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Hello, Cumbrian, and welcome!
I have much experience with the issue of humidity damaging optics via mould growth, from my time stationed in Darwin for 8 years.
There are two approaches to stopping mould growing on optics:
(1) You can use a substantial quantity of silicagel, to absorb moisture, but this only works if the optical element and the silicagel are both kept in an airtight container
(2) A much easier approach, and also cheaper and more convenient, is to put a low wattage incandescent (not fluoro) light bulb next to the optical elements, which has the effect of reducing the relative humidity of the air near the optics.
I have had mould on an 800 dollar Nagler eyepiece!! A terrible problem that is extremely difficult to solve. Don't go there!
cheers, madbadgalaxyman
Oh, and one more thing, don't store optical elements with the business end upwards, if you can avoid it. This is particularly bad for the primary mirror in a telescope.
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