heres the way i use with nearly 100% germ rate.
i use tap water but put through a water filter. i then heat water in microwave for 2 mins.
i plant seeds in half pint cups upto 1cm from top.
plant seeds in wet soil and cover cups with cling film then put cups on a reptile heat mat 48hrs later seeds are up..
this time i just germed 5 seeds straight into jiffy pellets in a propergator on the heat mat.
once again 48hrs later 100% germ rate..