I wrote several guides about running LN nodes, you should read them first:
- [Recommendations for LN node runners](https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/recommendations-for-ln-users)
- [Lightning node maintenance](https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/lightning-node-maintenance)
- [Lightning routing fees experiment](https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/lightning-routing-fees-experiment)
- [What bnitcoin / LN node can I run?](https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/what-bitcoin-ln-node-software-can)
- [Lightning Network resources](https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/lightning-network-is-awesome)
- [How to restore your ded node](https://darthcoin.substack.com/p/umbrel-btcln-node-shtf-scenario)
And many more...

The most important question is WHY do you want to run a LN node. Once you answer yourself that question, you start building the node suited for that destination. Not all LN nodes are equal.

DarthCoin

In terms of who to open channels with, I'd recommend starting at https://lightningnetwork.plus/

Daily discussion thread

saloon

I am still pondering how to best open up LN channels and whether I should switch from Citadel to something more robust. At some point, I just need to stop reasearching and make a decision :)