What I've read via High Times is that a plant will stay in the Veg state with about 14 hrs of light per day, depending on the strain. However, plants will grow "twice" as fast when under 24 hours of light. One Guy said that 20 was OK, and he saved a little on the electric bill. Response was that he may have saved a few pennies, but compared to 24 hour growth rate, it makes no sense. Go with the 24. MH lites are best for veg states.