This whole setup is a lot more fickle than I anticipated it being, but thats fine. Once I get it all under control I'm sure it'll become a lot easier to maintain and in the end its worth it to keep such an amazing pet!
Now that everything seems good I'm going leave it all as is and probe both hides later tonight (lid will have been closed about 8 hours). I'll update with my readings at that time. Thanks!
you've done a terrific job getting that tank up and running. and yes, once it's 100% it won't need much to maintain it. yay!!!