cfl's can and do be used from start to finish by a lot of people, and they have very good results when enough of them are used...
if you are only growing in a small area, a 250 hps is a good choice, and like hightimes mentioned,, they make bulbs that have a broader spectrum than just a plan hps bulb... i think that sun agro or agro sun makes these.. you can tell these bulbs as they are usually say 280 watts instead of the normal 250...
or you can get a digital ballast which allows you to use either mh or hps bulbs in them... mh are better suited for vegetive growth, and hps are better for flowering.. but many people use mh for flowering and hps for veg, although they aren't the best option for that, they do work well..
i recently purchases a two foot four bulb t5 which i was using for veg, and then switched to my 250 hps for flowering... i am also using the t5 with bloom bulbs along with the hps for flowering to add some extra lumens..
so, as you can see, there are many many options for you to use.. just do your homework, and pick whichever kind of light works for you... a good place for lights is htgsupply... they have great prices and super fast shipping.. i have had good look with them, as have others here..
best of luck with whatever you pick and happy growing
