just for the record 2 to 3 feet away is too far. I do about 9 inches with a 400 watt. You should hold the backside of your hand under the light where it is so close that it hurts your hand and then back off until you can hold your hand without it burning. That point where you can hold your hand under the light without it burning is the distance you want.Not me but..... i started my grow off with 4 100watt cfl..it waz growin very fast couple inches a day, i switched. To. Hps at 3. Weeks 2-3 feet away with 2 cfls on the sides to get a mixture. Of the sky nd the sun .... good ventilation, fan blowing constantly , temps-77-79 , humidity 30-50...but i think i figured my problem it mite b the ph of. The soil. Cause every. Time i water its 6.1-6.4 and comes out 5.7-.5.9... mite be a lock out.