Water or Solution

[Sam-cr]

I always use the Glycol solution for my humidifier. I just got my new humidor yesterday and am seasoning it, and put distilled water in the humidifier. Anyone choose to not use the solution? Is there any benefit to the water?

I'm at 62% rh right now, should be good by tomorrow.

[CRider]

Generally, the solution tends to give me a slightly higher RH. I think I'm gonna switch to DI Water during the summer months cuz my humi's tend to run a lil high then.

[HeavyMetal-cr]

Go with whatever your humidifier manufacturer recommends or what works for you. I use the buffered beads so I use DI.

Be aware that if you use DI in a humidifier that does not contain a buffering agent you should monitor a bit more. Reason is w/o the buffering the water will evap faster producing a initial hi RH and then fall off rapidly. The buffereing agent (PG/beads) will only release water to a specific RH. If the RH of the humi is below that, it will release vapor. If above it will absorb water to the extent it is capable (volume based).

[andrew_will1]

I personally like solution a lot better than distilled water...when I first got my humidor I used distilled water and a very light white mold started growing from the humidifier. I threw out that humidifier and have used solution ever since and have not seen even the slightest sign of mold coming from any of my humidifiers.

[HeavyMetal-cr]

Originally Posted by Sam

I'm at 62% rh right now, should be good by tomorrow.

BTW, what's wrong w/ 62?

[Sam-cr]

Originally Posted by HeavyMetal

BTW, what's wrong w/ 62?

I've always been told 70/70 is ideal. However, I'm really chomping at the bit to "move in". You might have just talked me into it

[anton]

Originally Posted by Sam

I've always been told 70/70 is ideal. However, I'm really chomping at the bit to "move in". You might have just talked me into it

anything from 60 - 70 rh is pretty good. Mine usually runs around 65.

[buzkirk]

Originally Posted by Anton

anything from 60 - 70 rh is pretty good. Mine usually runs around 65.

70/70 is ideal for AGING, 62-65 is PERFECT for smoking.


Tom

[JAX]

Both of ine run in the 63-67% range. I use to drive myself crazy trying to hit the magic 70/70 mark........

I tend to use the PG solution more often then DI Water. Honestly just depends on my mood.

PG solution offers the protection against mold or increased RH, but it can clog devices though.....

It comes down to whatever you're comfortable with.

[olsaltybastard]

Having tried both, I prefer the solutions to distilled water. They require less maintenance or so it seems, which is nice. A friend of mine makes two solutions under the name Humatic. They're a bit pricey when compared to the stuff sold on Cbid, but I don't mind supporting a buddy doing business.

[Python]

Originally Posted by Anton

anything from 60 - 70 rh is pretty good. Mine usually runs around 65.

Originally Posted by buzkirk

70/70 is ideal for AGING, 62-65 is PERFECT for smoking.

+1

I normally keep my cooler around 68-70 and my humi is anywhere from 62-66.


I use only distilled water because I use beads as a humidifier.

I do use PG to wipe down my humi when I season it though.

[Acesfull]

I use solution for seasoning and water for recharging.

[HeavyMetal-cr]

Sam,

Use the RH *you* like. As Anton noted anything around 60 - 70 RH is fine from a preservation standpoint. Like Anton and I, there are smokers who prefer a bit lower RH - around 65. I prefer it since cigars around 70 taste wet to me. Others feel that 65 tastes too dry. None of us are "right". It's personal taste.

BTW, the 70/70 "rule" came from a personal preference of Zino Davidoff. His instruction was that all cigars for sale be at 70/70.

As far as aging, Min Ron Nee notes in his encyclopedia that experienced collectors age at a very low RH and temp in an airtight wrap. As low as 50F/50RH. The low temp & RH supposedly aid in development of plume. But then again they are aging for 10 - 20 years. While I do have some patience I don't have THAT much. I age at my smoking RH of around 65. I have noticed that the lower the RH the quicker plume will develop. Can't comment on lower temp or airtight wrap so I defer to MRH.

[Python]

Originally Posted by HeavyMetal

I have noticed that the lower the RH the quicker plume will develop.

That's interesting.

I guess that it might have something to do with the lower RH letting some of the oils of the leaf escape to the surface and crystallize as the higher RH is keeping the surface leaf moist with 'water' rather than the oils of the leaf.

Good post HM!

[lazylightningNY-cr]

Originally Posted by CRider

Generally, the solution tends to give me a slightly higher RH. I think I'm gonna switch to DI Water during the summer months cuz my humi's tend to run a lil high then.

Smart thinkin. I'll do the same.