I need help with this humidifier:

i just bought this thing: http://madelaine.com/products_detail...30&category=10

i bought it to replace my foam style humidifier as it releases humidity, but doesn't do much to absorb the excess. hopefully, this new humidifier will help. it looks like sea salt when it's in the box, but once i added the solution, it swelled to what looks like gel blobs. is this the beads everyone is saying works so well?

which brings me to my next question. i use this solution: http://madelaine.com/products_detail...61&category=10

it's not a 50/50 solution, it's mostly water and they recommend i use it all the time. is it really necessary or can i just use distilled water with this new humidifier?

When I used the gel, I just used distilled water and it was fine.

Now I use these.....

http://www.heartfeltindustries.com/p...?prod=HB_05_65

the beads everyone says works so well.

I use something very similar to that called "The Puck" but it is filled with "beads" not "gel." For all I know these could be exactly the same thing because the beads turn a little gel-like when water is added.
I just use distilled water and my humidor has been holding steady at 67% since I put it in.

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Originally Posted by Bluesmudge

I use something very similar to that called "The Puck" but it is filled with "beads" not "gel." For all I know these could be exactly the same thing because the beads turn a little gel-like when water is added.I just use distilled water and my humidor has been holding steady at 67% since I put it in.

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Beads and gel are NOT, repeat, NOT the same thing. Geesh.

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Originally Posted by ashauler

Beads and gel are NOT, repeat, NOT the same thing. Geesh.

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But ... beads are technically doped (or not) silica gel :smiley29:.

"The Puck" uses Lithium-Chloride doped beads. Arguably the best choice.

The OP's humidifer is made with crystals, not beads. Change in size with water content and the need to use PG solution are the giveaways. Crystals have more capacity to release moisture for a given weight than beads, but less capacity to absorb (and no capacity if PG solution isn't used).

ok, but then do i need to use that madelaine solution every time or can i use distilled water most times? what do you guys recommend? i'm afraid of messing it up with distilled water, but i figured i'd need to use the madelaine solution every once in a while to prevent mold. no?

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Originally Posted by primus67

ok, but then do i need to use that madelaine solution every time or can i use distilled water most times? what do you guys recommend? i'm afraid of messing it up with distilled water, but i figured i'd need to use the madelaine solution every once in a while to prevent mold. no?

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Distilled water most times - although use the solution more often to start, recommend beads, and PG inhibits mold formation, but does not prevent it.

ok, the gel isn't making much of a difference. the humidity level went from 72 to 75%. so much for the madelaine gel AND solution maintaing a 70% humidity level.

Is your hydrometer calibrated properly? Maybe throw a salt test on it.

Will

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Originally Posted by badwhale

Is your hydrometer calibrated properly? Maybe throw a salt test on it.

Will

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yep. totally calibed. did several salt tests on it to get it just right.

At the risk of being obvious - putting in a humidifier is not going to reduce humidity.