I myself have used CFL's, bright whites/sunlight for veg then I switch out atleast half for more "red" ones, or as you say, warm white. Do a little looky into the forum and they have it listed as far as which ones work best. I think it's 50,000-60,000 for budding and 32,000+ for veg, but that might be ass backwards. Now, I will tell you, I did get buds, pretty nice ones at that, but I don't think they really compare to that HPS during flower stage. I use to think CFL was cheaper but now that I look back, I could have bought a nice 400-600watt HPS for the money I spent on cords, sockets, lights, etc etc. I've seen several lights and light kits for under $200. If you make it yourself, I think you can pick up the parts, ballast, socket, light, and what not for about $100. Someone posted a site once for a kit for $52. Also a 400 watter. CFL's run pretty cool, but then again, now a days, just put a nice tube around that HPS and suck out that heat and wam bam thank you mam. All personal choice. Now that I've learned, I'm gonna step it up to HPS during flower. Staying with the CFL's on veg though. PS. I like to throw in a few "redder" bulbs when I'm vegging. Not sure if it will help. Haven't made it that far into the experiment, lol. Either way, good luck. If these guys on this site can't help, NO ONE CAN.