How close do put your lights?

hey guys just got my first set of seeds popped and in some soil under a 250w cfl and a small 40w cfl but just wondering how close you like to put your lights when the seeds get ready to break the surface?

I personally never get closer than 4". Some say closer, but that is pushing it IMO.

Do the hand test. Pot plants are just about as sensitive to heat as we are. So put your hand over that part of the plant closest to the light. If your hand feels uncomfortably warm you are too close. BigSteve.

I've had them as close as 2" but as Jim said, i don't like to hve them that close. One small growth spurt can cause some light/heat burn.

As close as you can without burning them!

As most have stated you can have CFL within 2-3" of Tops of Plants, and indeed the HAND Test is the best way to check how much Heat Ya Ladies are feeling..Me(others may say different) I have my Giant 200w CFL higher than 2-3" for the 1st couple of days, maybe even for the first week..for 2 reasons..(A) to make em Stretch to the light a little and (B) because its not just Heat you have to worry about but Lumens> Too Much Too Soon..esp when just popping its head through the Dirt.

Peace