Opinion's needed RE: Active humidification

W

wh0re

Gorilla
Just a quick question for the FOG's around here (and anyone else that wants to chime in :)). I've got a 150 count desktop that I have been using beads in for the past year-year and half. They have worked great so far but I've noticed I'm starting to have to refill them more often. I've always been under the impression that beads do wear out after awhile and so I figure that's what is happening now.

My question to y'all is, since I'm going to have to replace them is it going to be totally over kill to go with something like a Hydra in my little humidor? Or rather, I know it will be overkill, could it possibly do any damage to my small collection precious stogies :)? I don't know if it would be just to much for the small space or not. Another positive for the Hydra would be that I wouldn't have to check it every week. :)

Thanks for looking and for y'alls opinions!
 
I'm not a FOG, but have given this a LOT of thought over the years about the 'strategy' I would employ for my needs.

The problem with active humidification is that it doesn't REMOVE any RH from the humidor. So I've always been reluctant to spend the extra money on that, rather than buying beads which STABILIZE the RH.
 
I have had beads for years w/o a problem...might just be the lower ambient RH during the winter (I assume it is lower even in Texas). I had to re-wet my beads much more often in Dec-Feb than any other months of the year.

I also agree with Robert that you will do yourself a disservice in the summer months with an active humidifcation device is a small humi by not having the ability to remove humidity.
 
Tom's got a good point here... it's always harder to maintain RH in the winter months. Though I have heard about the beads 'expiring' over time, be sure that it's not just a seasonal thing.
 
I will go ahead and echo the other 2 gorillas. Keep the beads, active humidification does not work as well as we imagine it does when we buy it, I know from experience.

Your beads are not wearing out, it's cold this time of the year and the heater can dry your beads out more. Don't fret about it.
 
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Just curious, how would the beads wear out or expire?:confused: Seems they should last indefinitely unless mold or something comes in contact with them. I've been using them for a few years now without any sign of them deteriorating.
 
I just got the Cigar Oasis Ultra . This is the new smaller version made for up to 150 ct humidor. I agree that it doesnt remove excess humidity so i do not know how it will do in the summer months. I live in NJ and there is no Humidity in the air and the thing works like a champ.
I wonder what would happen if i used beads and the Ciagr Oasis Ultra??????
 
wh0re said:
... I've always been under the impression that beads do wear out after awhile and so I figure that's what is happening now...
Click to expand...

They should last at least for years and years. The manufacturer's estimated life span is 10 years if I recall correctly.

I hope this helps

~Mark
 
Stonefox said:
Just curious, how would the beads wear out or expire?:confused: Seems they should last indefinitely unless mold or something comes in contact with them. I've been using them for a few years now without any sign of them deteriorating.
Click to expand...

Using non-distilled water will age the beads quite rapidly, as the impurities coat the bead. Dust and wood resins do the same work, but at a slower rate.
 
Much of it depends on where you live. In humid areas I would think beads would work best. Plus, the active units are probably too big for a 150 ct. humidor, except for that slim Cigar Oasis unit but you'd probably have to refill that as often as beads.

In my case, there is little humidity here most of the time so I have CO XL's in my humi and cooler. They work perfectly, but need more water in the winter. Whether you use beads or active units I think winter just requires a little more maintenance.
 
cmk325i said:
I just got the Cigar Oasis Ultra . This is the new smaller version made for up to 150 ct humidor. I agree that it doesnt remove excess humidity so i do not know how it will do in the summer months. I live in NJ and there is no Humidity in the air and the thing works like a champ.
I wonder what would happen if i used beads and the Ciagr Oasis Ultra??????
Click to expand...

I'm also in NJ (Southern NJ, exit 4 :ss). I am using 65% RH beads and the hydra in my Vinotemp Humidor. My humidity in the fridge has been 64 - 68% rock solid since the day I set everything up.

When I first placed the beads inside the fridge, I left them completely dry (straight from the original bag). I placed them in the mesh bags, let the hydra do it's thing and it's been perfect ever since.

Very happy with my active/passive set up.
 
cmk325i said:
I just got the Cigar Oasis Ultra . I wonder what would happen if i used beads and the Ciagr Oasis Ultra??????
Click to expand...

Nothing bad! Right now I have just about every device available in my humis- beads, gels, Boveda, old fashioned, pillows, etc. The key is to keep the boxes at btwn 60-70 in both temp and humidity. As stated b4, beads will also absord excess humidity, so they can act as a failsafe in summer when ambient air is much more humid. Eventually I'll probably be relying mostly on beads, once these other devices give up the ghost!
 
i never herd of using dry beads great idea. I think ill try that with my oasis
Chewie said:
I'm also in NJ (Southern NJ, exit 4 :ss). I am using 65% RH beads and the hydra in my Vinotemp Humidor. My humidity in the fridge has been 64 - 68% rock solid since the day I set everything up.

When I first placed the beads inside the fridge, I left them completely dry (straight from the original bag). I placed them in the mesh bags, let the hydra do it's thing and it's been perfect ever since.

Very happy with my active/passive set up.
Click to expand...
 
In a smaller humi like yours... I would say stick with the beads. The heater kills your humidity so you have to refill more frequently. For larger humis; go with the best of both worlds. In my coolerdor I use both. I put the beads in somewhat dry. Turned on the Oasis and let it run. 65% all day every day... except when I open it. ;)
 
Hammerhead said:
I'm not a FOG, but have given this a LOT of thought over the years about the 'strategy' I would employ for my needs.

The problem with active humidification is that it doesn't REMOVE any RH from the humidor. So I've always been reluctant to spend the extra money on that, rather than buying beads which STABILIZE the RH.
Click to expand...

okay so I'm given to understand that the hydra and the oasis doesn't remove any rh however the literature that i have read on the cigar spa is that if the rh is too high the microprocessor sucks back the rh into the machine and releases it when neccessary.
 
I would also suggest trying Boveda paks. They work very well and also will absorb excess humidity. They need to be replaced every 2 months or so, but can be very effective in a small humidor.

Dave
 
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