My drain tray is ever-so-slightly angled. Just enough to let it drain over a few minutes or so.
I have tried different watering schedules, they seem to make no measurable difference.
I've done 10 minutes every 5 hours, every 4 hours, and every two hours. Rockwool drains
so quickly. I don't change reservoir water at all during veg, and am experimenting with
my current grow and not changing it at all during flower. I use RO water.
I've learned by mistakes that upping the nutrient strength from sprout to veg, gradually,
is helpful ... to avoid shock. I've also learned that keeping humidity in the 60%+ range
from sprout to a couple of weeks into veg, is helpful too. I have to use a humidifier to
accomplish that, because of my macro environment. I am not an expert by any means.
420, DOA, and others, are the veterans, so their advice is more valuable. Good luck with your grow, brother!