Linda,

My basement runs about 70-75% relative humidity in the summer and about
50% RH in the winter. I sectioned off a small area, building a small room
to house my paltry collection. During late spring/summer/fall I run a
dehumidifier which keeps the RH around 50% and temp 60 degrees F.

I have a hygrometer on the wall to check the temp and RH and adjust the
dehumidifier as necessary. During peak times, I need to empty the
dehumidifier every 36-48 hours. If there is a drain nearby, you could run
the water from the dehumidifier directly down the floor drain. This might
be a workable alternative. If you want further details, let me know off
list.

>
> Hi, Everyone!
>
> As you might have read, St. Louis was filled with tornados on New Year's
> Eve.   The EF3 that destroyed buildings in Sunset Hills, was 12 or 13
> minutes away, by car.
>
> Consequently, I am assembling my best shells into plastic box(es) to
> carry to the basement when a tornado is near.  (Our basement is far to
> wet to store the shells there.)
>
> I am assembling them by rarity and or "aesthetical attachment.."   I
> have a question - should I include a rare shell, even if it has a filed
> lip?
> I am also including some things that have been easy to get in years past
> but which might not be available in the near future, including some from
> the Philippines.    I am kicking myself that I didn't take all of the
> Queen Conchs, even though some were young, that I recently could have
> had for free - ones that were minus the now required "hole" to prove
> that the meat was eaten.
>
> Any additional suggestions would be welcome!
>
> Linda Bush,
> hoping to make it to this year's COA!
>


Regards,
Charlie
.................................................
Charlie Sturm

President
American Malacological Society 2010-2011

Research Associate - Section of Mollusks
Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Assistant Professor - Family Medicine
Fellow-American Academy of Family Practice
Fellow-Academy of Wilderness Medicine

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