i'm also a beginner and i would use the search engine but its not working for me (anybody else having this problem??) I just wanted to know whats a good soil to use from beginning to end?? I'll add perlite of course unless the soil u suggests already contains it. Also should i only use ph balanced water or is using faucet water ok?? Finally, if i must use ph balanced water, how do i go about doing that and what is the cheapest ph tester?? Sorry for all the questions but yeah....Thanks!!!!