400watt HID from start?

I have a 400watt MH/HPS HID lamp, I also have a few fluorescent grow lights. I want to know if I can start the sprouting/germination/vegetative growth under the HID lamp? On some youtube vids it said to start under fluorescent lights for 2-3 weeks then moved them over to HID MH lighting. A hydro-shop told me to start them under the HID/MH.

Also if I could start with the HID lamp right away how far should the light be from the plants. One Vid said 1 meter ( 3 feet or so), and a hydro-shop said 1 foot with lots of ventilation.

What kinda rigs you start off with, people

Well, it does fall down to preference. I think it is better to start with the fluros so you won't have to worry about the heat issue. Just place it maybe 1-2 inches away from the seedlings and wait til you get about 2 sets of leaves on them (2 full sets, not including the starter leaves it has when it sprouts) and then put the MH 3 feet away and then lower it about an inch a day until you have found the appropriate height for your little babies. Don't lower it too much though, because you can dry out your plants and possibly kill them.

I did my germinating in the soil under the HPS. Used it for heat to keep the planters warm and moist. All of mine sprouted and were doing healthy till I found some ballz on 2 haha.