RH problems?

[smitty81]

So I've had my humi for about 2 weeks now. I kept two bowls of distilled water in there. Siliconed the **** outta the glass..................

Seems the best I can achieve is %70 RH (if my digi hyg is correct)

does this sound right?

It just seems like its still leaking somewhere to me.

I got it up to 65%, thought it was good, threw sticks in with 65% beads and my rh dropped to 60%.

My sticks dried out and got hard and crunchy.

I immediatle removed them and put them in a zip loc bag.


It's sitting at %70 after more silicone and sitting for two days with water.


Im on the verge of returning this humi.

[chaase321]

Sorry for your troubles Josh. I don't think your sticks would dry out that fast at anywhere from 60% to 70% humidity...maybe the sticks were too dry before you put them in, hopefully they weren't the ones i sent, they should have been right at 67% when they left.

Anyway, I have two pieces of advice...
1.) put the sticks in tupperware and really give the humi time to season...be patient, I know it is difficult, was for me too!
2.) if you really think it is the humi, send it back...take the money to wallyworld and get a cooler. I just reorganized (i.e. play cigar tetris) mine (a 48 qt, or maybe 46qt) yesterday and can barely fit anymore in (btw...i joined the asylum in October last year!!!) Those humi's will fill up fast bro :tu

Maybe someone else will have a better idea for you, but you if you are truly tired of the hassle you have my advice :D

[CigarNut]

Cole is right -- your sticks won't dry out that fast. Also, as he said you need to be patient.

Even in a well-sealed humidor it is not uncommon for the RH to change after adding or removing sticks.

Two question: how fast does the RH in your empty humidor drop after you take the water dish out? Where does it bottom out say after 24 hours empty?

[pnoon]

Patience is key.
It is normal for RH to drop when cgars are added. The cigars will absorb moisture.
Also, 60% RH would not make the cigars dry. Many here PREFER their RH to be in the 62-65% range.
Posted via Mobile Device

[smitty81]

Sorry for your troubles Josh. I don't think your sticks would dry out that fast at anywhere from 60% to 70% humidity...maybe the sticks were too dry before you put them in, hopefully they weren't the ones i sent, they should have been right at 67% when they left.

Anyway, I have two pieces of advice...
1.) put the sticks in tupperware and really give the humi time to season...be patient, I know it is difficult, was for me too!
2.) if you really think it is the humi, send it back...take the money to wallyworld and get a cooler. I just reorganized (i.e. play cigar tetris) mine (a 48 qt, or maybe 46qt) yesterday and can barely fit anymore in (btw...i joined the asylum in October last year!!!) Those humi's will fill up fast bro :tu

Maybe someone else will have a better idea for you, but you if you are truly tired of the hassle you have my advice :D

Your sticks and more that were at 65-70% were put in there.
Don't worry, they wernt in there long, I've been monitering it everyday. I took them out asap and put them in a baggie, they are doing good now. :tu


As far as the humi, It's been seasoning for over two weeks.............

[MurphysLaw]

(if my digi hyg is correct)


Do yourself a favor and buy a hygrometer calibration kit so you can be certain about your RH readings. They are relatively inexpensive and well worth the peace of mind.

[smitty81]

Cole is right -- your sticks won't dry out that fast. Also, as he said you need to be patient.

Even in a well-sealed humidor it is not uncommon for the RH to change after adding or removing sticks.

Two question: how fast does the RH in your empty humidor drop after you take the water dish out? Where does it bottom out say after 24 hours empty?

dunno, that would be a big step back in my current seasoning process would it not?

[smitty81]

Do yourself a favor and buy a hygrometer calibration kit so you can be certain about your RH readings. They are relatively inexpensive and well worth the peace of mind.

I did, it should be here soon.

[CigarNut]

dunno, that would be a big step back in my current seasoning process would it not?Not necessarily. In fact, it might help you determine if there is even a problem...

[chippewastud79]

2 weeks is too short of a time to make sticks 'crunchy' in a ziploc bag, let alone an 'underhumidified' humidor.

If you get it to 70%, how much higher do you want it to get?

60% is not too low. Many will have humidors that hover in the 60-65% range and prefer it as such.

You admit that your hygrometer may not even be properly calibrated, so until you know how far off it is, you really can't get a whole lot of help.

