As far as soaking Reptichip. I only have a few enclosures so I'm not preparing whole blocks at a time. I just break as much as I need off the block and put it in a 5 gallon bucket and add water and mix it up. I add enough so it's moist without being "wet", if that makes any sense. It holds the moisture for days. You much have a very dry room if it's lasting for just a few hours. You could also try a larger water bowl. That def adds humidity.