Hey mini me..... I use pebbles, but pour boiling water over them to kill or remove any grim shit that might be on them.... Anytime you can (have space..etc) you should use bigger pots..no root growth restrictions.....
Oh yeah...Welcome..
how do you guys usually water? just water on the top? 'cause I've read somewhere that you can also water from under, just filling the tray thing under the pot. I figured that way you can be sure that roots from the bottom gets watered. I'm not sure if that's recommended.