Humidification Beads FAQs

[N2Advnture]

These are the three most common troubleshooting tips for setting up your humidor using humidification beads.

1.) What are the dimensions of your humidor? (eg verify you have enough)

- Verify that the Puck-ifier is the right size for you humidor. The Puck-100 will regulate up to 1050 cubic inches of volume and the Puck-50 will regulate up to 405 cubic inches.

- 1 lb of RH Beads will regulate up to 5 cubic feet and 8 ounces will regulate up to 2.5 cubic feet.

2.) Did you properly season the humidor when you first received it? (Doesn't apply to a cooler)

- New wood will quickly soak up moisture faster than the Puck-ifer can put out. To ensure the best use, properly seasoning your new humidor is essential.

3.) Have you replaced the batteries and calibrated your digital hygrometer?

- Hygrometers can be off as much as 10% and weak batteries can and do give false readings. I recommend replacing the battery once a year and calibrating at least twice a year.


* Approximately 60-80% of the RH Beads should be hydrated to allow the RH Beads to absorb and excess moisture. (Wet RH Beads will become clear, dry RH Beads will be milky white. If you accidentally over saturate the RH Beads, simply spread them on a cookie sheet and dry them with a hair dryer set on low until they turn milky white and then rehydrate so 60-80% of the RH Beads turn clear).


To Properly Season A Humidor:
In regards to seasoning, it's pretty simple. Most people think that you should wipe down the interior with water and you're done but I DO NOT recommend this for two reasons. 1.) It does not provide enough moisture to properly season the humidor 2.) It can warp the wood in the humidor.

New wood will draw moisture until it reaches its saturation point, so to properly season your humidor, simply place a large bowl of distilled water into the humidor and keep it closed for 7-14 days. This will allow the dry wood to absorb as much moisture as it can hold. By doing this, you will have a more stable environment for your cigars and reduce the chances of the dry wood absorbing moisture from your cigars. Patience is key to ensure that your new humidor is properly seasoned.


Calibrating a Hygrometer:
Since the hygrometer is our only visual indicator for what the exact RH level is inside the humidor, I recommend calibrating your digital hygrometer twice a year and replacing the battery annually (weak batteries can give a false reading as well).


How to Test and Calibrate a Hygrometer:
1. Fill a small container with salt (milk bottle cap or ketchup cup works well).

2. Add a few drops of distilled water. NOT enough to dissolve the salt, just enough to moisten it. You want the mixture to be thick and pasty.

3. Put the cap inside of an air tight zip lock bag or plastic container along with your hygrometer. Then seal the bag or container. (Tupperware works well).

4. Wait 24 hours, then check the reading on your hygrometer without opening the bag or container (or quickly open the container and check if the container is not clear).

If the reading is 75%, then your hygrometer is accurate and no adjustment is required.

If the reading is not precisely 75%, then you will just have to remember to add or subtract the difference between the test reading and 75%, in order to determine the actual humidity level inside of your humidor.

For example, if your hygrometer test reading was 80%, then subtract 5% from the readings you get when the hygrometer is inside of your humidor to determine the actual levels of humidity. (e.g. a reading of 70% inside your humidor equals an actual humidity level of 65%).

Writing the +/- percentage on a piece of tape or small post it note and affixing it to the hygrometer works well.


How do I calculate what size Puck-ifier™ or how many RH Beads™ I will need?

To calculate the volume, simply follow this formula:
Multiply the length in inches X width in inches X height in inches
(ex: 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. = 1000 cu. in.)
1 oz = 540 cu. in.
2 oz = 1080 cu. in.
3 oz = 1620 cu. in.
4 oz = 2160 cu. in.
5 oz = 2700 cu. in.
6 oz = 3240 cu. in.
7 oz = 3780 cu. in.
8 oz = 4320 cu. in.
9 oz = 4860 cu. in.
10 oz = 5400 cu. in.
11 oz = 5940 cu. in.
12 oz = 6480 cu. in.
13 oz = 7020 cu. in.
14 oz = 7560 cu. in.
15 oz = 8100 cu. in.
16 oz = 8640 cu. in.

The Puck-ifer 50 will regulate up to 405 cubic inches and the Puck-ifier 100 will regulate up to 1050 cubic inches of volume.


Why are existing humidification products inferior to the Puck-ifier™ & RH Beads™?

Most humidifiers use a green foam called "floral foam". These products have no regulatory properties what-so-ever. They simply add moisture (humidity) into the air which often creates conditions that are too humid.

