HPS from germination-how close is too close?

hi guys just wondering if anyone has any experience using a hps from seed. Im trying to get an idea of how close I can put a 600w HPS to my 4 day old seedlings without hurting them. They are in a 6 foot closet with a 150mm exhaust setup with top temps running to 82f. I know this isnt ideal for seedlings but im on a limited budget and the HPS I got for free from a friend. Any advice is appreciated.

No Ideas anyone??? The light is about 2 1/2 foot above them now im going to try to move it down to 2 foot, they look like they are stretching a bit.

i used a 400W right from seed. I kept it about 2 ft away.

ORECAL said:

i used a 400W right from seed. I kept it about 2 ft away.

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I use a 400 watt MH for veg, Clones go under it as soon as rooted, about 2' above them. Seems to work for me..

Thanks guys I'm in the process of putting together a DIY cool tube so maybe I can move my light even closer to my babies. Im planning on using a candle tube thing anyone tried this before? Hopefully the heat doesn't make it crack.

maybe, but the seedlings dont need light that is that intense, I would still keep the light a good 2 ft away, you don't want to fry them.

ORECAL said:

maybe, but the seedlings dont need light that is that intense, I would still keep the light a good 2 ft away, you don't want to fry them.

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What he said!!

Ill keep the cool tube setup till they're a bit older then. Its coming into winter where I live so maybe the cool tube would bring down the night temp too much anyway. they seem pretty happy at 2ft now. Thanks for the replies.