For what its worth-
I start pepper seeds in peat pods- and keep them covered and on a heat pad. Once they sprout, I use cheap grow lights
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyp...
And keep them within 2-4 inches of the plants when possible. Once the plants are under the lights, they do need water atleast once a day, potting them up to a larger pot helps with them drying out so fast.
If you were trying to "heat" them with lights, it was likely too much?
