First flask questions-- compot alternatives, kelpmax?

[Dalachin]

Hi all,

So I'm about to get my first flask this week from Troy Meyers, a Phalaenopsis philippinensis flask. Complicating things is that he labeled the flask as "problematic" due to the fact that some seedlings are smaller than expected.

I have his excellent instruction sheet for compotting into little plastic square pots with spagnum, and planned to follow it to the letter. However he also suggested on the side that I might want to try some seedlings directly mounted or in charcoal or other media, which sort of threw me into mad internet searches for alternate methods of growing up seedlings. Are there other things I should be considering? I guess it can't hurt to try, but I would hate to waste seedlings on hopeless methods.

Also, is the use of Kelpak and quantum total suggested for deflasking, and how would you use it?

FYI I plan to grow them in my grow tent which has around 70 percent humidity and 70-80 degree night-day temps. Probably on their own little heating pad to keep them a little warmer.

Best,
Christine