Deep, thorough watering to run off every 2-10 days (depending on temps, plant requirements/size, air flow and water holding capacity of the substrate) is much better than giving small amounts of water often.
The trick is to wait until the top 3-5cms (1-2 inches) have dried out again before deep watering again.
Sticking your finger into the soil makes the best moisture meter in the world.
Being in constantly damp soil from small doses of water every day or so will cause bigger problems (unless you are growing in 100% coco coir, that is) than watering deeply and less frequently.
In veg, your lights should be at about 18 inches.
Hope this helps, Organoman.