Do I need to fill aluminum humidifier when I first get it?

[mcoupe]

Just received the Heartfelt Aluminum humidifier and was wondering if I need to fill with distilled water upon arrival? Instructions say it's preconditioned and ready to go but I wasn't sure if that meant it was filled already.

Thanks,
Larry

 

[JHolmes763]

I think that means that the beads inside are preconditioned for a certain relative humidity, but you still have to add water to it to maintain that humidity within your humidor.

The beads will soak up or let out moisture, depending upon whether the humidity is above or below the level they're conditioned at. So you don't want to soak all of the beads as far as I understand.

---John Holmes...

 

[KeyserSoze]

Yes you do. I recommend getting a small spray bottle and mist the beads until 75% are clear and the rest are white. Or you can always just pour distilled water evenly (without soaking beads) over 75% of the beads. When they start to all get white again, recharge the beads.

 

[mcoupe]

Since I can't see the beads as they are enclosed permanently in the aluminum case I wanted to be sure. Thanks.

 

[KeyserSoze]

I haven't seen those cases up close. I'm sure there is a way to open them. You might have to pry it open but if you don't want to damage it, I would wait for Dave at Heartfelt to get back and email him and see what he says. For now you could just add distilled water through the holes but just don't over do it. You don't want to oversoak them.

Edit: Btw, here's a great post by Dave on his beads. http://www.cigarpass.com/forums/index.php?...00&hl=beads

 

[Marcos]

The aluminum case has 2 small holes in the back. It should have come with a syringe that you fill with distilled water and then put the water in each hole. If it didn't come with a syringe, contact Viper and maybe he will send you one. Unlike regular beads which you can see, the aluminum humidifier takes a little guesswork. Charge it up and put it in the humi. When the RH starts to drop, add some more. Soon you will realize how long you can go before a refill. Hope this helps.