18 months is a long time to be confused, brotha.
If your going to take creatine , then take CEE or Mono. Either one is good and will work. With mono you need a carrier ( ie grape juice ) with CEE it is not required.
Both are good to take before and after your work out, (but choice one). On non training days take in the morning. 3g (tsp) is a good amount to take.
Make sure you drink atleast 2L if not 4L ( 1 gallon ) of water a day.