Hi, Germinating is where I tend to run into trouble. I switch back and forth between using the paper towel method and using the aero both work equally well so whatever you feel comfortable with. I like to add a drop of Green Light liquid root stimulator/starter to the water I put in the aero or in 2 cups of water that I use to wet the paper towel. You'll want to use water that is slightly lukewarm. Do you have softened water? If you do then you will need to use an alternate water source because softened water will kill your plants. Also I like to use an aquarium air pump with a bubble stone in the aero I just put it in through the opening where you add water that way if your roots gets into the aero's pump and clog it your plants will be just fine I lost several plants on my first aero grow because of it. And once you seedlings get big enough that their roots reach the water in the bowl you'll want to check your water daily you do not want to wait until the water level light triggers there will be a point where you will need to add water daily. As far as nutes I'd stick with the ones that came with your aero and follow their guideline. Set it on salad setting. Also you will want to cover the pods you aren't going to use I use the caps that come with gallon milk jugs but you can use just about anything you just don't want the light in there because it will promote algae growth.