I use HID's for seedling but I just hang the lights 4 or 5 feet above them. The light is not very intense on the young seedlings at that height and they do get some warmth from them. I leave the lights at this height till I see the second set of true leaves and then I drop the light to 16 inches above them and get the growing started.

CFL's would be fine but if you're not into buying anything extra then I'm just letting you know that you can work with what you have.

Really sorry to hear about your dad.

Laterz