Just relax, cigars are relatively forgiving with humidity swings. :tu

[smitty81]

Sending it back. Got a bigger and nicer one with no glass.
http://www.thompsoncigar.com/product/HALF-DOME-HUMIDOR-150-COUNT/81374.uts

[14holestogie]

One hour from asking for help and ideas to returning it? :confused:

No miracle cure so let's start over. :)

[chippewastud79]

Sending it back. Got a bigger and nicer one with no glass.
http://www.thompsoncigar.com/product/HALF-DOME-HUMIDOR-150-COUNT/81374.uts

Couple issues:

You asked for some advice on how to fix your 'problem', didn't heed much of it, and decided it was time to start over.
You are sending back a humidor you modified.
You don't even know if your hygrometer is properly calibrated.
Your humidor, in theory, held humidity at 70% and dropped to only 60% when you added the cigars.
You ordered a humidor from one of the less liked vendors, Thompsons. Good luck getting off that mailing/phone/email list.
The humidor you order may not be nicer than the one you had given that I have never seen or heard of anyone with a similar humidor.

I think you are being a bit overly ambitious. :2

[CigarNut]

It is clear that he is trying to rush through a process that cannot be rushed...

[14holestogie]

I concur. A new humi with none of the other issues resolved will very likely net similar results.

[ApexAZ]

I'd spend an extra few bucks on a savoy or craftsmans bench, personally.

I would think that 2 weeks would be enough time to season it.

[smitty81]

I'd spend an extra few bucks on a savoy or craftsmans bench, personally.

I would think that 2 weeks would be enough time to season it.

I agree

[smitty81]

Couple issues:

You asked for some advice on how to fix your 'problem', didn't heed much of it, and decided it was time to start over.
You are sending back a humidor you modified.
You don't even know if your hygrometer is properly calibrated.
Your humidor, in theory, held humidity at 70% and dropped to only 60% when you added the cigars.
You ordered a humidor from one of the less liked vendors, Thompsons. Good luck getting off that mailing/phone/email list.
The humidor you order may not be nicer than the one you had given that I have never seen or heard of anyone with a similar humidor.

I think you are being a bit overly ambitious. :2

Having a bad day?

Your being an ass.

Wasnt asking how to fix it, was wondering if it was normal for the RH to drop that much. I was just giving some background info in what I have done. Go troll someone elses thread.

[pektel]

I see it as him pointing out the issue may not be the humidor. Everyone has been very helpful with their advice, and not much of it was taken seriously. That could be taken as insulting by some people if they are putting forth time and effort to help you out with your problem.

[smitty81]

I see it as him pointing out the issue may not be the humidor. Everyone has been very helpful with their advice, and not much of it was taken seriously. That could be taken as insulting by some people if they are putting forth time and effort to help you out with your problem.


Most have been very helpful. Most of what he said was not helpful.
Telling me I shouldn't have bought it there and this and that..........

Wasnt even related to my question at hand.:2

[smitty81]

I guess I just dont think a seasoned humidor should drop 5-10% after I take the bowls of water out unless it leaks. Thats what I was asking here.

Is it normal to drop that much.

I guess if two weeks isnt long enough, someone should change the sticky on seasoning humis.

[jluck]

Might want to lighten up a bit smitty. You might not always like answers to the questions you ask. I do see a lack of patience too.

[CigarNut]

I guess I just dont think a seasoned humidor should drop 5-10% after I take the bowls of water out unless it leaks. Thats what I was asking here.

Is it normal to drop that much.

I guess if two weeks isnt long enough, someone should change the sticky on seasoning humis.
Yes it can be normal. You are taking out the moisture source which is saturating the air.

The RH will drop. The thing to measure is how far it drops and for how long. If it drops 5-10% and holds steady after that then things are pretty good. If it continues to drop then you probably have a leak.

[CigarNut]

Having a bad day?

Your being an ass.

Wasnt asking how to fix it, was wondering if it was normal for the RH to drop that much. I was just giving some background info in what I have done. Go troll someone elses thread.You need to be real careful here.

You asked questions, ignored the answers and then you call someone an ass when they simply point out the obvious? Geez...

[smitty81]

2 weeks is too short of a time to make sticks 'crunchy' in a ziploc bag, let alone an 'underhumidified' humidor.