There are also "envelope" style humidifiers that utilize a salt solution. The problem with these products is that they dry out quickly and need regular replacing which can be very costly.

Some humidifiers contain a crystallized desiccant gel that is impregnated with propylene glycol (PG). As the end user continues to add water to the product, the regulatory properties are washed away entirely, rendering the gel useless.

The Puck-ifier™ & RH Beads™ both absorbs and releases water vapor and for many, many, many years (when used properly).


How are the Puck-ifier™ & RH Beads™ different from existing products on the market, like "humidification gels", "crystal humidifiers" and tubes with crystals?

Unlike the Puck-ifier™ & RH Beads™, existing products on the market, like "humidification gels" and tubes are filled with absorbent polymer crystals, that are merely impregnated with propylene glycol (PG). This solution will help emit water vapor, often times too much humidity but will not absorb excess water vapor to reduce levels of relative humidity.

Also, because these products are impregnated with PG, as the user adds distilled water to reactivate the product, the PG is eventually washed away entirely...rendering the product useless. These products have a finite lifespan and need to be replaced over time. Puck-ifier™ & RH Beads™ will last a LIFETIME.

The Puck-ifier™ & RH Beads™ has been scientifically engineered to BOTH absorb and release water vapor to precisely regulate relative humidity levels in a closed container. This same technology is utilized by both the Smithsonian Institute and the National Archives to protect our nation's most treasured documents.

The existing products also require the depletion of valuable humidor space. None of the products are designed for mounting to the interior of the lid or to side walls of humidors.

This is why Puck-ifier™ & RH Beads™ is the most superior product on the market!


Are RH Beads™ the same as silica gel?

NO! Desiccant gels are specifically designed to ONLY absorb excess moisture in order to lower humidity levels. They do nothing to actually regulate relative humidity! The RH Beads™ are engineered to BOTH absorb and release water vapor to maintain a precise level of relative humidity that is CRITICAL to cigar storage. The is NOTHING available even remotely similar to the RH Beads™.


The relative humidity in my humidor is too high or too low, will the Puck-ifier™ & RH Beads™ help?

Absolutely! The Puck-ifier™ & RH Beads™ are engineered to both absorb AND release water vapor in order to maintain a precise level of relative humidity.


How long will the Puck-ifier™ & RH Beads™ last?

If used properly, the RH Beads™ will last a lifetime!

Other products will dry out and need to be replaced over time (most within a few months).


How will I know when to re-hydrate the Puck-ifier™ & RH Beads™?

Completely dry RH Beads™ will turn milky white. Hydrated RH Beads™ will become clear in nature.


Do I need to use Propylene Glycol (a.k.a. PG, Humidifier Solution, 50/50 Solution) the Puck-ifier™ & RH Beads™?

NO! This solution will also clog the pours of the RH Beads™ and has no added benefit since the RH Beads™ are more effective than those messy and costly solutions.

I hope this helps and happy smoking!

~Mark

.

[N2Advnture]

A larger percentage of the [RH Beads] turn translucent after my indirect recharge method; whereas the [competitor's beads] seem to have a higher percentage remain opaque. To me this observed change indicates the [RH Beads] absorb more/better. Some of the [RH Beads] do turn transparent like the [competitor's beads], just a much lower percentage; perhaps the [RH Beads] do better with direct addition of water. ..

All beads are definitely not created equally. The RH Beads perform better (more efficiently) in the RH range that we store our cigars (60-70% range) where as others perform better outside of that range (see "hysteresis curve").

It should be noted that the RH Beads also cost nearly 2x as much as other beads as well. ("You get what you pay for" applies here)

I hope this helps

~Mark

.

[e-man67]

Just ordered some...need them asap for my 600ct humidor that will be here any day now! :dance:

[yitlin]

Good topic, would (and probably will) read again!

[leasingthisspace]

Thanks for this very helpful post.
Posted via Mobile Device

[marge796]

Great information! Thanks......

:tu

[promethius]

Great Post! One question, should other humidification devices be removed when the beads/puck-ifier are installed? Will they interfear with the beads/puck-ifier's accuracy?

[shadow king]

Thanks for this excellent post! I have been debating whether or not to goto these. After reading your in depth analysis, I am going to for sure!

[ucla695]

I've been using beads, including the Puck, for years and they are relatively low maintenance. A must have IMHO. :tu

[Ender]

Great Post! One question, should other humidification devices be removed when the beads/puck-ifier are installed? Will they interfear with the beads/puck-ifier's accuracy?

