Danny, You keep them on the heat until they germinate, once they germinate you can take them off the heat and put them under the lights. Put them under the lights as soon as you can, after they germinate to reduce the chance of them getting leggy(long thin stems).

Dale

Careful using heating pad. you need to be able to control the temp well. Pot your seeds in seed trays and place the heating unit under the trays. Be sure to keep the heating unit dry. Maintain the soil temp between 75 & 80 deg F. There heating units available that are exact fit for the trays. Try some garden supply sites. A covered tray is best until first peep then uncover and put in good light.

Here is a link that might be useful: Paul's Pepper Place

Best temp for speed and complete germination is 85-87F. Get a thermometer and measure the temp.

Danny, go out and purchase a heating blanket. Same thing only bigger and cheaper. I cover the heating blanket with black plastic just in case of an accident.

perfect thanks for the responses guys
i have 2 heating pads that i will be using, the heat can be adjustible, they also have a cover over them

reyna1, don't trust the adjustable temp control on those, definetly get a thermometer.

Dale