Here's my list of terms that I have been researching over the past few days:
MOSFET
Switcher
Inductor
Diode
Buck Converter
I will definitely take a look into everything. I'm trying to absorb as much as possible. I think for this project, since it's mainly just a prototype, I will use the PWM to control the motor without having too much of an issue. I know I will want to make this into a printed circuit eventually and I will need a lot of other parts/pieces/components, so I will absolutely ask about more!
@Billysugger, I stand corrected! You make a great point about the motor.
@Chagrin, Thank you for that answer. I will definitely need to use something of that nature when I step away from Arduino-land.
@Scottyjr, I believe the most the pump will be used is initially when I hook it all up. I have a large humidor with a lot of dry cigars in it. Since I live in So.Cal, the humidity in the box is around 50%rh. It needs to be up in 72-74%rh (74-75% for two weeks while the cigars settle again and regain the moisture). I assume it will run the most when I first start it, then when it reaches the right amount, the pump will stop and only be used to adjust up or down after that.
There's no way to tell right now how fast it will bring the humidity up in the box. I don't have the other parts yet, like the motor, the tubes, the humidifier, etc. Too many variables to make even a good guess about it. I have an idea in my head that it might take around 12 hours to pump the right amount of humidity into the box. After that, the pump will be off and it takes about 2-3 days for the humidity to fall from there. So, 12 hours on, 3 days off, 10 minutes on, repeat 3 days/10 minutes.