The lights are really close, not to close, but just right. The Strain is I HAVE NO IDEA. The time im counting is the time form when it sproutd out of the soil. I mean, it's growing. thatsfor sure. It's just slow I guess. I really think I should get soem more fluorescents in there. ONe more 36 Watt oughtta do the trick. I water them well. PLUS they are in miracle grow. I know you guys hate it, but my friend gew soem bomb ass tomatoes with it and it worked well. It is kinda bark-o-ful. But it's not bad.