.....How close to have 250w hps? ....

Hello, i have 2 unknown strain plants which have been under cfls through their whole cycle and 2 days ago (1-2 weeks from finish) one of the red spectrum bulbs blew up! i borrowed a 250watt hps bulb and have it up but im not sure on how close to get to the plants with this bulb? and will changing the light so close to the end cause any problems? everything seems to be going ok with the bulb roughly 8-10 inches away from plants and there is no signs of burning and the plants seem healthy and ok. I will post some pictures later on today. (40-50% of pistills are now orange) does another week or 2 sound about right to give her the chop. if im correct ill chop them when 75% of pistills are orange? thanks for your time

Put your hand above your plants and if your hand gets really warm after a min. or so then your bulb is too close. You could probably get 6-8 in. should be alright. Dont go by the color of your pistils go by trichome production. There's all kinds of factors that can make the hairs turn colors. If i were you id go to radio shack and get a 60x handheld microscope for 13 bucks. If the trichomes are clear to cloudy its a more uppity high and if they have more amber coloration its more of a couchlock high. Thats the best way to tell when your buds are ready. Hope that answers your question.