lighting

i just finished my grow box and i was wondering what a good light cycle would be. also how far from the plant should the light be. would 2 100watt bulbs work instead of a 400watt?

For vegging your plants 18 light 6 dark, for flowering, 12 light 12 dark........as for lighting, are you talkin HPS lights, Metal Halide or CFL's.....judging by the wattage you stated im assuming HPS....theres a few things we need to know before offering any advice.....size of grow area, how many plants in that space, do you have ventilation, what method of grow are you doing soil, dwc, flood & drain, etc..

ok
i believe the lights are HPS. the growing area isnt big... ill get measurements tomorrow... im only gonna grow one plant (1st grow)
i havent set up a ventilation sys but im working on it
im growing in regular soil. are there any nutes that i can get at a regular hardware/gardening store?