Do cfl lights have to be close to the plants always?

[CanGroIt]

I have 12 26w 100w equivalent 6500k cfl's. I have them connected to y connectors on 2 power strips. They are hanging down really close , like 3 inches from my plants. Do they always have to be really close? My plant is so small right now it seems like only one light would work. The whole grow box is painted flat white until I buy some mylar. The box is like 2 feet deep 4feet wide and six feet tall.

You're better off with just the flat white paint.... The Mylar would be an extra unnecessary step....

6-8 inches is ok distance for a group of CFL's.... It's when you only have a couple that you want them really close....

CGI::::::