24/0 I will say is way better the 18/6....plant DO grow faster under 24 hr light cycle..why would you want to lower what make the plant grow..18/6 is what most use...But I have read that 24/0..has been proven better for VEG Stage..and those flors are good for a little while but you are going to get strtch and or they will grow slow..JMO..I use MH in VEG and HPS for floer..and the distance to keep these are going to depend on what they are..ie: cool tube versus a batwing..The best addvice i can give is grab your :bong1: and your stash...set up your comfy seat...and and start to read..sound like you need to start in the Light section..but be sure to hit the resources section..and of coarse you can allways PM me okay? Take care and besafe:bolt::bong: