CFL Distance from plant?

How far should I have my CFLs setup from the plant in each part of its stages? I've read the more lights the better and the closer the lights the better, but I've also read about lights burning the plant and was wondering what would be the best way to prevent/avoid that from happening while still getting the maximum amount of light to my plants. (eg: directly mist the leaves of the plant to prevent burning..)

put the back of your hand close to the light and take it further away until you can just feel the heat and that should be an ok distance thats how i do mine and i have no problems

well i have had it about 2 inches during the whole veg stage and it hasn't burnt any leaves also it keeps it from stretching for the light

When i used cfl's i used to have mine about 2 inches from the plants with no problem, but do remember that if you change over to a MH or sodium bulb you need to keep them further away I forgot and for a few hours my plants were baked luckily i managed to save them.

D

Mine are about 3/4" away.........the first lot I cooked. This lot is going well...

one inch at the most, cfls require daily light adjustments

I've tried 1-2" and .5". I've noticed more growth at .5". But... that requires a lot more adjustment and heat sensitivity. Yes, I know CFLs give off less heat but at .5" you'd definitely need a fan blowing on them.

Even with high powered cfls you need to get them 4-5cm away from the tops of your plants

thanks everyone for your input. it really helped. I will probably go with .5" and continually adjust it, because I want a good grow and yield..the more light the better..lol

I am going to start a CFL grow in time, so thanks to everyone for the helpful info.