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BOTL UPCOMING MAINTENANCE
Hi Everyone, as mentioned in my introduction post, BOTL needs quite a bit of updating, patching and whatever else I might come across. Over time BOTL may be unreachable on occasion as I do migrations or updates, etc. Just be patient - we'll be back! I'll generally try to keep these maintenances until later in the evenings.
KittY litter help
- Thread starter biggie55
- Start date
I've been using kitty litter for years and have had absolutely no issues at all. I had been using PG and floral foam before switching to the kitty litter. All I did was make up pantyhose sacks containing 1 lb each of litter (using in 120qt coolers), added 30ml (about two tablespoons) of water to each and put them in the coolers. I checked the hygrometer every few days and added very small amounts of water at a time until my RH came up to 65% and then just quit adding water.
Since then, once the RH gets down to around 63% I'll add 20-30ml of water and it will come back to 65%. I generally have to add water every three months or so. They're pretty trouble free and don't require much attention at all.
If you are thinking of going the kitty litter route below are some links for the brand I would recommend you getting. They are the clear beads and no other ingredients other than silica sand.
Ultra Pet Crystal Clear Pearls
Ultra Pet Crystal Clear Pearls
Ultra Pet Crystal Clear Pearls
Since then, once the RH gets down to around 63% I'll add 20-30ml of water and it will come back to 65%. I generally have to add water every three months or so. They're pretty trouble free and don't require much attention at all.
If you are thinking of going the kitty litter route below are some links for the brand I would recommend you getting. They are the clear beads and no other ingredients other than silica sand.
Ultra Pet Crystal Clear Pearls
Ultra Pet Crystal Clear Pearls
Ultra Pet Crystal Clear Pearls
cmhicksusmc
Corporal/USMC
News to me. I usually just go to HF and give our retailers a lil biz.
Not true. There is more to it than that. I'm not knocking the Kitty Litter beads, I've used them with some success, but they are in no means the same as HF or other silica storage beads. HF beads are treated to specifically hold the RH at a set-point. That's different than just "seasoning" or "programming" them by keeping them at a specific RH for a period of time.
As to using 50/50 mix in them, I've not heard of doing that and I'm not sure why you would. From my experience they will hold somewhere between 65-68% without really messing with them other than adding distilled water.
In short, they work. They just aren't as accurate or consistent as those specifically designed for this kind of work.
cartisdm
Young & Eager
This is exactly what I do. Before finally making the switch to Kitty Litter, I ready every internet post, every guide, asked all sorts of questions, the whole nine yards.
Once I went out and bought them I realize that I read WAY too much into all those guides. Sure, if you want to be anal about anything go right ahead. If your tolorances are small, you'll benefit from this (plus it's kind of fun to tweak stuff). But honestly, fill a mesh bag full of beads and place them in your humidor. Monitor every 6-8 hours as your RH drops. Add Distilled Water each time you check (~3-4tbsp) until your RH starts going back up. Stop adding once you get desired RH. Every 3 months or so add a few more tbsps. It's honestly that easy (and cheap!)
EDIT: I just wanted to point out that I don't mean to downplay the Heartfelt beads or any others. I know they are brothers on this forum and their products are more that just "silicone balls." They take care of all that "zeroing" for you. The Kitty litter is just cheap and you do the work yourself.
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Not to take anything away from the retailers. When I looked at the silica options, I dont remember there being lots of retail options... I really dont remember...?
** I WILL ADMIT: IF I HAD TO DO IT FROM START AGAIN, I WOULD ABSOLUTELY BUY FROM A REPUTABLE RETAILER AND NOT MESS WITH SELF SEASONING OR ANY OF THAT STUFF. ** SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RETAILER AND ONLINE RETAILER ABSOLUTELY **
Not to turn this thread, or hijack or anything, but supporting your local cigar shop and online retailers is very important.
** I WILL ADMIT: IF I HAD TO DO IT FROM START AGAIN, I WOULD ABSOLUTELY BUY FROM A REPUTABLE RETAILER AND NOT MESS WITH SELF SEASONING OR ANY OF THAT STUFF. ** SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL RETAILER AND ONLINE RETAILER ABSOLUTELY **
Not to turn this thread, or hijack or anything, but supporting your local cigar shop and online retailers is very important.
Simplechords
The Bearded Wonder
I've found with KL, that you just need to leave it open in the house for a day. Fresh dry litter needs to absorb a bit of moisture first, before it gets to a point of stability. After that point you will only need to lightly mist it when the rh dips ( during the summer likely no water will be needed).