Do I have to buy CFLs for seedlings? Or can I just use my Metal Halide?

I've reached my budget's limit. CFLs are cheap, but I simply can't swing it and would rather work with what I have if possible.

I have a 13w flourescent light that I experimented with some years ago... I ended up killing the plants due to paranoia, but before I did they grew to be tall (6in), skinny, and floppy... I don't know... would that suffice for the first week before blastin them with a metal halide or should I just start with the MH?

edit: Should have read the lighting sticky...

of course you can, hope you got a 6500 K bulb though.