Good question. I've got a 25count humidor and the puckifier isn't managing the RH without additional devises. I wonder if I'm doing something wrong. I've got my humidor seasoned and the puck moistened as directed.

[N2Advnture]

Good question. I've got a 25count humidor and the puckifier isn't managing the RH without additional devises. I wonder if I'm doing something wrong. I've got my humidor seasoned and the puck moistened as directed.

Great Post! One question, should other humidification devices be removed when the beads/puck-ifier are installed? Will they interfear with the beads/puck-ifier's accuracy?

Yes, the Puck-ifier should not be used with any other humidification device :tu

Just make sure that you have enough Pucks for your sized humidor

The Puck-100 will regulate up to 1050 cubic inches and the Puck-50 405 cu. in. (to calculate the cubic inches of your humidor, simply measure the interior L x W x H).

I hope this helps

~Mark

.

[Ender]

Yes, the Puck-ifier should not be used with any other humidification device :tu

Just make sure that you have enough Pucks for your sized humidor

The Puck-100 will regulate up to 1050 cubic inches and the Puck-50 405 cu. in. (to calculate the cubic inches of your humidor, simply measure the interior L x W x H).

I hope this helps

~Mark

.

Ok thanks but is there a technical reason why? Like I said, my humi is only a 25 count one but seemed to struggle when it was just the puck doing the work. Another question I have was what if too much distilled water is put in the puck? Will that hinder it's ability to put out humidification or just hinder it's ability to absorb it? You talked about blow drying the beads but is it ok to just allow them to dry out on their own?

[N2Advnture]

Ok thanks but is there a technical reason why? Like I said, my humi is only a 25 count one but seemed to struggle when it was just the puck doing the work. Another question I have was what if too much distilled water is put in the puck? Will that hinder it's ability to put out humidification or just hinder it's ability to absorb it? You talked about blow drying the beads but is it ok to just allow them to dry out on their own?

The reason for not using additional humidification products is that most merely release water vapor and a majority don't release to a specific level and tend to over humidify.

Given the RH Beads nature to both absorb and release excess moisture, additional humidification produces may interfere with how the RH Beads work.

You should hydrate approximately 70% of the RH Beads inside the Puck-ifer to allow for both the absorbtion and release of water vapor. Over saturation is not recommended as standing water in any device is a catalyst for mold.

Please send me an email and I'll go over the basic trouble shooting tips to find out why your humidor isn't holding RH :tu

I hope this helps

~Mark

[Adriftpanda]

I just charged my beads... how long should I wait to put the beads back into the cooler? I'm using two small tupperware, if that helps.

[DPD6030]

I just charged my beads... how long should I wait to put the beads back into the cooler? I'm using two small tupperware, if that helps.

If they are charged I'm pretty sure you can put them back in the cooler right away. Afterall, they aren't doing the cigars no good out of the cooler :)

[N2Advnture]

I just charged my beads... how long should I wait to put the beads back into the cooler? I'm using two small tupperware, if that helps.

Once you add enough water to the beads so that approximately 70% are wet and 30% are dry, you can put them right back in :tu

I hope this helps

~Mark

[Adriftpanda]

Once you add enough water to the beads so that approximately 70% are wet and 30% are dry, you can put them right back in :tu

I hope this helps

~Mark


Thanks Mark.

[shadow king]

I have beads in all 3 of my humidors. 1 is a puck for my 25 ct humi. The other 2 are 1lb bags of 65% beads for a 100ct and 150ct humi. All 3 hygrometers read about 60-61%RH. (yes the batteries are fairly new) I can't get them to 65%. Am I just nitpicking about small potatos or should I give the humi's some help with those humidifiers that come with the humis? Presently I took them all out and using strictly beads.

I just find it odd that 65% beads don't actually get up to 65% in my case anyways...

[N2Advnture]

I have beads in all 3 of my humidors. 1 is a puck for my 25 ct humi. The other 2 are 1lb bags of 65% beads for a 100ct and 150ct humi. All 3 hygrometers read about 60-61%RH. (yes the batteries are fairly new) I can't get them to 65%. Am I just nitpicking about small potatos or should I give the humi's some help with those humidifiers that come with the humis? Presently I took them all out and using strictly beads.

I just find it odd that 65% beads don't actually get up to 65% in my case anyways...

