I`m also new at it. I got the E-Book called, "Growing Elite Marijuana" and it really helps with basic, intermediate, and advanced Technics. Also "Cervantes" (check the spelling) is a name you may want to look up on youtube. There are tons of good,..and bad info on youtube but starting out with Cervantes will probably be a good beginning for you. As for water, judge the dampness of the soil with a finger and collect rain water to use as much as possible, lights,...I did the 24 hour a day thing because it`s been suggested by many of the top growers. It does remain a personal preference thing but 18 hours per day should be the minimum amount. Again, I am fairly new but from what I`ve read and viewed, the expense of electricity would really be the only logical reason not to run at 24 hours per day. From a seed I would suggest spaghetti peat moss, this is from my own experience so,... The different methods with different type soils and soilless dirt is vast so that part of your question could be a thread of it`s own. I honestly don`t know if there is a set exact or perfect time pertaining to age when transplanting is concerned. I have done it from a week to 3 weeks with no ill effects. I would state that you may transplant whenever you choose to do so as long as you use caution and keep the soil and roots intact when doing so. Most of what I`ve read or viewed suggests allowing the small container to really be filled with roots before transplanting so I would go with this suggestion. Nutrients is another question with endless possibilities according to your set-up. I balance the Ph in the soil and water with a few nutrients and/or minerals and leave it at that until the end of the 2nd week. The "AMOUNT" should be your concern. I would imagine that you could fertilize after a day or two as long as you used the appropriate amount but it wouldn`t be sensible during that delicate period in a plants life. As a newb myself, I understand the frustration associated with the "How to`s" I never knew there was such a tremendous amount nor the complexities therein. I love it!