Quote Originally Posted by dusto2k3
i have it 20 inches away. It stays pretty cool, i should probably move it closer or what?
Well you generally want it 12" or less. This allows you to utilize as many lumens as possible, otherwise they start to drastically drop off as you get farther and farther away. Moving it closer will effectively lessen the light's footprint, so sometimes you must make somewhat of a compromise. Remember though, you will probably end up with more and better bud with fewer plants and a very close light rather then more plants and a light that is farther away. This all depends on the type of hood, the environment, the age of the bulb, etc.

I keep all my lights at about 8-12". It can get warm, but I keep the air moving underneith the hood so the temp is effectively lowered.