Verify that you have enough RH Beads for your size humidors. The Puck-100 will regulate up to 1050 cubic inches and the Puck-50 will regulate up to 405 cubic inches of volume.

1.) Since the hygrometer is our only visual indicator for what the exact RH level is inside the humidor, I recommend calibrating your digital hygrometer twice a year and replacing the battery annually (weak batteries can give a false reading as well).

How to Test and Calibrate a Hygrometer:

1. Fill a small container with salt (milk bottle cap or ketchup cup works well)

2. Add a few drops of distilled water. NOT enough to dissolve the salt, just enough to moisten it. You want the mixture to be thick and pasty.

3. Put the cap inside of an air tight zip lock bag or plastic container along with your hygrometer. Then seal the bag or container. (Tupperware works well).

4. Wait 24 hours, then check the reading on your hygrometer without opening the bag or container (or quickly open the container and check if the container is not clear).


If the reading is 75%, then your hygrometer is accurate and no adjustment is required.


If the reading is not precisely 75%, then you will just have to remember to add or subtract the difference between the test reading and 75%, in order to determine the actual humidity level inside of your humidor.

For example, if your hygrometer test reading was 80%, then subtract 5% from the readings you get when the hygrometer is inside of your humidor to determine the actual levels of humidity.
(e.g. a reading of 70% inside your humidor equals an actual humidity
level of 65%).

Writing the +/- percentage on a piece of tape or small post it note and
affixing it to the hygrometer works well.

2.) Check the seal on the humidor. A poor seal will allow ambient humidity to enter the relative humidity environment of his humidor. And vice versa (allow RH to escape). Additionally, opening and closing the humidor frequently will do the same thing.

A simple test would be to place a dollar bill 1/2 in and 1/2 out of the humidor and close the lid. If you can remove the dollar bill easily, the seal is weak and would allow ambient humidity into your humidor (relative humidity).

Repeat this is all four sides.

I hope this helps

~Mark

[MrOneEyedBoh]

I didnt see this posted so I thought I'd ask this question.

Can you get more beads than you need for you humidor?

[Prospector]

I didnt see this posted so I thought I'd ask this question.

Can you get more beads than you need for you humidor?

Yes - the more beads you use, the longer you can go without recharging them; and if your humi is not particularly airtight using more beads will keep you from having to recharge them every few days. Your tradeoff is the space they take up in your humi.

[N2Advnture]

I didnt see this posted so I thought I'd ask this question.

Can you get more beads than you need for you humidor?

Absolutely.

Having more beads won't over humidify but will increase the efficiency in which they will recover RH and reduce the frequency between adding water to them.

I hope this helps

~Mark

[MrOneEyedBoh]

/\ Yes thank you. Im about to order off of Cigarmony.com now.

[Dux]

Whats the best way to charge 3 pounds of beads in a already stocked Humi?

I have been using a Large Hydra Electronic Humidifier for sometime "With Fans".

Would the Hydra Charge the beads if I just tossed them into the Humi with the unit running? My Plan is to have 1 pound mesh bags on the Bottom, Center and Top of the Humi to regulate @ 65% RH.

Any Suggestions would be welcome..

-Doug/Dux

[NCRadioMan]

Spray bottle would work nicely but I imagine they would charge with the Hydra but would take a bit longer than the spray bottle.

[Dux]

Spray bottle would work nicely but I imagine they would charge with the Hydra but would take a bit longer than the spray bottle.


Thanks!! Going to see if the Hydra can charge them, if not then I will use a spray Bottle next :tu

[kenstogie]

I have had some (1 in 150 or so) of the beads turn brown/black, what is this? Did I accidentally give them tap water or something?

[Bartolomeo]

I have had some (1 in 150 or so) of the beads turn brown/black, what is this? Did I accidentally give them tap water or something?

From my experience, they touched or got too close to the cigars, the oils leak off of the cigars/boxes and causes beads to turn colors once in a while

Bart

[kenstogie]

From my experience, they touched or got too close to the cigars, the oils leak off of the cigars/boxes and causes beads to turn colors once in a while

Bart

They don't seem to be concentrated in one spot, but seem to be scattered through out.

[CJ121]

I was reading this with interest, did it go any further?

[N2Advnture]

They don't seem to be concentrated in one spot, but seem to be scattered through out.

Can you post a picture?

