Silica Gel Beads

[VernBob]

RE: Humidity Lessons Learned 08/24/2005

Pure silica gel beads, not crystals, and fragrance free, are available as cat litter. Not only Ultra Pearls but also from Trader Joe's at $5 for 4 pounds, according to my source.

Outrageous

http://www.ultrapearls.com

http://www.traderjoes.com/index.asp

Hope this helps

[Hugh Jorgan]

Ummm, why start a new thread?

http://www.cigarsmokers.com/t1829-hu...s-learned.html

[pierce652]

I just bought a pound of 65% beads from heartfeltindustries for 30 bucks. I realize these are cheaper but seems like a complete pain to fiddle with the RH. These you just wet and they regulate themselves.

To buy the kitty litter you might as well just keep buying 50/50 because it seems like just as much work.

By the way I have no ties to heartfelt.

[alexgtp]

RE: Humidity Lessons Learned 08/24/2005

Pure silica gel beads, not crystals, and fragrance free, are available as cat litter. Not only Ultra Pearls but also from Trader Joe's at $5 for 4 pounds, according to my source.

Outrageous

http://www.ultrapearls.com

http://www.traderjoes.com/index.asp

Hope this helps

I thought these are not useful because they only absorb moisture.

The whole idea of the beads is that they absorb and release moisture thus maintaing a constant RH

[nhcigarfan]

I am interested in this theory but I need more info. If you use a 50/50 solution would it regulate at 70%?

[pierce652]

I am interested in this theory but I need more info. If you use a 50/50 solution would it regulate at 70%?

I dont think so. At least with the beads I bought the solution will ultimately clog the pores of the beads and make them useless. They say to just use distilled water.

[MMAB]

Here is a posting I found at Cigar Family

From: hms richard Authentic
Date: 01/22/05 8:51 AM

(Copy and pasted)

Humidity Control with conditioned Silica Gel

One can make generic 'Climaxx Beads' at any desired control point above 40% relative humidity (RH) by buffering/conditioning generic silica gel.

Buy a container of silica gel crystals/beads used in cat box liter, e.g., 'ExquisiCat Crystals' ($8 for 4 pounds versus $30 per pound of 'Climaxx Beads'). Read the label and verify the contents are 100% silica gel crystals. Don't use the more expensive product with blue coloured crystals mixed in that indicate moisture content. Smell the silica gel crystals/beads and make certain no fragrance is present; there should be no smell whatsoever.

Silica gel will 'condition' that is accept or reject water vapor to maintain an equilibrium RH. Put the beads in a closed container, e.g., 'Tupperware' with a moisture source like wetted florist's foam (oasis) and a calibrated hygrometer. Moisten the oasis with distilled water or propylene glycol and water mixture (50/50 PG). The foam/sponge should be placed in a small dish so it does not touch the gel. The silica gel beads will dry the air in the container to about 40% RH and then the RH will slowly increase. The PG solution maximizes the RH at 70% and prevents mold, but takes a little longer to reach 65% than distilled water, i.e., two (2) weeks versus one (1) week. (This process can be sped up lightly misting the dry beads with distilled water from a spray bottle when you begin the conditioning process.)

Store the container at the same temperature as your humidor. Check the RH and mix the crystals every few days. When the silica gel reaches the control RH, in this case 65% remove the conditioned silica gel.

The conditioned gel can now be placed in an open container in your humidor or placed in any container which exposes the beads to the air in the humidor. Everything from a mesh pencil holder to a nylon stocking work. The more beads exposed to the air in the humi , the better.

Conditioned silica gel can also be placed in a DuPont Tyvekﾮ envelope. Tyvekﾮ is the material of large envelopes used by US Postal Service Priority Mail and FedEx. The sealing flap of these envelopes have printed "DuPont Tyvekﾮ Protect What's Inside". Tyvekﾮ envelopes allow water vapor to diffuse freely and prevent envelope contents from becoming damp during airmail transit and are perfect for humidors.

The amount of conditioned silica gel depends on the size and frequency of opening the humidor and the RH of the ambient environment. I have 18 x 18 x 24 inch (~ 4.5 cubic foot) unplugged 'fridgidor' lined with Spanish Cedar and use about one (1) pound buffered silica gel to maintain 65% RH at an ambient RH of about 40% and temperature 65F - 70F depending on season. I open the 'fridgidor' once a day for an evening smoke.

OK...now lets see....Climaxx beads at $30 - $40 or a little patience and $5 - $9 for gel kitty litter - Sorry guys, I'll take the kitty litter.

[nhcigarfan]

Here is a posting I found at Cigar Family






OK...now lets see....Climaxx beads at $30 - $40 or a little patience and $5 - $9 for gel kitty litter - Sorry guys, I'll take the kitty litter.

Great post. Personally i don't find regulating the humidity myself all that bad. I love opening my humidors and checking out the smokes. But I am equally interesting it good ideas that make regulating more specific and easier in case I go away for a while. I was at the store this evening and actually checked out the kitty litter (I don't have a cat) I am going to get a bag and do an experiment. I will follow these instructions and keep detailed notes. I will post the results.

thanks

[VernBob]

I tried using the Find a Retailer link at Ultra Pearls site but it was broken. Here's their response.

Hello!

We are aware of the computer glitch. It should be working by next week. Sorry for your inconvenience. You can find the Ultra Pearls at the following store locations; Ralphs, Raleys, Vons, Unified, and Stater Brothers. I hope that one of these locations in close by to you. If more information is needed please let me know.

Thank you,

Candi Morris
Customer Service
Ultra Pet, Inc.

(Why did I start a new thread? 'cause I'm new. Old, but new )

[alexgtp]

over couple grand in cigars down the tube becasue I did not get the kitty litter right. or throw in some beade from viper and protect my investment.. Hmmmmmmm..touhhg decision.

somtimes being cheap doesnt pay.

[nhcigarfan]

over couple grand in cigars down the tube becasue I did not get the kitty litter right. or throw in some beade from viper and protect my investment.. Hmmmmmmm..touhhg decision.

somtimes being cheap doesnt pay.

good point