I would definetly use the little clear domes,they seemed to help the ones that I did cover. Also, that sponge should probably wet if it had sit in there for that long. I planted 4 seeds(very good bagseed) in mine a week ago, and all are close to two inches tall already, except for one thats about and inch tall maybe. (I heard that male plants tend to grow faster than females, anyone know if there is any truth in that?). Anyways, good luck with your grow man. I'll try to get some pics on here of my AG sometime soon.