The humi was humidified.

If you get it to 70%, how much higher do you want it to get?

Just trying to see if it will hold humidity is all. I would think if a humi cant get over 70% and sustain that level, there must be a leak.

60% is not too low. Many will have humidors that hover in the 60-65% range and prefer it as such.

I don't, I like 70%

You admit that your hygrometer may not even be properly calibrated, so until you know how far off it is, you really can't get a whole lot of help.

This is true, but I can still monitor the change in rh% even if it is off. I take the bowls of water out, put my beads in and they are dry within 2-3 days, rh drops 5% in one day with beads in. Seems like it leaks to me.

I would think 14 days would be enough to hold moisture without it fluctuating 5% in one day with no cigars in it.

Just relax, cigars are relatively forgiving with humidity swings. :tu

:confused:

[pnoon]

Might want to lighten up a bit smitty. You might not always like answers to the questions you ask. I do see a lack of patience too.
Sage advice.
I would also suggest refraing from the insults.
Posted via Mobile Device

[smitty81]

You need to be real careful here.

You asked questions, ignored the answers and then you call someone an ass when they simply point out the obvious? Geez...


I did not ignore the answers. I read every one of them.

[shilala]

Most have been very helpful. Most of what he said was not helpful.
Telling me I shouldn't have bought it there and this and that..........

Wasnt even related to my question at hand.:2
Chippewastud wasn't the least bit disrespectful. On the other hand, you clearly were. Everything he said was pertinent, you'd know that if you had nearly the experience he or the others have.
Everyone tried to point out that patience is required. You didn't exercise patience in your procedure, nor with your brother here.
It's achingly clear where the problem lies, Josh.

[smitty81]

Sage advice.
I would also suggest refraing from the insults.
Posted via Mobile Device

I tried to edit it but it wouldnt let me.

I apoligize to everyone especially the one I insulted, I'm having a bad day.

I know its a poor excuse. ;s

[smitty81]

Chippewastud wasn't the least bit disrespectful. On the other hand, you clearly were. Everything he said was pertinent, you'd know that if you had nearly the experience he or the others have.
Everyone tried to point out that patience is required. You didn't exercise patience in your procedure, nor with your brother here.
It's achingly clear where the problem lies, Josh.

well, I apoligize.

I just read the sticky and it said 14 days to properly season a humi. Its been longer than that so I assumed I had a problem.

[shilala]

Much better, brother. :tu
I hope you get things ironed out, but moreso, I hope your day turns around. :tu

[smitty81]

Yes it can be normal. You are taking out the moisture source which is saturating the air.

The RH will drop. The thing to measure is how far it drops and for how long. If it drops 5-10% and holds steady after that then things are pretty good. If it continues to drop then you probably have a leak.

I put in beads after I take the water out and it just dries the beads up within 2 days.

It seems like its not seasoned but It's been 14 days and It just seems like It hasn't made any progress.:confused:

[shilala]

well, I apoligize.

I just read the sticky and it said 14 days to properly season a humi. Its been longer than that so I assumed I had a problem.
You have a new humi coming, so it's beside the point now, but in the two weeks you added cigars, or at least that's the way it reads.
Sometimes it takes longer, especially in winter.
The best way to attack this when the new humi comes is to ask the guys and try to have lots of patience. It takes a long time to get a humi seasoned and the cigars all equalized with the humidor. Not weeks, months.
It takes a lot of time and patience, so prepare for that.
Good luck!!! :tu

[smitty81]

You have a new humi coming, so it's beside the point now, but in the two weeks you added cigars, or at least that's the way it reads.
Sometimes it takes longer, especially in winter.
The best way to attack this when the new humi comes is to ask the guys and try to have lots of patience. It takes a long time to get a humi seasoned and the cigars all equalized with the humidor. Not weeks, months.
It takes a lot of time and patience, so prepare for that.
Good luck!!! :tu

I think I'm gonna put the sticks in a bag with beads and let the humidor season without the sticks in it.

Thanks

[Subvet642]

For what it's worth, I've noticed that with the extremely dry winter we're having this year I've had to double the bead capacity and rehydrate them much more often than usual.

[smitty81]

For what it's worth, I've noticed that with the extremely dry winter we're having this year I've had to double the bead capacity and rehydrate them much more often than usual.

