Mouldy Hydra Cartridge AGAIN???

B

Bear

SilverBear
OK so I posted about this issue a few weeks ago (see here). Well, I pop open my Hydra to refill it today and see this:

IMG_0015.jpg


Other side:

IMG_0016-1.jpg


OK, so what the heck is going on here? Is my cabinet some kind of Mould Factory now?

Hmm... Doesn't look like one:

IMG_0015_1.jpg


When I was filling this new Hydra cartridge I had made sure to add a little Vodka as recommended by some to keep the mould out. I am at my wits end here. Where I once was a big supporter & believer of the product, I would now think twice about recommending it to others.

Anyone have any suggestions? I'm thinking about dumping the floral foam and replacing it with a gel or beads or a combination of both...

Advice? Suggestions? Comment? All are welcome and requested.
 
Im just a newbie but my thoughts would be that the foam got dirty or had some type of impurity in it and that caused the mold. I had the same issue in Floral Foam I was using in a travel Case. I have never heard the Vodka solution... what about EverClear to start out (Kills everything) then distilled water?
 
I have a hydra and a Cigar Oasis +....The CO+ got mold on the foam right after I over filled it. I had about 1/8th on an inch of h2O above the foam. Had to buy a new cartridge. Cigars are fine. Now I always microwave my distilled water for 4 minutes just to be on the safe side. I haqve had no problems since. I don't think this is unusual because I see both the hydra and the cigar oasis sell replacement resevoirs.
 
OK so here's a wacky question... does anyone know if this mould is harmful (to my health or the the cigars)?
 
holy crap man that sucks. My advise get some beads and throw out the container the foam was in. As to the cigars....I don't think it'll hurt them but it's not good for them
 
[OT] Loki said:
holy crap man that sucks. My advise get some beads and throw out the container the foam was in. As to the cigars....I don't think it'll hurt them but it's not good for them
Click to expand...

Due to the size of the cabinet (9 cu ft), beads alone wouldn't be a practical way to maintain the humidity. Are you implying I should fill the container with beads and go with beads alone in the Hydra?

With that said, there are already close to 2 pounds of beads in there already...

I've thought of upgrading to an Avallo Accumonitor system, but if that's going to also get all bunged up with mould I don't think I want to spend the $250 - $300... :hn
 
Hmmm . . . I'm concerned about the safety of your cigars with all that mold in your Hydra. I suggest you pack them all up and ship them to me for safe keeping. My Hydra has not become moldy. So, your smokes will be 100% safe in my hands.:ss
 
1)did you use distilled water?
2)don't worry about the mold,health wise...
3)Bob at Aristocrat will set a system for you.Several guys here had a system made for them...
 
68TriShield said:
1)did you use distilled water?
2)don't worry about the mold,health wise...
3)Bob at Aristocrat will set a system for you.Several guys here had a system made for them...
Click to expand...

1) Only use Distilled Water.
2) Thanks. Most cigars are boxed anyways.
3) ??? I don't follow. Is this a custom or not for regular retail type system?
 
Bear said:
OK so here's a wacky question... does anyone know if this mould is harmful (to my health or the the cigars)?
Click to expand...

Yes to both answers

Mold spores are problematic for respiratory tract and can worsen symptoms of things like colds, asthma and allergies. The spores are definitely getting out with your water vapor through the humidification process and airborne spores means potential for other growth. It is an issue that I wouldn't leave unresolved for long Marc. Short term you won't see it but long term could be crappy.
 
What is the RH of your room and are the beads kept 60% wet as well. It could be that they hydra doesn't ahve to come on that often so the water is just sitting there instead of being used.
How often do you have to refill the hydra?

Dave
 
In a nutshell, here is a good resource about mold, why, where and how it can form and grow.

http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/oii/mold/grow.html

Over humidification and temperature are probably the culprits. Mold feeds on organic matter, so should you create an environment for mold to thrive, they will come.

I have seen a similar thread about the cigar oasis with this same problem on another thread here even though cigar oasis boasts their extra anti-bacteria additives.

Someone posted that they added a few drops of vodka to their water cartridge to prevent any mold from growing.

What temp is your humidor at most of the time?
 
n2advnture said:
In a nutshell, here is a good resource about mold, why, where and how it can form and grow.

http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/oii/mold/grow.html

Over humidification and temperature are probably the culprits. Mold feeds on organic matter, so should you create an environment for mold to thrive, they will come.

I have seen a similar thread about the cigar oasis with this same problem on another thread here even though cigar oasis boasts their extra anti-bacteria additives.

Someone posted that they added a few drops of vodka to their water cartridge to prevent any mold from growing.

What temp is your humidor at most of the time?
Click to expand...

Temp is locked in at 20 Celcius.
 
Hey Marc, is that the original cartridge or a replacement? If it's the original, maybe you just got a bum one.
 
GWN said:
Hey Marc, is that the original cartridge or a replacement? If it's the original, maybe you just got a bum one.
Click to expand...

Negative, this is a picture of the replacement one. The link in the OP goes to the first time I had a problem with the first one. (replaced the whole unit, not just the cartridge)
 
Why not remove the foam and fill the reservoir with distilled water? My son has the same kind of humidifier and found that it works better without the foam.
 
DAL said:
Why not remove the foam and fill the reservoir with distilled water? My son has the same kind of humidifier and found that it works better without the foam.
Click to expand...

My only concern with that would be the risk of water sloshing around should the cabinet get bumped and getting the electronics wet...
 
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