Yeah it's quite normal to block off a large time range, you can do the entire day if you wish. If you look at the request before submitting, it usually says something like for example: "Auto approval available up to 300 ft. Further...
The CBO that I follow is the AMA and this is what they say about flying at night:
For night flying, AMA requires that aircraft be equipped
with anti-collision lighting that can be seen from 3
statute miles away unless it poses a hazard or...