8 for seeds. I really don't know a lot about CFL lumens or lumens at all. Seeds will sprout in the dark.