Quote Originally Posted by JohnNJ View Post
Your presumption is correct. Use a different bowl for the sponge.

Base the coverage of the top screen on your temp and humidity reading. Start with it covered and move from there. If the humidity reads correctly but the temp gets too high, use a lower wattage bulb. You want to use the least amount of cardboard you can to achieve the desired results. You want to get fresh air in the tank too.

Not sure where you are but this is something I did in the winter and during sheds. The humidity was ok in the summer.
I'm in PA, so it is the winter months, and the air is much drier than it would be in the summer. I may not have such humidity problems come the summer months. However, I don't think my bp will be tolerate low humidity for that long. That's why I am trying so much to get it right, and get it quickly. I'll look at different substrate next. I am using carpet right now cause I thought it would be easier to maintain, and change out at cleanings. However, someone suggested problems with mildew/mold when using carpet, and cypress would hold humidity better.

Could placing his normal water bowl closer to where the UTH is help with humidity? The bowl is in the center of the tank, and the UTH on the right side, bottom. I know that part of the problem is the heat lamp, which everyone suggest will eat up humidity. However, with the lamp, I am only getting the cool side to 77 degrees. If I get rid of the lamp, I have no idea how low it will drop.