IF you crack the heater hose where it is attached to the head and fill untill you see some water coming out you may be able to eliminate an air pocket or two. I left out my thermostat for the first run when I reinstalled it im my car just to get all the air out. Then put the thermostat back in when it cooled.

Personally I use 50/50 anti freeze/water a good brand will give you corrosion protection and cooling. It has to be changed for new every couple of years. Even if I had Jay's money I don't know if I'd spend that much on coolant.