howdy redbeard, I germinate my seeds on a paper towel in an aluminum pan with just enough pH'ed water (5.0-5.5) to bring the seeds in contact with, but not covered, by the water level. I cover the pan with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. I place the pan in a warm spot and start checking them after 24 t0 36 hours. When they sprout (or more accurately, if they sprout) I transfer the sprouts into pre soaked rockwool cubs ( the cubes have a small amount of rooting gel in the seedling hole and are soaked in 5.5 pH'ed water).
Good luck in Your growing.