[Chinogobraap]

I just have to say the beads are the most impressive hydration system I've ever used. I just recently switched to heartfelt 70% beads for my new cabinet and it recovers faster, maintains and overall just kicks arse. I needed 1.5 lb and got 2 lb more tried it with 1.5 and then 2, more definitely gets it back up faster after a quick flux or opening the humi. In the past I've used foam, gels and sponges and beads are by far the most efficient. I literally don't do anything other than glance at the hygro every once in a while and pour some DW over them when needed.

[jonan]

just placed an order for puck 100:noon

[Ender]

Since I'm having difficulty with keep the humidification up is it out of the question to get one more puck?

[sigwig]

Hi newbie here.

Can you mix beads. Say have half 65% and half 60% would you end up with 62.5%?

The puck-ifier is just a container with some beads in it right? If I'm buying beads for a coolidor, I can just rob some of them and stick them in a similar container for a desktop humidor?

[76GTFan]

Hi newbie here.

Can you mix beads. Say have half 65% and half 60% would you end up with 62.5%?

The puck-ifier is just a container with some beads in it right? If I'm buying beads for a coolidor, I can just rob some of them and stick them in a similar container for a desktop humidor?

In theory it might work but really no point. Both beads would be fighting to get to their intended RH. I really doubt you would notice the difference in 2.5 percent, much less constantly being able to keep it there. I would choose one or the other. I prefer mine with 65 beads. The RH will fluctuate both ways sometimes, so doesn't have to be perfect.

[N2Advnture]

Hi newbie here.

Can you mix beads. Say have half 65% and half 60% would you end up with 62.5%?

The puck-ifier is just a container with some beads in it right? If I'm buying beads for a coolidor, I can just rob some of them and stick them in a similar container for a desktop humidor?

Howdy
Because humidty beads are set to specific RH level, combining 2 rh levels will not result in a hybrid level.

Assuming you are using equal amounts, the 65% RH Beads will work to raise the RH to 65%. Once they have expelled their moisture content the 60% RH Beads will work to lower the RH level to 62% RH.

I hope this helps.

Mark

[Wharf Rat]

Howdy


Assuming you are using equal amounts, the 65% RH Beads will work to raise the RH to 65%. Once they have expelled their moisture content the 60% RH Beads will work to lower the RH level to 62% RH.

Mark

So, the RH will bounce up and down like a yo-yo? :=:

[N2Advnture]

Sorry for not making it clear.

The rh will rise to 65% and hold there until the 65% rh beads dry out and then it will fall to 60% rh.

[piperman]

Are your's and Dave's (Heartfelt) the same?

[N2Advnture]

Are your's and Dave's (Heartfelt) the same?

Unfortunately, I do not know with any certainty who his manufacturer currently is.

[vzontini]

I have an approximately 12x12x16" humidor with seven internal shelves about 2 1/8" tall. From your site I would use an 8 oz pack of beads for this size. However I can't tell how big this unit is to see if it would work with the shelves.

Can the bag be laid down in a wooden shelf and be less than 2" tall or does it needs to stay in the tube?

How close can cigars be to the bag?

I'm interested in the 65% beads if that makes a difference.

Thanks for your assistance.

[N2Advnture]

[QUOTE=vzontini;1206848]I have an approximately 12x12x16" humidor with seven internal shelves about 2 1/8" tall. From your site I would use an 8 oz pack of beads for this size. However I can't tell how big this unit is to see if it would work with the shelves.

Can the bag be laid down in a wooden shelf and be less than 2" tall or does it needs to stay in the tube?

How close can cigars be to the bag?

I'm interested in the 65% beads if that makes a difference.

Thanks for your assistance.[/QUOTE
Howdy,

If you're talking about the RH Beads, they don't stay in the tube package. There is a permeable mesh bag included.

8 ounces laid flat @ 2" would probably covert about 1/3 of one of the shelves. I would recommend splitting the 8 ounces into 2 mesh bags.

I hope this helps.

Mark

[vzontini]

Thanks for the help. I just placed my order and look forward to trying them out.

[HollywoodQue]

Thanks for sharing a wealth of information.

[Samsquanch]

I'm having trouble keeping my humi above 50-55%, I have 60% RH beads and they worked great for the first 6 months but lately I've had the problems. I have recharged the beads regularly but I just can't get the humidity back up to 60%. Any tips?

[bobarian]

Re-calibrate hygrometer, check for leaks, be sure 2/3 of your beads are clear. :2

[alexa071]

I'm having trouble keeping my humi above 50-55%, I have 60% RH beads and they worked great for the first 6 months but lately I've had the problems. I have recharged the beads regularly but I just can't get the humidity back up to 60%. Any tips?

