Batch progress report: No problems, smooth sailing.

[Dadux]

Actually, I'm good with rehydration, yeast, science...I'm not just dropping dry yeast in there. I've done a lot of reading and my degree is in biology. The only thing I didn't think I could control was the temperature. My house is too hot. Then I got a brainwave and thought....Cooler! I should be good now.

Fellow biologist here! Knew there had to be someone else. Knowing biology helps, i can tell you that much.
Just keep at it. 15-18ºC is best for the fermentation. Also its normal to think you do things good, but even if you do, many times you can do better. Make sure to read recipes that turn out good soon and see how they oxigenate/degas or add the nutrients.
Edit: Also you dont seem to use potasium bicarbonate. You should, to buffer the pH of the mead. 2 grams per gallon is what seems to work best. It lowers the risk of off flavours. too low pH is actually bad for the yeast

 

[philodice]

I'm all for improvements through science and research. I want my mead to shine on it's own and not be hiding under extra sweetness or other crutches. I want perfection!
Honestly my first batch was just honey, water, and yeast. It turned out better than anything my friends ever made. I found out they cheated anyway, they were taking dry white wine and then adding honey, Everclear, and fruit juice. That's not mead, that's a Sangria Cocktail.

I made one awesome batch and got cocky. It won't happen again. I'm humbled by the brew Gods. What do you use as an environmental chamber?
What is the best place to buy Fermaid O? Can I get a generic cheaper like when I buy medicine at the pharmacy?

 

[Dadux]

I'm all for improvements through science and research. I want my mead to shine on it's own and not be hiding under extra sweetness or other crutches. I want perfection!
Honestly my first batch was just honey, water, and yeast. It turned out better than anything my friends ever made. I found out they cheated anyway, they were taking dry white wine and then adding honey, Everclear, and fruit juice. That's not mead, that's a Sangria Cocktail.

I made one awesome batch and got cocky. It won't happen again. I'm humbled by the brew Gods. What do you use as an environmental chamber?
What is the best place to buy Fermaid O? Can I get a generic cheaper like when I buy medicine at the pharmacy?

There is only 1 substitute or 2 for Fermaid O and ll in the same price range if im not mistaken. So dont bother. You can buy online, depends on where you are from.
Most of us ferment in a basement. The ones that take it more seriously/can afford it sometimes have temp regulated rooms or ferementers that can regulate the temeperature. There are some posts on how to manage temperatures for cheap money. Im lucky and my basement never goes over 20ºC.

Sweetness does cover faults but is not necesarily bad. Depends on what you like as always. But doing dry trads will help you realize the faults and correct them. It was recommended (by Squatchy i think?) somehwere not to be impatient, let the mead age dry so you can see what is wrong, and then if you want sweetness add the honey.