Another humidity question.

First off I would have used the search function and didnt find the info I need. Currently tryin to stabalize my new enclosure before i get my new BP

http://www.tradingpie.com/image/products/09/96696.gif

Very similar to the one in the picture except mine has plastic mesh side vents half the height tall on the top half. (Currently sealed using tinfoil.) Tank is Measuring 39W 19L 19H inches.
Using fir bark as a substrate, high side temp 94F low side 82. A very large water dish on the hot side, A tuperware container /w a hole cut in the lid filled with real damp sphagnum moss. And 3/4 of the top mesh covered with a damp towel. And even with heavy misting a couple times a day i can only keep the humidity about 45%. Using digital thermometers and hydrometer for my readings. Ive read its best to get 50-60% normally, but im concerned when it would come time to shed I will be unable to achieve the recommended 70-80%
Btw, I live in Southern Alberta, so humidity is quite low this time of year.
To the point, two questions.
1. Can i completely seal off the top screen and open up the side vents a little to
achieve higher humidity without sacrificing airflow.
2. Or is there a simpler way of raising it that im not thinking of?

Most humidity will escape through the top so it might be worth a try to cover the wole top and leave part of the side screen open.

You really just have to expiriment with what will work since everyone humidity is based off of their climate.

Okay I will give it a try and hope see how it works out. Thanks

As Kaorte says, climate plays a big part. Covering the top will probably help. As mentioned, the humidity will escape upwards. What are you using for heat? Under-tank or bulbs? Bulbs kill the humidity. I have similar issues here. Have to use a bulb to keep the ambient temp up (cold here!) which kills the humidity.

Oh, by the way, I'm sure someone here will correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm sure you only need humidity of 60%-70% for a good shed - not 70%-80%.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by severe_bomber

As Kaorte says, climate plays a big part. Covering the top will probably help. As mentioned, the humidity will escape upwards. What are you using for heat? Under-tank or bulbs? Bulbs kill the humidity. I have similar issues here. Have to use a bulb to keep the ambient temp up (cold here!) which kills the humidity.

Oh, by the way, I'm sure someone here will correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm sure you only need humidity of 60%-70% for a good shed - not 70%-80%.

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Correct 50-60% daily and when shedding 60-70%! I would cover the top with foil or plastic to lock in humidity and I use coconut fibre substrate whick holds alot of water for long periods even with a lamp! You will need a lamp until summer because of the low ambient temp. You guys are colder than us in the east! If using a lamp then use foil so it doesn't melt! You may try covering the top with foam board and see if that locks the heat in! I have to leave part of my top open because I don't have side vents for air flow so the heat ecapes. Like Koarte said "You just have to experiment!"

Thanks folks, I went ahead and tin foiled as per the sticky here, has worked great so far, having no problems keeping 50-60% with a little misting and its great, opened up half my side vents and its great!