Advice on Water farm clones

I'm interested in some of your techniques especially those where clones are started directly in a water farm, with or w/out a plug of some sort. And has anyone started clones started directly in hydroton with consistent success?

I would think you would have to root the clones in rockwool or some other material before placing in hydroton. Because the newly cut end of the clone can't be exposed to open air for fear of an embolism. I have never seen or heard of rooting clones in just hydroton.

I've seen a couple instances where clones are started straight in hydroton, true, it's not common practice. I was thinking I could use saran wrap and make a dome out of the WF. I would have to remove half of the hydroton and place guides on the grommet for water control. I've had seedlings low in the WF and they stay damp 24/7, I usually have to set a timer on pump to get them to dry out to start growing up and out.
It prob won't work but I'll try it for chits and gigs.