For sprouting I'd go with 75-87 degrees depending on variety.
I'd say 75F for small plants in general.

Thanks Smokemaster: They (pepper seedlings) are just about 70 right now with the light on. I think I will work on putting sides on the grow light to keep more of the heat and light inside. I figure I can make something out of some slabs of cardboard lined with aluminum foil on the insides. That should boost the temp a few degrees on the plants when the light is on.

I've got very small seedling right now and are in a room usually heated to around 65 degrees, near a window and under a fairly cool flourescent light. Now, when growing tomato seedlings, people often recommend keeping them kind of cool (say around 65 degrees) so that plants stay stocky. If I growing my seedlings at under 70, will that harm them in the long run? Right now I've got sprouts with cotyledons only and no true leaves. These sprouts were germinated on top of a water heater in a plastic bag, and then transplanted into the soil once they started to grow show roots. However, I have some bell peppers and they were able to germinate normally in the soil at the current ambient temperatures, so I think maybe it's just barely warm enough for them.

Most of my seedlings, hot peppers, tomatos, basil, broccoli raab are all in the 65 to 70 range right now and under flourescent lighting and seem to be doing fine. I guess they might like warmer temps upwards of 80 for maximum growth but i dont think that having them at 65 for now will harm them in the long run. When it comes time to plant them in ground in May, im sure they will stretch their roots out and prosper with a big growth spurt.

Jim

I think heat is probably more important to seeds than plants.
I unplug my heat mat once everything is up.
Lots of people start their plants in their basements.
I don't think a basement is all that warm in general.
Some are only warmed by the growlights ballasts.
I only grow non bell peppers and nothing else.
Don't know about herbs etc.
I have noticed different kinds of peppers like different temps. to sprout.Chinense seem to like it warm,cooler for Annuums and wlid stuff seems to like room temps better than the 80's.

I start my seeds with bottom heat at 84-86 deg F.

I keep it up to 80-82 to get the seeds started, then back down to 75 or so once everything is up. One thing that has always worked well for me is to drape a cheap mylar space blanket over the lights. This keeps in more heat and a lot more light. WalMart or a surplus/odd lots store will sell these for 1-2 bucks. I use banks of three 2 tube shop lights, and one of these blankets can be cut in half to cover two banks of lights.