I they go under a gazebo and it is really dark out there at night. No lights from street lights or anything. The top is blue and the sides are white. I could get black tars if I had to. Not sure about the 12 hours. I will have to time it. I have one that I am hoping is ready to harvest now. I can't really moves them as I have a brace on my wrist. Ok is this girl ready? I would like to know asap.