Yes, you're better off with CFLs. T12 tubes are the least efficient tubes. T8s are better; T5s are the best. CFLs are almost as good as T5s.

You've really got two problems, though. First, you don't have enough light. Second, you're trying to grow too many plants. If you're serious about growing, you need put up the $$ to do things right. It costs more if you've got more plants. And you can only go so cheap on a grow. The thing is that if you try go cheap beyond that, it's lose/lose. You'll lose all your money, and you won't grow a damn thing.

I'd suggest the following set up. This is about as cheap as you can go.

2 10 1/2 inch reflector/clamp lights from Wal-Mart (about $10 each)
6 Y-socket adaptors (about $1.50 each)
Four two packs of GE 23w (100w equivalent) Daylight bulbs (about $6 each)
Two four packs of 23w (100w equivalent) Warm White Wal-Mart brand bulbs (about $8 each)

Total--$75

That will let you veg 5-6 plants, and get 2-3 plants all the way through flowering. You can cut that in half, and have a setup to take one plant through flowering for a little under $40. You can't/shouldn't really go cheaper than that. My advice is if you can't afford $40-50 dollars (you really something for testing pH too, and may have to buy water), you probably shouldn't try to grow. Like I said, that's cutting too many corners. You're better off waiting until you can get afford a workable set up.