Humidor Help

[beastinem]

Another question from beastinem??? Go figure!

Ok, so I was given my first humidor. I was told it only cost about $12.00 so I don't know how good the quality is. I have seen some REALLY nice ones before in the hundreds of dollars. So my guess is this one might be a temp for me until I find a good cigar and need something better.

Anyways, I took a few pictures of the contents. In this first pic it is EVERYTHING that came in the package. From left to right......

Gel pack, 3M tape, Box that had the humidifier in it, and the humidifier. All inside the humidor -

Bottom of the humidor -

Inside of the humidifier -

Closeup inside -

Now, naturally the part I am confused about is the humidifier. The bluish/green part is like a sponge texture that is very dry and brittle feeling. Now, this thing was bought a while back and was just now given to me. So I am not sure if something was supposed to be done with it right after purchasing it and now it is ruined? Or maybe this is just the way it is supposed to be? What the heck do I do with it? Wet it down? Water? Something I have to buy? As you can see by all the question marks I am as confused as a baby in a topless bar.

Thanks in advance. And sorry for yet another dumb question. But if I don't ask, I will never learn

-Zach

 

[MilesMingusMonk]

Toss the foam, order beads...but keep the puck as a bead holder. Cut screen for interior of lid.

A ton of useful info on beads in the humidor forum.

 

[donzz]

What he said

And check this out
http://www.cigarpass.com/?p=56

 

[woodbm]

Also I would suggest picking up a digital hygrometer. I don't recall seeing a hygrometer in the pics. Definitely agree with going with the humidification beads as stated above.

 

[beastinem]

Also I would suggest picking up a digital hygrometer. I don't recall seeing a hygrometer in the pics. Definitely agree with going with the humidification beads as stated above.

I was JUST coming back to the thread to inquire about this. I am reading through one of the articles in the link provided and realize that this is something my humidor does NOT have. I think I may just bite the bullet and go browse some better humidors. This one is very small in size as well which could pose a problem later. Especially if I decide to stock it with a larger stick. I don't think it would hold more than 7 or 8 at a time.

Thanks for the help and links everybody.

-Zach

 

[souldog]

beastinem, keep in mind that Heartfelt said he was going to be out of commission for the next few weeks. Until then, go to your local B&M and order some propylene glycol and pour it into the green foamy thing until it is fairly moist. Then, put it vent-side down onto a towel so the excess liquid can drain from it. Then, pop it into your humidor and enjoy. Should be fine until you order some beads. Even if you don't order some beads, you can still manage, it will just be more fill-ups.