Ci-Gel. Any experience?

[Arleban]

I'm sure you are all sick of my trials and tribulations about my humidor. I am currently getting the parts together for a tupperdor (more space, more cigars!!) and I had some questions about other passive humidification devices.

Basically the link below is a product that is supposed to work in the same way as the climaxx beads. It is the same stuff used in the drymistat humidification devices. Has anyone used it? If so, how well does it work? I only ask as it is cheaper than the climaxx beads, but I have no problem paying for the quality product if needed.

http://www.bargainhumidors.com/bh/it...KU=ACC-CIGEL12

[kamikaiguy]

My COusin uses it in his humidor. It works well for him. I don't have any personal experience with though. He got his from Thompsons. It is all the same stuff. So Drymistat, CLimax, they are all the same stuff. It should work fine.

[SeanGAR]

I use one in my NC humidor. Works well, runs around 70%, and the price is right. The humidor size is 100-120.

[Arleban]

What are the dimensions of your humidor? I didn't see on the link the size of humidor each 2 oz. jar would affect.

[SeanGAR]

Hmmm....I think in the 14x10x6 range.

I drilled holes in the cap so the gel doesn't risk spillage. Just add distilled water to replace that lost from the gel.

I tried the superabsorbent gel you buy at Michael's in the flower section, but with distilled water or 50-50 the humidity was too high.

I had also purchased a larger, much more expensive, gel product from CI, but it ended up developing mold after 3 or 4 months. I heaved that quickly. Some molds can grow in humidity environments as low as 65%.

[mr.c]

You know what the origanal application for that stuff was for ??? Horticulture - believe it or not. It is sold in a dry crystal form, which you mix with your growing medium, when water hits it the crystals swell 1000% and retain water for the plants root system, suppose to mean less watering for the nurseryman but it never took off. this was in the late '80

joe

[kamikaiguy]

I would have never guessed that!!!! I would have thought it was used for waste water in the space shuttle or something.


Because I only thought NASA discovered cool thing like climax beads.

Kudos to Mr. C

[mr.c]

Thanks K. G !

here is a link that is selling them in their dry form. Pic of a potted plant and gel http://www.crystals.us/WSHousePlants.htm


joe

[riz713]

Just picked up some ci-gel! My question is, is this stuff supposed to regulate the humidity once the desired level has been reached? It's not like the beads that are self regulating once they have been charged? right......Does anyone also know how much credits does it cost for a glowing and colored username...Long Ashes to all of y'all!

[zemekone]

Hey Arleban, the Ci-Gel works well, but if you want a opinion i would go with some climmax beads. First of all they will last way longer than the Ci-gel, and in a tupperdor will definately take up less space.

[The Privateer]

I've used similar products before, and can vouch for their effectiveness. Wrap the top with clear food wrap and pierce holes in it.

But like SeanGAR said, they do develop mold sometimes. I just had to throw out 2 jars that started smelling foul for no reason whatsoever!

[Arleban]

I have not bought the beads yet, so I am still using my Ci-gel. It has been working fine so far. My only problem is that I use a tupperdor (plastic, good seal, no breathability), so I have to open the lid every other week or so to let the humidity drop from around 72-75% (whatever I catch it at) to go back between 65-70%. I would think that in a humidor that product would be fine.

[JustAyoungMC]

Does ci-gel work both ways or does it only humidify?

At first I assumed it works both ways but your most recent post suggests it takes the humidity further?

1 ci-gel "tub" is enough for .5 cubic feet according to measurements in this thread, anyone else have information regarding the effectiveness?

thank you.

-kyle

[Arleban]

It actually did pretty well and the highest it got was 72% after I let it sit a bit. I think it went both ways but 72% was it's point. I think the beads might be the way to go though. I kept a close watch because of the higher humidity and one day I realized the gel was.....fuzzy? I pitched it with a quickness and luckily my cigars have been mold free.

Right now I'm using a Kansashat Special that he sent to me. It is essentially a candle jar like those scented ones you can buy at the supermarket with a metal lid with holes in it. It was filled with cut up chunks of an anti-microbial sponge and I first dampened that with the 50/50 solution. Now every month I make sure the sponge isn't too dry and add a bit of distilled water to keep the pieces damp. Tupperdor has been rock steady at 68 degrees and 68% humidity.