Need humi setup help!

[Dan.]

I just got my first humidor. It's a 75-100 capacity desktop humi. I'm a huge newb and I need some help. I've been reading a bunch of posts about "seasoning," "gel packs," "beads," and RH but I'm still not sure what they are or why one is better than the other.

It came with a rectangular humidifier that has foam stuff in it. What is the easiest way to "season" it and maintain a proper RH? I don't mind using something other than the included humidifier.

Please forgive me, I'm sure this question has been asked thousands of times but I can't for the life of me decipher any of the other posts I found in a search. It seems there are a lot of variations of humidors and humidification systems and I'm not sure which posts would apply to my situation.
Thanks for any help!

[Cypress]

First get a digital hygrometer and calibrate it. Second buy yourself some beads. Third wipe down the interior with a damp cloth trying not to oversoak it. Fourth get a cup or bowl of water and let it sit in the humi for a couple of days. Once the humidity stables at around 70% its time to put in cigars, and beads. Monitor this about every 1-2 days not opening the humidor until you need to or only once a day. Your humidity should be between 65-67% Not to dry and not to wet. Anything over 70 you have a chance of mold. Anything under 63 the sticks will get too dry. The beads are the best way to go when it comes to humidifying. They will put out moisture if its too dry and absorb when its too wet.

[RJpuffs]

See the first sticky in this forum:
New Humi? STOP!!!!

[AspiringGent]

Previous 2 posters gave more than enough info. I will add my experience, which is that beads are easy and relatively maintenance free. Just a bit of initial investment.

[Dan.]

With the beads: how do they go into the humi? Do I have to buy a case for them, or how do they go in there?

[tmanqz]

What they said, except I still use the old fashion foamy stuff. More maintianance time, but Im a geek so I dont mind. I suppose eventually I will go to the beads.

[tmanqz]

Originally Posted by Dan.

With the beads: how do they go into the humi? Do I have to buy a case for them, or how do they go in there?

No. Just go to heartfelt industries online tells you how much you need, has all sorts of stuff to put the beads in....... There sold in small amounts.

[mrsmitty]

Originally Posted by Cypress

First get a digital hygrometer and calibrate it. Second buy yourself some beads. Third wipe down the interior with a damp cloth trying not to oversoak it. Fourth get a cup or bowl of water and let it sit in the humi for a couple of days. Once the humidity stables at around 70% its time to put in cigars, and beads. Monitor this about every 1-2 days not opening the humidor until you need to or only once a day. Your humidity should be between 65-67% Not to dry and not to wet. Anything over 70 you have a chance of mold. Anything under 63 the sticks will get too dry. The beads are the best way to go when it comes to humidifying. They will put out moisture if its too dry and absorb when its too wet.

I second this, I'd go with a Caliber III hygro on amazon I got mine for I think $12 shipped. Get some beads from heartfeltindustries.com and get more then the recommended amount, will only help, no harm will be done with a little extra. And depdending on how much you get you can put the beads inside of pantyhouse.

[Dan.]

Ok, I just ordered a digital hygrometer.

My humi is about 740cubic inches. On the Heartfelt Industries website I can't seem to find just beads in quantities less than 1/2 lb which from what I've read is far more than I need. So I was planning on getting one of their containers that comes with beads already. Would the "2 Ounce 65% Rh (BLUE Cap) Heartfelt Humidity Tube" or the Large size "Round Cigar Humidifier" work for me? I will be storing about 50 cigars in the humi. Or would a 1ounce tube or small size round humidifier be sufficient since my humidor will only be half full?

Is this all I will need?

Do beads need replaced? I understand the rehydrating process but I'm still unsure on whether they have a limited lifespan.

[Herf N Turf]

Originally Posted by Dan.

Ok, I just ordered a digital hygrometer.

My humi is about 740cubic inches. On the Heartfelt Industries website I can't seem to find just beads in quantities less than 1/2 lb which from what I've read is far more than I need. So I was planning on getting one of their containers that comes with beads already. Would the "2 Ounce 65% Rh (BLUE Cap) Heartfelt Humidity Tube" or the Large size "Round Cigar Humidifier" work for me? I will be storing about 50 cigars in the humi. Or would a 1ounce tube or small size round humidifier be sufficient since my humidor will only be half full?

Is this all I will need?

Do beads need replaced? I understand the rehydrating process but I'm still unsure on whether they have a limited lifespan.

More beads than recommended is better. They help reduce recovery time when the humi is opened.

I find placement to be crucial aswell. Since humidity rises, I keep uncharged beads on top and charged beads in the bottom and middle. I keep them as far apart from one another as possible.

As long as you dont crack them, or rinse the salts off them, they should last indefinitely. The plastic containers (tubes, cases, mesh bags) will yellow, just like the celo on your cigars. They also take on the aromas from inside the humi, so they will end up smelling of sweet cedar and tobacco, but this is fine.

Personally, I'd go with the half pound and use roughly double what's recommended. Store the rest. Trust me, you'll need them sooner than you think