very interesting, i suppose part of my problem is that the paper towels hold very little water and dry out fast which is why i thought the constant drip would be necessary, but if i could manage just one towel/sponge/shamwow! change per day i'd be stoked. I think you're probably spot-on, it seems to me this moss stuff that the (well intentioned) pet store guy was so wild about better for looks than actual moisture retention. I wonder, if its so easy, why is there so much hullabaloo concerning auto-misters and humidifiers? I guess species that require really really high humidity...?