Airtight experiment question?

[blueeyedbum]

I have 5 humidors (3/50's, 100, and a cheap 300 I don't use the drawers on so it holds about 150). I use 65% or 75% beads for humidification. They are stored in a built in linen cabinet that is only used for storing cigars and cigar accessories. All humidors appear to have a good seal when tested, but this winter I have had problems keeping the RH consistent. I also use a 40 qt cooler, no RH problems with this. Works great for storing bundles and boxes, inconvenient for anything else.

Having outgrown my humidor storage capacity, I decided to try and find a different solution to my loose cigar storage problem.

I started with 3, 8 1/2 qt. Iris airtight storage containers. This type of container is used for storing pet foods, bulk foods etc. I has a clear plastic bottom material, a blue hinged lid with a snap latch, and has a gasket seal. Each is the size of a 150 count humidor. I bought three Springfield digital hygrometers, checked the calibration, and attached them facing outward to the inside of the box with velcro. They are easily read without opening the box. I put in some Spanish cedar cigar box pieces, and use a 1oz Heartfelt bead tube for humidification. The total cost of each box set set up this way was $30. The RH never varies, they're convenient and require little maintenance. The cigars kept in these seem to have a more consistent burn than the same ones kept in my humi's that I am always trying to correct the RH in. I usually access one about three times a week. When I open one I usually open all of them.

My concern: Will the airtight environment between openings have a negative effect on the cigars long term? Should I consider putting a couple of pinholes in the containers to allow for some air circulation?

Any Thoughts.

[docruger]

as long as the humidity stays good i don't see a problem

[Chuckie]

I have read here on the forums that ammonia will build up in air tight containers. It is recommended to open your long term aging coolidor at least monthly to let the air exchange and the ammonia smell out. However, if you are opening them up to three times per week, I would say there is more than enough air exchange.

I tried a similar experiment but with charging my beads. I got what is supposed to be an air tight container from walmart. I put an open container of water in there along with a tube of beads. The idea to see how long it take the beads to absorb humidity. Also, hopes to do away with the beads cracking and creating "dust".

Ooops, thread jack, sorry

(three to four days btw if i got is sealed correctly.)

[LibertyToad]

As the cigars mature, ammonia will build up inside the container. I think the rule of thumb is to give the container some fresh air every month or so.

[karmaz00]

yeah having 2 65L coolidors, i have oust fans keepin the air circulating...also, like to open once every couple of weeks to get some freash air in there..other then that they have been working great

[docruger]

Originally Posted by Chuckie

I have read here on the forums that ammonia will build up in air tight containers. It is recommended to open your long term aging coolidor at least monthly to let the air exchange and the ammonia smell out. However, if you are opening them up to three times per week, I would say there is more than enough air exchange.

I tried a similar experiment but with charging my beads. I got what is supposed to be an air tight container from walmart. I put an open container of water in there along with a tube of beads. The idea to see how long it take the beads to absorb humidity. Also, hopes to do away with the beads cracking and creating "dust".

Ooops, thread jack, sorry

(three to four days btw if i got is sealed correctly.)

Chuckie you are right, i forgot about that. thanks also for the reminder