It depends, i got my lights at home depot and they work fine. if your growing by sunlight you will get your plants to bud if you change the mixes when its time to bud, though it takes about 6-9 months by sunlight, not a prime choice. If you get a CFL it should last you the whole grow but i'd recommend after a month switch to hps 150w or 250 depending on how small your stash will be. Keep in mind once you start your 12/12 that your plant will continue to grow like 2ft taller before it stops and starts to bud.