i doubt its heat stress because it looked like that before i used the cfl.. i had it originally just under a 1 4 foot 40 watt 6500k, and that thing put off virtually no heat.

at this point i guess im going to try adding 50% perlite to my scotts seed starting mix.. ive been using that straight.

i might try oasis cubes or similar if i can find a place locally that has them... down to 4 WW seeds so i'll go back to bagseed

thanks for the tips guys.. although im still completely lost! ;-)