T5 distance

[s62]

So I’ve already read the GWE article about light distances. It mentions keeping T5s as close as possible without burn/hand discomfort. However, the owner of the shop that sold me the T5 said I should be 12” from initial seedlings, and 8” from them once they have their first real leaves. This sounds too far away? What are people’s experiences?
24w T5 HO FWIW

[Gingerbeard]

Your shop owner is a boob.

I've had plants touch my t5's with the cover on. They're what I use for seedlings and young plants. Others will say to take the cover off because the plastic cover blocks some of the light. I'll keep the lights 1" during the day because I have the time to check and adjust if they grow. At night I put the light 2"-3" to allow for any growth then.

[s62]

That’s more like I thought! Thanks for the info