lets try this again

im totoal newbie but have been doing alot of reading,

i currently have switchable 1k ballast with HPS lamp.
also have 4 lamp T5 fixture,looking to start clones with this since i havent set up any ventalation yet...

have lots of questions

when i get the the clones do i just water with tap (after decanting for Cl) or do i need to add some nuitrents..
been reading alot about Fox Farms for dirt..i have Black Gold..it has no specs anybody ever use this,,should i be putting some type of rocks in the bottom to increase drainage im looking to start clones in 3 gal rounds, should i start with smaller containers than transplant

i know im all over the place but im pretty damn exicited about this new venture..not looking to grow the perfect plant this go round but am ready to get this first grow under my belt.

any and all advice welcome.............thanks all

Clones are mature plants so they need food but your soil probably has food in it.

When i get the the clones do i just water with tap (after decanting for Cl) or do i need to add some nutrients - hold off for the 1st week while your plants absorb the nutrients in the soil then start at 1/4 to 1/2 strength while working your way up from there.

Black Gold-You need to check the PH on that soil and ensure it's PH balanced for your plants otherwise, if too acidic it can be detrimental to your plants - If you're going to be using a potting soil then YES definitely put some pumice in your soil mix in a 20-30% ratio. Check your soil 1 or better yet 2 times per day with a moisture meter to get an idea of your soils moisture holding capability. Too much water and you risk root rot, not enough and your roots will dry out pretty fast.

I'm looking to start clones in 3 gal rounds - should i start with smaller containers than transplant - Transplanting causes stress on the plant and the less stress you put on a plant the more beneficial it is in the long-run. Every person has a differing opinion and as such take it with a grain of salt. Your best yield will stem from starting a seed in 1-50 gallon pot and letting it veg for 4-6 weeks then going into flower but depending on your grow space and time constraints, this may not be realistic. Keep an eye on your roots and ensure your plants don't become root-bound.

Starting clones in large pots is inefficient.
The plants roots will grow outwards until they meet the pot wall/bottom, then they will happily run round in circles leaving the soil in the middle of the pot unused and wasted.
Best to start in small pots and repot when needed - this helps to build up a dense network of feeder roots.
Repotting causes very little stress, you just pop the root ball out of the old pot and drop into the new one with more soil.