New Cabinet Humidor - Advice

[beyonder]

Dave,

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. I'm planning on having 3 lb of 65% heartfelt beads in the upper section to help stabilize humidity away from the humidifier and to keep humidity from getting too high (mold prevention and protecting my cigars is my largest concern also).

Have you found that the beads keep your humidifier pretty stable on their own with the humidifier not coming on as often? After reading up on the hydra, I'm considering modifying it to eliminate the green foam in the well (as discussed in another thread here) out of concern for mold developing in the foam if the humidifier comes on infrequently from having the beads in the cabinet and the water stands for longer periods of time.

My humidor is 7' x 4' and holds over 3,000 sticks. I have been using the Hydra electronic humidifier, and have had no problems. Set it and go. Comes with an extra external fan for better circulation.

Originally Posted by SterlingCigarMan

My humidor is 7' x 4' and holds over 3,000 sticks. I have been using the Hydra electronic humidifier, and have had no problems. Set it and go. Comes with an extra external fan for better circulation.

I too have the Hydra LG in my "Chancellor" tower with two external fans for circulation (actually just used 2 cheapo computer fans that I rigged to work with the hydra instead of buying the kit) and I haven't had any problems yet. Humidity is 1% lower up top, but thats not really an issue

[md4958]

Originally Posted by beyonder

Dave,

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. I'm planning on having 3 lb of 65% heartfelt beads in the upper section to help stabilize humidity away from the humidifier and to keep humidity from getting too high (mold prevention and protecting my cigars is my largest concern also).

Have you found that the beads keep your humidifier pretty stable on their own with the humidifier not coming on as often? After reading up on the hydra, I'm considering modifying it to eliminate the green foam in the well (as discussed in another thread here) out of concern for mold developing in the foam if the humidifier comes on infrequently from having the beads in the cabinet and the water stands for longer periods of time.

I have the Tower and I ONLY use Shilala beads in it. In fact, if you havent already purchased the Heartfelt, you might want to consider Shilala beads instead, for ME they have been much more stable, and I dont even worry about the RH% anymore.

That being said, beads plus the Hydra you should be in good shape. Make sure you season it just like you would a desktop unit though. Let the Hydra run for a week or so to give the wood some time to absorb moisture (so it doesnt rob it from your cigars)

Good luck!

[smelvis]

Originally Posted by beyonder

Dave,

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. I'm planning on having 3 lb of 65% heartfelt beads in the upper section to help stabilize humidity away from the humidifier and to keep humidity from getting too high (mold prevention and protecting my cigars is my largest concern also).

Have you found that the beads keep your humidifier pretty stable on their own with the humidifier not coming on as often? After reading up on the hydra, I'm considering modifying it to eliminate the green foam in the well (as discussed in another thread here) out of concern for mold developing in the foam if the humidifier comes on infrequently from having the beads in the cabinet and the water stands for longer periods of time.

Yes they do, without them I would be lost. Plus with all the other answers you should be set to go. I may pick up another tower, if I do I am going to try it without active as someone suggested.

But so far in all my larger cabinets I have there moist n aire and it holds two quarts so I like the set up the way it is for now.

Lets us know how you end up and as someone suggested relax a few digits here and there do not matter.