How long does it take for seeds to sprout?

This is my first time growing and I bought a cheap stealthy grow box with a hydroponic system from stealthyhydro.com. I am going with autoflower as I read it is easy for beginners. I unfortunetly was a little hasty with the germination let the seeds soak for 3 hours then planted in peat pellets on monday. I left the lights off for the first 3 days. I rechecked on the seeds and saw the roots just starting to come out. Did I hurt the seeds by touching them. They still haven't sprouted. My impatience is always a downfall. I just hope I didn't waste money by touching the seeds. Thanks for looking.

I'd like to add that wednesday I turned the lights and bubbler on and my ph is 5.8

I did the same thing. Those peat pucks will be your downfall if your not careful. After soaking the peat puck to planting size, DO NOT water it again for at least a week. Those pucks hold A LOT of water and you will drown your seedlings if your not careful. What I did was, expanded the puck in warm water, and threw it in a shot glass (its the perfect size). Be sure the roots wont get exposed to sunlight, duct tape is your friend. and leave it on a window sill for a few days. It shouldn't take more that a few days to show some progress. You do have to be gentle with the roots but they should be fine as long as you didn't man-handle them.

Ok great I will try that now

I sprout seeds in rockwool, had some take as long as 10 to 12 days.