Correctly Using Sphagnum Moss?
So I keep finding that the humidity in my vivarium holds around 51%-54% humidity without any troubles. Occasionally it drops to 49% and I mist it and the minor problem doesn't occur again for a week or two, but what truly concerns me is my vivarium's ability to maintain humidity levels proper for shedding. Just to do some testing, I've spread a handful of damp sphagnum moss about my vivarium only to find it completely dried out the next morning. Same goes with my coconut husk substrate. I can mist it until it turns slightly darker, but it's completely dried out by the next morning.
I'm using a 40 gallon breeder tank with the screen two-thirds of the way covered with aluminum foil. The walls are not covered as I will be ordering four cork slabs to line the inside of the vivarium with later this week. I hope this will solve my humidity problem by creating a thick insulation between three of the walls and the glass. What do you all think? Will I need a humidifier for the winter and during shedding?
Yes, I do use a lamp in my tank. I'm currently using a 100W black incandescent bulb which is all the way on. Without it being entirely on, my hot side cannot reach recommended temperatures and my UTH is maxed on a thermostat at 95F. I'm reading about 86F on the surface of the substrate under his hide on the hot side. I know the lamp is bad for the humidity but I don't feel safe increasing the limit on the thermostat in case he burrows to the glass. I also find him halfway in his hot hide where he rests his head on the second hide on the hot side, as if he's taking in some heat from the UTH and some from the bulb.
What do you all recommend I do regarding my inability to maintain ideal humidity levels for shedding?
