I let mine dry out until the pot is really light, almost to the point when the plant will start wilting from lack of water, (Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it), then when I water, I water the WHOLE pot, all the way out to the edge.
Not just at the stem of the plant.
I don't feed anything until at least 20 days after sprouting, then it's just regular MG all purpose, or this time I'm trying Veg and Bloom from General Hydroponics.
I don't believe in all the fancy high dollar stuff that they sell to build roots, and don't think I need it really, LOL.
You can go to the site, and request a free sample, it will be a small tub, but enough to do a 1 plant grow just so you can try something different.
http://www.hydroponic-research.com/