Noob Germination question

First off these are multiple questions....
So the baby tomato seeds are sitting pretty in some miracle gro moisture control mixed with perlite and in a mylar tent, the tent has two lights to provide heat (fall kicked in and I'm not heating the place here lol) and the cups are covered to prevent light from sizzling the puppies as I've heard germing should be in the dark.

The temp in the tent is in high 60s and so is the humidity. So the bulbs are there to bring temps up now. I have the cups covered with cardboard but is it needed?

Is it ok? do I need to do anything? Are the lights up there a problem? Can I uncover it and leave the lights on or do I need to keep the lights away with the cover? should I cover the cups with moist paper towels to provide moisture when I'm gone during the day? Should I cover the cups with cling wrap and poke holes to increase moisture?



Pic is uncovered .... Journal to come soon once green is seen!

I am also venting via an exhaust fan on the top of the tent....should I be venting or letting humidity n heat build up?

the taped up lil box is a hygrothermometer that sends stats to the box outside the tent FYI.

if the seeds are in the soil you dont have to cover them. they are in darkness. i would move them lights closer to get them temps up. 60 is pretty low for seed germination. good luck

The temp should be 80 degrees plus for germination. Better to sit the cup on your water heater. Also, do not cover the soil with cardboard. This will increase your chance for mold. Also, I had terrible experiences germinating in Miracle Grow Moisture Control soil fwiw.

Ok so I've added an extra CFL for heat, and shut off the vent to keep the warm air in the tent! Temps are building right now and are at 70 but still climbing. thanks for the input and if you can keep it coming it's appreciated!