Little Black Dots on my Beads

[suckapuff]

I refilled my beads a couple days ago and was checking my humidy levels when I noticed that the beads have little black dots on them. I took them out of the humidor, but can anyone tell me what they are?

[MMarsden]

I got this once. From what I've read/remember, most people assume it's some form of mold, but no one has any definitive answer.

I'd play it safe and get rid of the problematic beads.

[baba]

I agree, best guess is mold. Be sure and don't use any thing but distilled H2O.

[suckapuff]

that is all i use

[baba]

Looks like it's time for a bead change. I'm just curious - how long have the current beads been in use?

[Everon]

Originally Posted by vankleekkw

I refilled my beads a couple days ago and was checking my humidy levels when I noticed that the beads have little black dots on them. I took them out of the humidor, but can anyone tell me what they are?

I do not know exactly what's wrong, but I think that your beads need of replacement ... tell, but it will not affect the taste of cigars?

[suckapuff]

I have been using them for 6 months now.

[Everon]

Originally Posted by vankleekkw

I have been using them for 6 months now.

Could you put a photo beads with black spots?

[Everon]

Originally Posted by MMarsden

I got this once. From what I've read/remember, most people assume it's some form of mold, but no one has any definitive answer.

I'd play it safe and get rid of the problematic beads.

So beads not so safe? And this fungus dangerous for cigars? This mold?
Often this happens with beads? And most importantly: why is happening?

[cybervee-cl]

Originally Posted by Everon

So beads not so safe? And this fungus dangerous for cigars? This mold?
Often this happens with beads? And most importantly: why is happening?

Beads are very safe. Many people prefer them over the PG solution and foam.

Mold can ruin a cigar. If you don't catch it early you will have to throw out the cigar.

I've had beads for about 6 months and don't have this problem. It could be too much water (distilled) is causing it.

[Everon]

Originally Posted by cybervee

I've had beads for about 6 months and don't have this problem. It could be too much water (distilled) is causing it.

And how to fuelling beads? You need a certain amount of distilled water, urine or they may be, will not stop until the beads absorb?

PS
By the way, as long existed in the sale of beads?

[cybervee-cl]

Originally Posted by Everon

And how to fuelling beads? You need a certain amount of distilled water, urine or they may be, will not stop until the beads absorb?

PS
By the way, as long existed in the sale of beads?

From what I have read 80% of the beads should be clear, the rest white. The beads turn clear when they are full of water. They are white when they are empty.

To fill my beads I use distilled water in a spray bottle. Always use nothing but distilled water to fill the beads.

You can buy beads in 60%, 65% and 70% ratings. This will keep the humidity at the level of the beads you buy. I like the 65% beads for the type and brand of sticks I normally smoke.

[Everon]

Originally Posted by cybervee

From what I have read 80% of the beads should be clear, the rest white. The beads turn clear when they are full of water. They are white when they are empty.

To fill my beads I use distilled water in a spray bottle. Always use nothing but distilled water to fill the beads.

You can buy beads in 60%, 65% and 70% ratings. This will keep the humidity at the level of the beads you buy. I like the 65% beads for the type and brand of sticks I normally smoke.

65% - this is not little?

And if fuelling beads, for example drown them in a saucer with distilled water? From then packing beads difficult to shake out the excess water?

[cybervee-cl]

Originally Posted by Everon

65% - this is not little?

And if fuelling beads, for example drown them in a saucer with distilled water? From then packing beads difficult to shake out the excess water?

Some cigars respond better to lower humidity. Not everyone likes their smokes to be at 70% when they light them up. I prefer 65% because I found that what I normally smoke does better at 65% than at 70%.

And if you 'drown them in a saucer of distilled water' you will get mold. You need to take the beads dry, place them in the container, and use a spray bottle to get them to where 80% are clear, the rest white. There should be no excess water to shake out if you do it correctly.

[cybervee-cl]

A spray bottle like this one -

http://img.alibaba.com/photo/51260499/Spray_Bottle.jpg