I would have those cfl close to the plants. I actually use cfl for seedlings and veg in the past. There was a member here who made a DIY cfl light fixture for cfl using cheap bathroom light fixture from Home Depot. They hold 3 cfl each. Use two so 6 23watt cfl. All in about 18 x 18 footprint. I would run that over my plants and be about 2-3 inches away from the tops. I could grow 4 plants under that light in a 2x2 area. From there they went under the 400 hps. The issue with cfl being the drop off in light penetration. Others make up for it be surrounding the plants with lights. Def go to the cfl section here and read some journals of guys who produce with cfl. Good luck and def read on led now you have more time. The upfront cost is more but if you see yourself taking on the hobby it will be worth every penny.