Did you recently drop a bunch of new sticks in the humidor? Sometimes it can take awhile to equalize after loading it up.

Otherwise, sometimes the winter gives me problems. The outside air in MN is like 10% RH in the winter and the beads just can't keep up with the loss of RH from the humi. Try recharging the beads more frequently even if they don't look too dry. If my humi drops down by 5-10% RH I'll recharge the beads twice a week until I get stabilized at my target RH. After that it seems to be easier to maintain. It's almost like reseasoning on the fly.

Randy

[Samsquanch]

@bobarian - Hygrometer is right on and the humidor seals tight.

@Randy - haven't put a lot of new sticks in lately but I'll start recharging more frequently and see if that works. Thanks for the input guys.

[Swif]

So I have 3,612.9 usable space with my new Humi coming from waxing moon. These means I would need 7 oz of RH beads. If I step up to 8 oz i should be able to go longer with out recharge correct?

My other question is i will not be able to feel this new humi up right away and will have plenty of room in here. Will this effect the RH beads and my sticks that will go in her?

I have two bead boxes that will be be made for the humi and I and thinking of placeing them at different levels of the humi. Is this the right idea?

The other think I was thinking about picking up a remote hydrometer from radio shack that comes with 2 or 3 readers. Have any of you had the experience of these?

Thanks for your input.

[N2Advnture]

So I have 3,612.9 usable space with my new Humi coming from waxing moon. These means I would need 7 oz of RH beads. If I step up to 8 oz i should be able to go longer with out recharge correct?

Correct

My other question is i will not be able to feel this new humi up right away and will have plenty of room in here. Will this effect the RH beads and my sticks that will go in her?

No

I have two bead boxes that will be be made for the humi and I and thinking of placeing them at different levels of the humi. Is this the right idea?

Within the same humidor? If so, doing that wool help evenly distribute the RH level throughout.

The other think I was thinking about picking up a remote hydrometer from radio shack that comes with 2 or 3 readers. Have any of you had the experience of these?

I don't know about the current model but previous models work great.


Your right on track.

I hope this helps.

Mark

[ysr_racer]

Does it matter where I put my beads? Top or bottom of the humidor?

Is humid air denser than non humid air? Does it sink to the bottom?

Thanks in advance

[Drez]

Does it matter where I put my beads? Top or bottom of the humidor?

Is humid air denser than non humid air? Does it sink to the bottom?

Thanks in advance

Depends on the humi. If you just have a desk top then it really doesn't matter. I keep my beads in the bottom of the desk top cause humid air rises.

In my vino I keep a pound on the bottom, half a pound in the middle and half a pound up top. Even then i don't really notice a difference when I had them mostly at the bottom.

In a cab is where you will notice a difference in top/bottom levels. If you have a good seal then the difference should be very small maybe 1-2% from the cabs I've seen.

Also it depends how full you humi is. If you keep it well stocked the rh will hold more steady than if it was empty.

Finding out where to put the beads is part of the fun of the hobby. Play around with it and find a place where they fit and you like it. Overall I don't really think it will matter.

[N2Advnture]

Does it matter where I put my beads? Top or bottom of the humidor?

Is humid air denser than non humid air? Does it sink to the bottom?

Thanks in advance

Humid air is less dense and typically rises to the top but this is usually only a concern for very large humidors (like cabinet) which is resolved with fans and placement of RH Beads at various levels thought to help evenly distribute the RH.

I hope this helps.

Mark

[MurphysLaw]

I just ordered some beads and mesh bags, once the beads are charged in the bag, can I just lay them into my humidor, or do I have to worry about the moisture damaging the cedar inside and put the bag in a small tupperware container?

[jesseboston81]

I just ordered some beads and mesh bags, once the beads are charged in the bag, can I just lay them into my humidor, or do I have to worry about the moisture damaging the cedar inside and put the bag in a small tupperware container?

As long as you don't overcharge the beads and/or leave the mesh bag wet, your cedar will be fine.

[MurphysLaw]

That's what I figured, just wanted to be sure, thanks Jesse!

[Ncpsycho]

Should i get HCM beads or is there a better type?

[pnoon]

Should i get HCM beads or is there a better type?

HCM or Hearfelt beads are equally reliable products.
Might as well ask Coke vs. Pepsi.

What you buy is a decision you will have to make yourself.

[bobarian]

Should i get HCM beads or is there a better type?

