It is a bit of a hassle, and I consider it fairly expensive, but it's worth it to me. I love my flowering plants!
I don't mess with the lighting. I just let them be on for 12 hours a day. I tend to water the tropicals about once a week, but it's best to stick your finger in and make sure they are dry before you water. I have gone on trips and not watered for 2 weeks, and all was fine.
