ha...
stick your finger in the corner, so you won't disturb the plant... if it feels dry... moisten it... but truthfully... since i'm using a mist... whenever it looks dry, i just apply like 4-5 squirts... but having a schedule helps... like spraying every 12 hours... but that depends on how hot your grow area is, because that can dry the soil faster... my first time, i just applied whenever it look dry, but since i got better, now i have a schedule that works for me and my grow area...but what i said the first time is good also... whenever it looks dry, 4-5 squirts should be good.. but if you're doing this like 4 times a day.. thats too much
when you first get the seed germinated... you dont have to put perlite in the container unless thats what you're planning to use for a very long time... perlite is good for when a plant have a lot of roots... but just starting off in a cup, you don't really need it... gently squeezing the sides will loosen it up.. also, some perlite has an NPK that isn't good for seedlings, because seedlings don't need anything its first couple of weeks... thats why you have to slowly give them nutes like in its 3rd to 4th week... so, perlite with an NPK can hurt the germinated seed...so it would be good to add perlite in your first transplant and your last transplant... but that depends if thats your strategy... some people don't transfer and use one container through their whole grow
good thing you have a fan now... it really does help.. it will give them stronger stems
as far as a straw goes... i'm not sure... interesting idea though... maybe placing 4 straws and punching tiny holes all over it...i don't know... cool though.. wish we could get some feedback on that...