Will a fluorescent light fixture provide sufficient light for seedlings?

Question: 

Will a fluorescent light fixture provide sufficient light for seedlings?

Answer: 

A standard fluorescent shop fixture containing two 40-watt tubes provides sufficient light to grow seedlings indoors.  For best results, place one cool white and one warm white tube in each fixture.  Place the fluorescent lights no more than 4 to 6 inches above the seedlings.  The lights should be on for 12 to 14 hours each day.

Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Horticulture and Home Pest News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on . The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.