you mean this much water is too much? I've seen video on youtube, they did put seeds completely in water for about 4days, those seeds have tails just in water.
I don't know how to judge water situation, how much could drown the seeds?
and I'm supposed to buy seeds less than a yr right? how could i tell this? I buy seeds on the wedsite called Seedcity
IMO, yes. 4 days in water is way too long. All that water will cause the cells to swell depleting it of o2 which leads to tan/brown rotting tissue before the embryo has a chance to germ. However, some older seeds usually lose some water within cell tissue causing the embryo to shrink up. This is why some "soak" seeds.
Drowning seeds is easy and unfortunately a common mistake...especially given all the "bro science" new growers are bombarded with over media sites. Basically just remember seeds need a good balance of air and water.
Soaking does work...sometimes, but it shouldn't be recommended IMO...especially if the grower is new or has little knowledge regarding the age of seeds.
FWIW though, if I'm germinating seeds I "know" to be older stock (3+yrs old) I soak them overnight in a shot glass full of bottled water and a couple drops of Ful-Power. Usually by then they've "oystered"
For the "pre-germ" paper towel method - use just enough water so its not dripping wet. Close it up in a ziplock and set it somewhere warm. They should sprout tails within a day or so and you can gently transfer them to your growing medium.
Or you could skip the "pre-germ" all together (which is best) and pick up some Root Riot/peat plugs. Those things are damn near fool proof with a great air/water balance. This method also means you don't have to handle/transplant the seed which could damage the delicate taproot.
After awhile, you'll be able to sow directly into your substrate, which is best IMO.