I use Heartfelt Industries 65% beads but the HCM beads are equally as good. Check the calculator at HeartfeltIndustries.com for the amount of beads you need for your humidor. Amounts would be the same for either type. :tu

[Ncpsycho]

Thanks guys....love the asylum

[KamikaziKreutz]

Thanks for the advise!

[jluck]

Hcm beads on sale this month too!

http://www.shilalasbeads.com/

Michael's a stand up guy!

[trendo]

Mark, thanks for all the great info:banger

The humidity inside of my house is somewhere between 70 to 75 percent. Do your beads absorb moisture at the same rate that they release? I am asking because I have three pounds in a 3 cu ft cabinet, and it sometimes struggles to reduce the humidity.

Thanks

[jluck]

Mark, thanks for all the great info:banger

The humidity inside of my house is somewhere between 70 to 75 percent. Do your beads absorb moisture at the same rate that they release? I am asking because I have three pounds in a 3 cu ft cabinet, and it sometimes struggles to reduce the humidity.

Thanks

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3227/badseal2.png

[dwoodward]

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3227/badseal2.png

I agree, 3 pounds of beads in a 3cu humidor is overkill by 4-5x the recommended amount and if they are still struggling, sounds like you should have instead invested in either a new humidor or some silicone and weatherstripping.

[trendo]

I agree that it sounds like a seal issue, the humidor is from daniel marshal, and has a good (but not perfect) seal. I also have a 102 quart cooler with weatherstriping and a latch that takes days to recover with two pounds of beads in it.

Dont get me wrong, the beads are the best product I have tried, but I am just wondering if they absorb water a little slower than they release.

[dwoodward]

I agree that it sounds like a seal issue, the humidor is from daniel marshal, and has a good (but not perfect) seal. I also have a 102 quart cooler with weatherstriping and a latch that takes days to recover with two pounds of beads in it.

Dont get me wrong, the beads are the best product I have tried, but I am just wondering if they absorb water a little slower than they release.

Just think about when you have to hydrate your beads, you spray water directly onto them. They absorb it very quickly if not instantly, they certainly absorb way faster than they release. I would think the problem with your cooler is probably that there is no airflow inside, it's hard for the beads to remove humidity from the air if the air surrounding it is not moving. I am by no means and expert and do not even own any beads. Try putting a fan inside the cooler.

[trendo]

Not a bad idea, I rigged one up earlier today from a old computer fan and broken router cord. Should be interesting, I will put it in this weekend and see what happens.

[smitty81]

I ordered a heartfelt beads 65% tube, put distilled water in it but didn't overly saturate it. It's been sitting for about 3 days and I noticed that some bead or gel particles are coming out of it beneath it.

Is this common after the first time you saturate it?

I saturated it on friday, added some cigars that had sat in a walk in humidor and now it seems the beads are dried out?

When I tip it from end to end, you can hear them moving around but when i put a light up to ut, they look clear. Could they be dry already?

Im not impressed with this hertfelt beads tube. Harder than hell to tell if they are saturated.

[pnoon]

Clear means they are saturated. Opaque means they're dry.

[smitty81]

Clear means they are saturated. Opaque means they're dry.

but they should not sound hard when they are saturated.........they turn into gel dont they?

I called the company on friday with questions. Never got a call back. I think I might stick with xikar tubes........

[pnoon]

but they should not sound hard when they are saturated.........they turn into gel dont they?

No, they don't.

[smitty81]

No, they don't.

good to know, thanks!

[ApexAZ]

I've noticed that there was some dust in the bag when I got my beads. My guess would be that the gel you found is from dust.

[us_soldier1989]

I just got my Heartfelt beads the other day, and I feel like I sprayed to much DW on a the 2lbs. (separated in x2 1lbs. pantyhose) What is the safest way to dry a pound out and start over?

[icehog3]

I just got my Heartfelt beads the other day, and I feel like I sprayed to much DW on a the 2lbs. (separated in x2 1lbs. pantyhose) What is the safest way to dry a pound out and start over?

If you have a hair dryer, that is the quickest method....just make sure the beads are in a bag so they don't blow all over the place. Short of that, leave them out of the humidor in a place of low humidity.

[N2Advnture]

I ordered a heartfelt beads 65% tube, put distilled water in it but didn't overly saturate it. It's been sitting for about 3 days and I noticed that some bead or gel particles are coming out of it beneath it.

Is this common after the first time you saturate it?

