Newbie ...

Okay, about a week ago i began germinating seeds (from a purchased bag ), about 1 day into the process, all 6 cracked, i dropped them into peat cups with some seedling potting soil from the HD. I gave them about 16-18 hours of light a day ( a cheap groing buld and cheap light balast from HD), and three watering's. I went to check them today, absolutely no progress at all, out of curiosity, I dug a seed up, it was dry and the sprout was withered. What did i do wrong? I have 6 more seeds of the same batch germinating right now. Can anyone give me some pointers on what to do with this batch? Right now i going the cheap route in the begining ( im a college student, can't afford to waste cash on a failed attempt), but once they show signs of being healthly i have no problem dropping the extra cash on the required materials for the rest of the process. I have looked through the FAQ'S and watched the recommended video ( althought it's about growing hydroponicly), and have'nt found any direct information on my topic( or i overlooked it). If anyone could help, It would be much appriciated. Sorry if I am asking a question that has already been answered.

You've waterd them 3 times u say, the sprout in the soil is to always stay moist until it pops. So that one u said must od dried out

Go to GrowFAQ click on it then click on cloning

i would like to first say hi to everyone.
i have a grow box and a HDS 400watt lamp and have half a dozen white widow seedlings about 1" high. the box room is 5ft high by 3.5 ft wide and 5ft long and has white walls. can some one give me some first timer tips as to how high the lamp should be to start them off etc.
replies are gladly recieved.

u shud check growFAQ