I will keep that in mind, thank you sir.

[fencefixer]

Josh I hope your day gets better and you get your humi issues resolved.
http://www.flixya.com/files-photo/a/p/p/apparichith1991821.jpg

[smitty81]

Josh I hope your day gets better and you get your humi issues resolved.
http://www.flixya.com/files-photo/a/p/p/apparichith1991821.jpg

thanks brother.

[pnoon]

You mentioned you like (prefer) 70%. If you have not had a stable 70% from which to smoke on a regular basis, how do you know you prefer 70 over 65 or 60?
I suggest getting a stable RH anywhere in the 60-70% range. Then you can make an informed decision on your preference.
Unfortunately, by ordering a new humidor you are back to square one.
Good luck.
Posted via Mobile Device

[smitty81]

You mentioned you like (prefer) 70%. If you have not had a stable 70% from which to smoke on a regular basis, how do you know you prefer 70 over 65 or 60?
I suggest getting a stable RH anywhere in the 60-70% range. Then you can make an informed decision on your preference.
Unfortunately, by ordering a new humidor you are back to square one.
Good luck.
Posted via Mobile Device

I'm new to having sticks at home but I have had them from different places at different RH levels.

I had some at the mentioned 70% about a week ago and I really enjoyed them a lot.

[Subvet642]

Josh I hope your day gets better and you get your humi issues resolved.
http://www.flixya.com/files-photo/a/p/p/apparichith1991821.jpg

Too friggin' cute!

[Blak Smyth]

Calibrate your hygro and then put it in with your cigars and beads in the bag/tupper to see where they are at while your new humi gets seasoned. If your cigars are at 70% and your beads are at 70% then when the humi is stable at 70% you should be good to go unless there is a leak. If you put cigars into the 70% seasoned humi and they are anything less than 70% they will begin to suck the RH in and lower your humi RH. Take your time, it will be ready before you know it. I remember when I went through the same issues, it seems like a year but once it is done it is worth it to have a proper funtioning humi.
I hope this is making sense, the coffee sometimes takes over and makes me ramble type.

[shilala]

I think I'm gonna put the sticks in a bag with beads and let the humidor season without the sticks in it.

Thanks
That's exactly what you want to do.
I think you'll have a lot more luck with this next humidor, too. I had one that was all glass in the front and the lid and it was nearly impossible to keep the RH up even with a hydra and tons of beads. There was no fixing that one, either.
If you want, and it really helps, you can add a couple little sponges when you season next time. Wet them with distilled water and sit them on a plate or dish. It increases the surface area dramatically and will deliver a ton more moisture to the air than bowls with water do.
Try not to open the humi at all during seasoning, or maybe just very briefly every couple days to check your dishes and/or sponges. If they need attention, make sure you close the humidor immediately. That'll help keep you moving ahead instead of backwards.

Once you put your sticks and beads in, you're committed. Same thing, try not to open the humi. If you need to check, do it quickly and no more than maybe every couple days.

Something else...
The humidor will stabilize and recover RH a lot better once it nearly full of sticks. It's a lot tougher to maintain any kind of RH in any empty humi. The cigars will act as a water-sink and help to control the humidity with the beads.
If your new big humidor is going to be mostly empty, it's going to be tough to control your RH. That's good reason to fill it up. :D
3/4's full is probably the best situation you can get, that way it allows for a little order here and there, and leaves some air space for circulation.

[icehog3]

I was smoking La Aroma de Cuba Robustos at 70% for a while. Things (tastes, preferences) change with experience. Lots of experience. ;)

[smitty81]

That's exactly what you want to do.
I think you'll have a lot more luck with this next humidor, too. I had one that was all glass in the front and the lid and it was nearly impossible to keep the RH up even with a hydra and tons of beads. There was no fixing that one, either.
If you want, and it really helps, you can add a couple little sponges when you season next time. Wet them with distilled water and sit them on a plate or dish. It increases the surface area dramatically and will deliver a ton more moisture to the air than bowls with water do.
Try not to open the humi at all during seasoning, or maybe just very briefly every couple days to check your dishes and/or sponges. If they need attention, make sure you close the humidor immediately. That'll help keep you moving ahead instead of backwards.

Once you put your sticks and beads in, you're committed. Same thing, try not to open the humi. If you need to check, do it quickly and no more than maybe every couple days.

