humidity level

[Fireball JaX]

using the sponge humidifier that came with the humidor till i get some beads. Bought a digital hygrometer as advised but the display has risen to 75%. how do I get it lower. I used de ionised water on the sponge after reading through a couple of sites. Have i soaked up too much/little water?

[James811]

If the humidity is too high then its too much water?? Just forget about it until your beads arive, much easier and less stress

[Wardjrz]

Also there is plenty of debate on here over distilled v deionised water.
They are different.
I believe most use distilled as it has had any impurities removed.

[Fireball JaX]

cheers guys

[Nightwingvyse]

Distilled water is a slightly better alternative to deionised water (you should never use tap or bottled water of any kind). I use deionised water. The beads need replacing a little quicker than they would if i used distilled, but i can get deionised water almost anywhere.

As for beads vs. sponge: BEADS, BEADS, BEADS all the way. Sponge humidifiers don't regulate humidity anywhere near as accurately, they expel their moisture far too quickly, leak like a Chihuahua, and the sponge is just overall unpleasant stuff. Beads absorb an unbelievable amount of water. One small 10g bag of beads will absorb enough water to fill a large soup bowl. Few beads go a long way, as as they begin to turn yellow when they dry (meaning repetitive use has collected some impurities in them), that's when you change them.

[Fireball JaX]

thanks Nightwingvyse. I didnt realise how much difference there was between the two. Will get some ordered

[James811]

I also use deionised, ?2.50 for about 2 litres from Tesco or ASDA, will last years

[Ethem]

I have tried both and although i currentky use cgars ltd humidification water i havent noticed a HUGE difference from when i used deionised water so if value is what you're after i guess the deionised is about 10x cheaper

CutTheCap.com

[Sligub]

Ethem do you use the puck/heartfelt beads? If so you shouldn't use the humi water as the propylene glycol will clog up your beads.

[Ethem]

Sligub, yes i do. It was recommended with my purchase on the cgars website. R u sure? What do you suggest using?

CutTheCap.com

[Sligub]

Quoted from the manufacturers website

You may have noticed that every time I mention the fluid that is added to the beads I say ?distilled water?. This is extremely important; anything other than distilled water will ultimately ruin the beads. All the impurities in tap water will be drawn in by the beads and remain there. Ultimately the beads will get plugged up and not work anymore.

The same is true with any type of humidifier solution (also known as 50/50 solution) this will also ruin the beads in the long run.

[Ethem]

Cheers sligub! I will have to get on and get some distilled water before i ruin my puck

CutTheCap.com

[crusse]

I used deionised water with my heartfelt beads and it has never caused a problem. Distilled water is only very slightly purer than deionised, so using distilled water might be important if you're working in a chemistry lab but for the purpose of cigar storage I really think that it makes no difference. Plus deionised water is cheaper and more easily available.

[modem7]

Which do you guys think is better?

The Xikar Crystal Humidifier or the puck?

[Sligub]

Which do you guys think is better?

The Xikar Crystal Humidifier or the puck?

The puck is two way so much better.