Better hot or cold?

I was wondering if you had to choose would you rather run your grow a bit too hot or a bit too cold? I have a 3' x 2' grow area and find that my grow area stays at about 86 deg with my two 20W fluorescent bulbs in it (according to my thermostat) and no fans. It is in a room that is kept at about 70 deg room temp but when I keep my fans on constantly the box temp drops to about 59... Which would be more ideal? I am growing 2 Hindu Kush and 2 White Widow. I have germinated the seeds successfully (outside the box) and have put them in soil today and yesterday.

I have a line temperature thermostat for HEATING as I was growing in a unheated garage before. Could anyone maybe recommend a thermostat made for COOLING that is fairly easy to install? Or if not maybe a good length of time to leave my fans on and the frequency (ei. 30min x 4 times a day). Right now I am lighting the baby's 24/0 so I could maybe use some off time to help with this..

Your experience and input is appreciated.

Dang dude.....Cant you find a temp somewhere in the middle? Your like on the edge of both extreme temps.

Where is your temp gauge? Maybe try sticking it as close to the middle of your canopy for an accurate reading of what the plants are feeling. Sometimes there is a big difference when changing position of the thermometer.

I had a grow that went ok that was in the mid to upper 80's but I was always fighting to lower the temp. I havent grown in the cold though.

You need to get a thermostat control device. There is a thread on here and what kind and how to do it. The devise they suggest is a Control Wizard from new england hydro. The devise is 120 bucks and about 12 shipping. The thread is how to hook up a fan and thermostat. Not sure which forum it is in. Good Luck

If you can't get a medium in between those numbers, I would suggest to go with the warmer of the two. Really either extreme will slow the growth of your plant, especially the cold, which is the one I've worked with growing outdoors. Your high isn't too terrible so I'd work with that. Really try to get a medium; add more lights to warm it up with the fans on maybe. Good luck!

NIP

i have grown with no real problems is the 50-60 night 60-70 day range.

When i live on the beach in a real old house where its always cold and the room closest to the beach is the grow room the room is always low 60's to low 50's and i always get the best nugs ever. So Potent, SO crystally, and pungent smells. The buds werent huge but i hate huge buds. I like small perfect organic buds. I dont use any ferts either till 2 weeks into flower. And no nitrogen in the mix. I hate huge leaf and stems. Just give me small PERFECT nuggets and thats how my cali has always been grown. In my opinion low temps are ok but moniter your ladies like every 30 minutes. I constantly watch plants for changes and signs of stress. Then adjust if need be.