Something else...
The humidor will stabilize and recover RH a lot better once it nearly full of sticks. It's a lot tougher to maintain any kind of RH in any empty humi. The cigars will act as a water-sink and help to control the humidity with the beads.
If your new big humidor is going to be mostly empty, it's going to be tough to control your RH. That's good reason to fill it up. :D
3/4's full is probably the best situation you can get, that way it allows for a little order here and there, and leaves some air space for circulation.

Thanks for the great information.

Again, I apolagize to everyone that has read this and has been insulted by my attitude.

You all have been helpful. I am the one with a poor attitude. ;s

[Blak Smyth]

I use to try to keep everything at 70% and I found I had many burn issues. I have found my sticks tend to burn better at 65%.

No worries about the "attitude" brother, just let it go and move on.

[pnoon]

I'm new to having sticks at home but I have had them from different places at different RH levels.

I had some at the mentioned 70% about a week ago and I really enjoyed them a lot.
So you are confident/sure the RH from which you smoked is accurate?

To your second point, "some last week" tells me yo are basing your decision on a very small sample. I would guess your enjoyment was due more to the stick itself than the RH.

Your best bet is to get the humidor stable at any RH first. Then worry about adjusting to a particular number.
Posted via Mobile Device

[smitty81]

I was smoking La Aroma de Cuba Robustos at 70% for a while. Things (tastes, preferences) change with experience. Lots of experience. ;)

you didn't like 70%?

[smitty81]

So you are confident/sure the RH from which you smoked is accurate?

To your second point, "some last week" tells me yo are basing your decision on a very small sample. I would guess your enjoyment was due more to the stick itself than the RH.

Your best bet is to get the humidor stable at any RH first. Then worry about adjusting to a particular number.
Posted via Mobile Device

Yes, It was from that java I had. I like them more moist and chewy. It seemd to smoke fine.

I will play with the rh like you say after the humidor is seasoned.

Thanks pnoon.

[icehog3]

you didn't like 70%?

I did.

Then I went 65% and liked it even better.

Now I store at 61-62% and my cigars smoke wonderfully. And age wonderfully as well. :)

[smitty81]

I did.

Then I went 65% and liked it even better.

Now I store at 61-62% and my cigars smoke wonderfully. And age wonderfully as well. :)

But then they arnt chewy then. :dr

[smitty81]

I will keep this humidor and give it longer to season.

With two bowls of water in there, it has been holding at 70% moisture for two days.

How long do I leave it sit at 70% before I procede to put the cigars in?

Does 70% sound about right for the ammount of RH being held in the humidor or does/should it get higher than that while seasoning? (lets just assume the hyg is correct for this question)

I would think a humidor that seals properly should be able to hold about 80% RH but maby i'm wrong?

[Subvet642]

When I seasoned mine, RH got up to about 85%, but that was with a calibrated hygrometer and beads in it. It quickly dropped to about 70% - 72% when I removed the cup of distilled water, and beads and sticks brought it down further to 65%. That's about a 20 point drop between seasoning and storage. It's been stable at ~65% ever since.

[ApexAZ]

If you want, and it really helps, you can add a couple little sponges when you season next time. Wet them with distilled water and sit them on a plate or dish. It increases the surface area dramatically and will deliver a ton more moisture to the air than bowls with water do.


I did this and it worked great. My RH only drops when the beads need to be recharged.

[dwoodward]

I guess I just dont think a seasoned humidor should drop 5-10% after I take the bowls of water out unless it leaks. Thats what I was asking here.

Is it normal to drop that much.

I guess if two weeks isnt long enough, someone should change the sticky on seasoning humis.

The sticky is fine, you just didn't follow it's directions. Seasoning takes patience. You are just way to eager to use your humidor. I hope you get your moneys worth with the new humidor, but you will have the exact same problems if you throw your cigars in after only 4 days of seasoning.

From another thread:

When is my humidor ready to hold cigars?

Its been seasoning for about 4 days or so and the RH is at 65 according to the hygrometer.

Can I throw my beads in and cigars and call it good?

Yes a BOTL gave some poor advice telling you you should do this. But I am pretty sure you had heard from many of us 2 weeks minimum before your humidor even arrived..

