As a grower for years... Most likely the clones you got
Were under constant 24 light at the club or aren'tvery old
Any amount of dark will stress a clone right outa veg and begin a
False bloom much like a false pregnancy or dogs if that helps
It will balance it's self back out but probe needs a good veg cycle for at least a cpl weeks before u bloom also people take clones late sometimes
And the plants have already started to bud then are thrown back into veg as clones. There are so many variations that can affect any garden usually
It's not ever just one thing. Your fluctuation in light with a shitty timer
Most likely isn't the reason but will cause you trouble later get a good high capacity cheap on off timer at depot or walmart. Chek the amps and get something you can sink down to the minute with multiple timers in other words get a simple one