There's no need to put your plants in darkness for ant extended period of time. Simply switch your timer over to 12/12. If your having trouble maintaining your temperature, simply ventilate the room better. A good CHEAP way of doing that is to go to Wal-Mart, buy a ceiling vent fan for a bathroom, and some 4" foil duct. Mount the fan Near the top of the room, and it will pull some of the hot air out. Hope I helped.