i’m using PH’d Spring Water throughout this entire process. I let my seed soak in water for about 18 hours (literally used a shot glass). the next day i tapped the seed and it dropped straight to the bottom. i poured the seed and ALL of the water in the shot glass right on to a paper towel free of any designs/ink. the seed cracked open pretty quickly. took about 3-4 days before i placed it in a rapid rooter. i recommend using a porcelain plate for the paper towel method. I used a paper plate, which was absorbing the water as well. using a paper plate resulted in more frequent “water sprays.” it was pretty annoying, but also not much a huge issue since i’m home all day (thanks, covid -__-).