Yet another set of newbie humidor questions

[Liquidtensi0n]

So I just got my beautiful new 100 count humi and I'm looking into how to get it up and running in the best manner possible. I'm in no hurry so I'm pretty much settled on the distilled water and shot glass method to season it. The package came with some sort of solution but I don't trust chemical junk from unknown sources to be seeped into what will be a home for my cigars for many years. Or am I missining something here? Do you need to treat the cedar with some sort of solution to keep it from moulding/rotting in the future? From what I read here it doesn't seem that way but I just want to make sure.

Next up is the humidification element. Mine came with the standard plastic box with some vents and a sponge inside... no good. I'm going to be ordering some sort of beads product as soon as I get some feedback from you guys. Now I've read up a lot of threads here and the question that remains is should I use straight up beads or the puck? I'm thinking it would be a nice, neat solution to just replace the sponge in what came with the humi with the beads. Is the puck anything more than this or is it basically just a pre-packaged containment unit for the beads?

Now the last few things have to do with hygrometers. I obviously won't rely on the analog that came with the unit but it is mounted on the front of the humi so it would be at least nice to have it reading ballpark of what eventually will be 65% RF inside from the beads. No instructions came with this thing so could someone perhaps give me a link on how to "calibrate" an analog hygro?

[RGD]

Sounds like your on the right track here. The solution is most likely a PG mix - but if your going to go with beads or a puck - then you don't need or want it so just toss it aside.

As for beads or puck - either or, up to you. Read the link in my signature on updating a humidifer - may give you a few ideas.

As for calibrating the analog - don't even waste your time. But if you insist - do a quick search for a "salt test" and you should find the directions. Just go with a digital and ignore the analog is the best advise.

Good luck with it all -

Ron

[xxwaldoxx]

Congrats on the new Humi

Cedar is pretty much its own protectant. The chemicals you got are most likely to help stabilize / season it. I would just put it aside and stick with distilled water to season your new humi.

RGD's adivise is on the money, id take him up on his suggestions. Also, his how to on updating your humidification unit is a great resource if you want to get rid of the foam in your original unit.

[Liquidtensi0n]

Yea I'm definitely going to get a digital hygro for the actual readings to rely on. I just want the faceplate mounted analog to not show 20% because that looks a tad unprofessional so thank's for the tip on the salt test.

As far as the updating the humidifier thread. I've actually read it already and that seems like a great idea which uses straight up beads. I guess what I'm wondering is if the puck offers any distinct advantages over doing it this way or is it all pretty much the same?

Also, looking through the Heartfelt site raises another question. They sell Boveda seasoning packets and although I definitely don't mind seasoning the old fashioned way, is this perhaps better? I mean seasoning is obviously important so I want to get it right the first time

[TU09]

I would suggest simply using the shot glass method to season your humi. No need to spend money on a "seasoning pack." Enjoy your new humi!