[Resolved] New to Autopot system.

Apology if this is too long but I thought I would combine my questions here.

I have just ordered an Auto8 system with Air domes and I am excited to to get started when my new system arrives. For reference, my current system is a Blumat gravity fed system, Jack’s 3-2-1 nutrient regimen and fiber pots with a soil mix of 70:30 Growstone to coco coir.

I currently mix the nutrient is the tank changing the mix slightly for Veg, Early Flower and late flower stages. I clean the tanks, soil mix and pipes after each grow and I add some enzyme in the soil cleaning stage to break down and older root material that may be in there.

I have read these boards and watched the video on setting a new system up and there are a couple of questions;

1) Pebbles or no pebbles? – Your 2014 video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_Xmf50UGbk) shows clay pebbles as a base and indicates that 5CM are important to have. Your current set up videos show simply pouring a fluffy soil mix directly onto the root guard barrier/. So which is it? is the pabble base still needed/recommended or is it optional?

2) Air dome (1 of 2) – Depending on the answer to question #1 and if the pebble base is still recommended, is the the Air dome installed at the pebble base layer or sitting on top of it?

3) Air dome (2 of 2) – The video seems to indicate that the dome is simply placed the bottom and that surrounding soil mix is poured over it (either pebbles or soil mix). Although the dome has holes in it those would not be enough to allow soil to fill the dome so is the intention to have an open air chamber under the dome where roots would eventually find their way inside or is it assumed that the soil will get into the dome during the initial set up and watering stage?

Thanks in advance.