I doubt that light interruptions like that would cause hermies. Simulated clouds, yeah? It would take an extended effort. I believe that light leaks are a much greater threat.

I have a powerhouse magnetic ballast. It runs nice and clean with an 8 year warranty. Hard to beat that! 400w and I run a ceramic metal halide. Love it so far.

Hey PhatJay, I was looking at the feeding chart in the album under your profile. I left you a message. Nice little chart there although I use botanicare coupled with FFOF.