Beads Questions

[Nickerson]

Hey guys.

I'm looking to buy my first humidor. Its the Treasure Dome 250 count humidor. Good looking, holds a lot of cigars, and from reviews I've read it works perfectly.

Treasure Dome Humidor - Cigars International

I was planning on using some heartfelt beads and had a few questions.

1. Do you ever have to change the beads? Like do they only last a few months or so then you have to throw them out and add new beads?

2. Can the beads be put in the "Two large rectangle humidification elements"? I know they are meant for floral foam and water, but I was wondering if I stored beads in them if it would work good? Would certainly save space!

3. 60%? 65%? 70%? I was going to go with the 65. Anyone think I should do otherwise?

4. Bead cases? They also have these rectangular bead cases that they say can be suspended from the lid of the humidor. I'm guessing it replaces the default ones that are in this humidor? Is it necessary? Or could I just use the ones the humidor comes with?

Thanks guys

[madurolover]

Cory, you can use the humidifiers that come with the humidor. Just snap them apart and replace the foam withbeads. You may want to put a piece of screen on either side so that the particles of bead do not fall out.

Once you have the beads you should not have to replace them for many years to come. I have had mine going on 4 years and they are just as effective as ever.

Also I would go with 65% but that is really personal preference. I find my cigars burn and taste better at 65.

[Jack Straw]

1 - No, unless they become clogged over the course of years.
2 - Yes, but I would advise putting them in something where you can see them
3 - 65 has worked great for me, but it's all preference
4 - You could do either, or use old pantyhose. I find the beads work best in a container that breathes very well.

I would also recommend getting more beads than it says you need.

[Nickerson]

I read something about a mesh baggy or something like that. Where would I get them?

Oh cool, they have mesh bags on their site

[Jack Straw]

Yeah I use one of the bags on their site, and also some pantyhose. Both work fine. I've also heard of getting them in the fish supply section of a pet store.

[havanajohn]

Cory, I have a pound and a half of 65% Beads in my humidor. I used the mesh bags available on the Heartfelt website, and divided them into half pound bags. I put one bag on the bottom shelf, one bag in the middle shelf, and the last bag in the top with the single cigars. The calculator called for eight thenths of a pound, but I went with almost double that. Using more beads gives the humi a shorter recovery time to get the RH back to where you want it. You will be happy using the beads. Also, only use distilled water, nothing else on the beads.

[havanajohn]

Originally Posted by Jack Straw

Yeah I use one of the bags on their site, and also some pantyhose. Both work fine. I've also heard of getting them in the fish supply section of a pet store.

+1 On the mesh bags...