Light Prox. 250 sunlux hps (LIL HELP MAYBE)

I've only grown once before (outdoors) with great results, mainly because I didn't have to worry about too much. This year I'm out of the north (pure forests and fields, perf for outdoor growing) and am now in the city. I've six plants going on week 5-6 if I can remember correctly. They are in my closet, with a 250watt sunlux hps which i was just able to afford a week ago. They were on sh*t'ier lights before, which probably resulted in slow growth. Now, with the hps in there, i was wondering how many inches the light should be from the canopy. I've heard too many stories. I don't want to see that whole, use the back of your hand rule. I hate that rule. I want to know the comfortable distance. I'd say its about 18-20 degrees in there. Not too hot i'd say. But yeah, feed back is greatly appreciated......peace

The back of the hand rule is the best to use. I keep my 400s bout 8-10 inches from the tops. Too many variables to tell you an exact measurement, hence the back of the hand rule. Good luck

thanks anyways. I just hate the back hand rule because I'm terrible with judging temperature. It may feel warm to me, but probably is too intense for the plant. I have tried the hand rule, with such results (plant got burned).