I have the Reptitemp 500R and its works well! I have used it for over a year with no problems! A bigger water dish would help humidity. You can use paper towels or aspen as a substrate and mist it without worrying! If you have holes on the top then cover all of them, if they are on the sides tehn cover some of them. Your holes should only be on the sides. Big Apple Herp sells the BAH-1000SC for under $40! That one is better for a little more $! Hope this helps!