materlvr, I see that you live in southern California. If it were me, I would not bother with lights, you really don't need them unless you live in such a cold climate that seedlings would freeze outside. You don't need lights for the germination process, just warmth, regular house temps of 70-75 are fine, heat added from a sunny window helps speed things along, a heat mat is nice, but not necessary. Most viable tomato seeds will be up in 4 to 10 days, some slow ones may take longer if your house is cooler. If your daily outside temperatures are in the 60's and 70's now, there is no reason the germinated seedlings can't go outside in full sun immediately after sprouting -- they do that in nature, right? Just keep them out of too much wind until they have a chance to size up. If they are allowed to be outside right after emergence from the soil they will be sturdier and healthier than anything you raise under artificial lights.
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Dee
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