The full size heat mats typically get a tray too hot and cause issues.
The most success I’ve experienced is from using the half width heating mats running constantly.
You can use the full size mats with a timer or thermostat and it works much better than 24/0 with no control.
That seems like a valid thought. When I germ more I’m going to try some straight to soil and some in paper towel with no heat mat, just in my tent at 30 Celsius. I was thinking yesterday, even come spring time when seeds do their thing… how warm is it actually in the soil… definitely not heat pad temps lol
And after more thought… I think my germ rates have gone down since introducing a heat pad lol
The only method I have ever used (with 100% success except for uncracked seeds) is a simple soak in purified water. I put the container with seeds on top of the fridge, and once all the seeds have cracked I plant them in the soil mix and they are good to go. I have never once used the paper towel method…I am always concerned that they might have chemicals.
I think a heat pad messed up my cloning. I believe that I only got 25% due to too much heat. I do much better at room temp.
Bro, you crack me up.
Motz don’t even take shit from his seeds! 
My seeds get germinated at low room temperature. Around 20C. I use cold water too
I’ve had more luck just putting seeds right into growing medium and letting germinate there than the water and papertowel method. In all honesty, not that I’ve grown a ton of plants, but I’m 100% sprouting so far with just putting in soil or coco right away
My last germ was 28 seeds of 4 different varieties from 4 different sources. I soaked them in labs for 8 hours and into a paper towel with labs, at room temp. I got 100%. Probably some luck involved.
I clone in the cold aswell lol awesome success rates forgetting about them in a cup of water lol
I’ve done that as well. I just have had a problem getting the roots to condition back to soil. My mix isn’t near as hot now, I could try it again. It takes a long time thought. Simple, sure.
I typically ignore them for a week or so with no humidity domes, maybe a water swap. Then slam em into moist promix. Usually within the week they are rooted and pumping new growth. The seem to work faster if I put them in soil before roots even start
no joke? You just make sure they get some nubs (or no nubs) and into promix?
Well, I dont use promix. Is that a good seedling starter?
I use compost, ewc, and perlite. I wonder if that would work.
No joke lol my cloning technique is disgusting but highly successful lol. If they got nubs… sweet! If not… well she better figure her shit out and fight or die lol
Simple and effective is great IMHO.
When you’ve been in for over four decades ya kinda have an eye and a feel for whats going on.
The other is wasted time and space might as well have something in that spot that has some vigor.
Would you do the same if a plant didn’t have vigor after you topped it?
I have never done the towel and bag thing. Well in 7th grade science we ran a test that way. I just pop mine into germ soil I have then a bit of h20.
When using a heat pad under a tray with a tall lid, top vent open, I used a fresh sponge to keep them up off the bottom. The sponge wicks up water placed in the bottom, and a paper towel or cloth goes over top the seeds. Soon, it rains down from the ceiling.
I’ve had duds like you spoke of. Enough energy to crack the shell, but not enough to grow. Old seed? Not sure I’ve had it happen with fresh seed. If you did cook them, that last seed should smell and mush come out if you pop it.
I used paper towel method alone for 28 years with great success. Only added the heat pad and dome for tropical seeds.
And then there’s that lol.
Oh yeah stuff like that don’t stick around