can you turn off dwc air pumps for 12 hours/day?

i always run mine 24 /7 but due to some security concerns i was wondering if they could turn off during my dark cycle without harming the plants, due to noise

put something rubber underneath the buckets or a big blanket to drown noise. Sounds like you are worried about someone or thing living underneath you and hearing the hum. airstones should be running 24/7

They do have to run 24/7 as said. it probably isn't as noticeable to anyone else. And it's not like they are thinking," hear that hum, that guy is growing pot!" Make up something that you are doing that requires it to be on 24/7. Then go ask whoever you are worried about if they can hear your xxxxx. Good chance they'll say no, think you are a considerate neighbor, and you can forget it.

Fish tank explanation?

you could get away with running them part of the time. You may sacrifice a small % of growth however.

i figured it out, moved my mini fridge next to my closet and the hum definitely seems to be coming from the fridge