Xikar Humidification Crystals

[Jimbo14]

Originally Posted by raralith

Did you season your humidor enough? The thing about these is you need to get into the 65-70 rh range first. If you don't, these just won't release enough. Try this: 1) take out your cigars, 2) with a spray bottle, spray the inside of your humidor 1 or 2 times, more if your humidor is large, and just enough so that the mist of water covers most of the wood but does not soak any of it, 3) close the lid and let it absorb the water for 20-30 minutes, 4) open it up and make sure it is dry. After all of this, throw in your cigars and these humidification crystals and that should give you the +15-20 rh you're looking for. I had to do this with all 3 of my humidors before they were able to stay consistant at this level.

Also, Lancaster is hot as hell. Last time I had to drive there for business, it was in it's high 100's. I'd think about switching over to a climate controlled humidor. My boxes were at 80+, cooler at 75, and I finally bought a VinoTemp.

I had to re-season my humidor because I had the same problem mate. Now I have no problems. Also check the seal on your humidor!

This is a great read ----> http://cigars.about.com/od/seasoning...s/0061702c.htm

[friz]

I have used this product for the last 4 months in my 60ct humi, and they have been great. 65%-69%rh all the time

[CharlieCobra]

I have a 250 and a 50 in my 300CT, no problems and sitting at 68%.

[PMPDVL]

Yeah these things are great!! I have 2 250ct's in my coolador a 100ct in another and I just bought a 50ct for the little guy. I know its been said that you dont have to use their PG solution but for the $13 a bottle it been worth it not to have any issues. The only thing to watch out for is that the glue they use to mount the magnet to the humidifier sometimes falls off...little bastards!

[buttah]

WOAH! raralith, I wouldn't spray down my humi. I know some people recommend the wipe down method as well. I can show you what can happen if you do this. I have a humidor that has splits in the lining from doing this.

If you're going to season or reseason as is the case here. Just put a shallow bowl of distilled water in the humi and let the wood naturally absorb the water over a few days even weeks. Seasoning should not be rushed.

[ChiTwnSmoke]

So...it's safe to just use distilled water instead of PG?

[Jimbo14]

Originally Posted by ChiTwnSmoke

So...it's safe to just use distilled water instead of PG?

Yes

[darkninja67]

I just got these the other day and so far so good. Thanks for the info.

[d_day]

I've had these set ups for a while. They've been rock solid. But, I'm in the process of upgrading to beads in three of my boxes. I just want to knock the humidity down a bit.

[pmp]

Crystal gel humidifiers are the best for desktops up to 300ct. I sell large rectangular elements that can do 250 each, small elements, and 2 and 4 oz jars.

They are cheaper than the xicar models for the most part since you aren't paying for the ink to print the name on the side.

I'm actually talking to a manufacturer right now to get the crystal gel media in bulk to produce my own humidifier elements. Should have those up later this year.

[cleggstore]

When buying gel, no matter who you buy it from, it's the same stuff from everyone inside. There may be variations in shape, vents, mounting and brand name that account for price variation but its all the same gel.

That's why the generic $2 jars from ebay will work as well as more expensive jars from anyone.

Now I personally would not buy the $2 generic jars simply because there's no way to assure quality. But any known brand from a reputable dealer should be fine.

David

[forrest]

If you do want to use PG (like I do), you can order the straight stuff from veterinary supply websites. It's $20 for a gallon, which will of course make 2gal of 50/50 solution. I used Revival, but any old veterinary supply website should work.

[friz]

had my jar for about a year and no problems. The question I have is should I get a new jar. I dont know how long these will last. My humi still holds great with them. Any suggestions

[MrRogers]

Has anyone ever "used up" a jar of gel? The instructions say to replace when the crystals disappear. Has anyone needed to replace theirs yet?

MrR

[MattB]

Originally Posted by MrRogers

Has anyone ever "used up" a jar of gel? The instructions say to replace when the crystals disappear. Has anyone needed to replace theirs yet?

MrR

I have had jars where the crystals would kind of shrink, not absorb as well and eventually just disappear, but it took a lot longer than a year. I have switched to beads in some humis and CO's in the other 2, so I never bothered to replace them.