[smitty81]

The sticky is fine, you just didn't follow it's directions. Seasoning takes patience. You are just way to eager to use your humidor. I hope you get your moneys worth with the new humidor, but you will have the exact same problems if you throw your cigars in after only 4 days of seasoning.

From another thread:



Yes a BOTL gave some poor advice telling you you should do this. But I am pretty sure you had heard from many of us 2 weeks minimum before your humidor even arrived..

not to argue but the sticks were in there for 2 days before I noticed I had problems, then they came out.

[dwoodward]

not to argue but the sticks were in there for 2 days before I noticed I had problems, then they came out.

I don't know what this has to do with what I said? My statement still stands, 4 days is not long enough. Not trying to bust your balls bro, just saying you sent your humidor back blaming it for your RH problems when you didn't season it properly to begin with.

[fencefixer]

Hypothetical question then.. if his humidor isn't "seasoned right" and it was packed full, what if you add extra humidifiers etc., will it season properly eventually?

[smitty81]

I don't know what this has to do with what I said? My statement still stands, 4 days is not long enough. Not trying to bust your balls bro, just saying you sent your humidor back blaming it for your RH problems when you didn't season it properly to begin with.

I don't think some of you are understanding what I did.

I have been seasoning it for 2 weeks. After 2 days, the humi was at 65% so I put the sticks in. Noticed a problem and took sticks out two days later. Put sticks in baggie. continued seasoning. Put sticks back in 2 days ago. RH dropped and, sticks and beads dried up after a 2 days or so. Took sticks back out.

Just thought id try to clear that up. It has been seasoning for over 2 weeks, I never took the water out ever during these 2 weeks.

[dwoodward]

Hypothetical question then.. if his humidor isn't "seasoned right" and it was packed full, what if you add extra humidifiers etc., will it season properly eventually?

Hypothetical question then.. if his humidor isn't "seasoned right" and it was packed full, what if you add extra humidifiers etc., will it season properly eventually?

Maybe, but the dry cedar will still suck up some of the RH from your cigars.

[EricF]

After reading thru all of the posts, Josh, you stated that you put beads in. My question is do you have enough beads for the humi and were they properly hydrated before you put them in?

I am asking do to the fact that if you put dry beads in then they will absorb the humidity in the humi which will cause the RH to drop.

[smitty81]

After reading thru all of the posts, Josh, you stated that you put beads in. My question is do you have enough beads for the humi and were they properly hydrated before you put them in?

I am asking do to the fact that if you put dry beads in then they will absorb the humidity in the humi which will cause the RH to drop.

They were heartfelt beads, I used the calculations they said to use to figure out the proper size to order.

I got the tube of beads, squirted it with distilled water till they were clear.

[MoTheMan]

-- It's a bad humidor . . .

OR

-- It needs more seasoning time. What I've done in the past (before I converted a closed iunto a humi, that is, is wipe it down with a wet cloth, but not so wet as to start raising the grain of the wood lining. But light wet wipes every few days will allow the humidor wood to acclimate quickly.

-- BTW, what brand of humidor is it?!

[smitty81]

-- It's a bad humidor . . .

OR

-- It needs more seasoning time. What I've done in the past (before I converted a closed iunto a humi, that is, is wipe it down with a wet cloth, but not so wet as to start raising the grain of the wood lining. But light wet wipes every few days will allow the humidor wood to acclimate quickly.

-- BTW, what brand of humidor is it?!

I thought about doing the wipes..........but I didn't do it.

It's an art deco humidor.

[backwoods357]

It's a lot tougher to maintain any kind of RH in any empty humi.

I'm glad you guys taught me that. My coolidor was giving me fits until I filled it to the top. I made a crappy skirt for the inner lip of the lid using plastic wrap and I rarely have to add humidification now.

3/4's full is probably the best situation you can get, that way it allows for a little order here and there, and leaves some air space for circulation.
I need to get some organization going, I've been buying samplers to get a little experience and half of the cooler is a heap of singles and five finger bags. It's hell trying to find something.

[jluck]

Try Tupperware. put cigars,beads and hygrometer in a large container and leave alone for a week minimum. Set the hygo so you can red it without opening the container. If you can stabilize the environment that way you have found a bad seal or humidor.:2

You might have a leaky humi or a bad seal.
http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8939/badseal.jpg
:D