I saturated it on friday, added some cigars that had sat in a walk in humidor and now it seems the beads are dried out?

When I tip it from end to end, you can hear them moving around but when i put a light up to ut, they look clear. Could they be dry already?

Im not impressed with this hertfelt beads tube. Harder than hell to tell if they are saturated.

It is common for the beads to fracture (and create dust) if when water is added quickly but it does not affect their performance.

Adding cigars can change your RH level dramatically. Adding dry cigars can quickly deplete any moisture in beads and adding wet cigars can spike the RH.

You may find that a change in season or adding and removing cigars can create small changes in RH levels that would need to be corrected by adding water to the beads or drying them out.

Not that it applies to your situation but having a rise in RH could create enough moisture inside the humidor that the beads would reach their capacity to absorb any more excess RH (RH above the set point of the beads - 60%, 65%, 70%, etc...).

To remedy this (as mentioned) simply use a hair dryer set on low to dry them out.

Also, opening and closing they humidor frequently can introduce drier (or more humid ambient RH) which would affect the RH level.

I would also recommend changing the batteries in your digital hygrometer(s) once a year and calibrating twice a year. Weak batteries can/do give false readings and they can "drift" throughout the year, meaning that the reading can be off.

Also, being a silica based bead and not a gel, they don't expand.

I hope this helps.

~Mark

[azar]

I just got my winador up and running. I stepped up from a 100 count desk top humi using bovada packs the puck and humi pillows shipped with the cigar orders. Now with that said RH had been an up hill battle all the time. After joining CA and reading threads like this I bought beads and other then T* in the wine cooler causing the RH to wonder off mainly low. (I unplugged the unit) T* and RH have been steady as a rock I wished I would have known of beads sooner. But I am now a beleiver and very greatful.

[WhiteMamba]

Just purchased a half pound from heartfelt gonna put them in my new coolidor.

[CdnStogie]

Im really curious if I am having problems with my beads because I do not have enough... I have a 50 CT humi and seems as though the beads do not want to hold.... I am trying again, along with some sealing, which I feel may be my issue. I have about another day worth of waiting for my humi to season again.

I bought the large tube... 3/4" by 6" (i think those are the measurements)


first shot with them, they didn't do squat.

[bobarian]

Sounds more like a leak. Is it a solid top or glass? How long did you season before adding cigars and beads? Lastly did you calibrate your hygrometer?

[CdnStogie]

Sounds more like a leak.

Is it a solid top or glass? Glass - I have since took aquarium sealant to the glass, hygrometer & around the seal w/ saran wrap on one side. I did not wipe down the cedar as I did when I first bought it and it has been a week now, sitting at 70% as of this morning. Is this typical if you do not wipe it down to take this long? In Canada and the RH is quite low to begin with, but we are coming out of winter now.

How long did you season before adding cigars and beads? I had it seasoning (without opening the lid or anything in that regard) for just shy of two weeks. I wiped it down twice on the first and second day, and then let a bowl of water sit in for the remainder.

Lastly did you calibrate your hygrometer?
The digital hygrometer that is built into the humidor is not adjustable which made me wonder initially so I went out and bought a Xikar hygrometer and had it calibrated (twice in 3 days) Top of the humi was reading about 67% and the bottom (it's only a 50 CT) was reading 59% My digi that is built in is off by about 2% +/-

[bobarian]

When you are done reseasoning, check the seal around the edges with a dollar bill around the edges. There should be some resistance when you pull on the bill. If you find a spot where it pulls out too easily, you can seal with small lengths of painters tape.

What type of beads are you using?

[CdnStogie]

65% Hearfelt

I am hoping I am going to bypass the painters tape method with the seal I made from the aquarium sealant.

To further your comment on the seal - after it dropped to the high 50's I then inspected the seal, as I closed the lid, i could see about a 1/8" gap along the one side of the lid. There was 'some' resistance but on the other side I could pull the humidor around.

With the aquarium sealant, I hope I resolved this issue. It looks as though it filled the space - we will see soon! :)

In terms of the seasoning - I am 1 week in and it is at 70% I am going to assume when I get home. Will I be rushing it to take the water out and see if it holds or should I let it sit for another day or two?

[CigarNut]

I would let it sit for day or two -- or even longer. Until it holds a stable RH for at least 24 hours after removing the water/sponge/whatever you are using to season. All things related to cigars and cigar accessories require patience :)

Just my :2

[bobarian]

Sounds like you're getting it under control. :tu