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I did some searching and really didn't see a specific answer to this question. I think I know the answer, but I'd like someone to confirm it.

Up until this week I've only purchased single sticks and fiver's. Basically this week I'm doubling what is in my humidor. I just put 10 sticks in and another 20 will go in later this week. I'm assuming I'll see a drop in the humidity with a increase of the number of sticks in the humi. How long does it normally take for things to stabilize generally speaking? I know things vary for each situation but can I expect a week, or a month for things to get back to normal. I do put all new sticks through the freezer cycle.

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What are you using to humidify your sticks?

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Depending how moist the newly added cigars are, your humidity could actually go up. Quite a few US online vendors ship their cigars a bit on the humid side or right at 70% so that they don't dry out in transit. Usually what this means is that they are still a bit "wet" when you get them.

No real set answer for how long it will take your humidor to come up or down to your preferred humidity as there are way too many variables.

All that really matters though is how the cigars are smoking. If you like how they are smoking, then it doesn't matter if the RH is a bit different from what you are accustomed to seeing on your hygrometer.

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Thanks for the answers, that makes sense. I use HCM beads, they've been great and my RH would only flucate when I opened and closed the lid a bunch. Wasn't sure what to expect when adding a bunch of sticks, but now I have a good idea. Thanks again guys!

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Help help! What am I am I doing wrong? I went to count my sticks (136 right now) and the ones that were not in cello were very hard. The others were ok. I added some gel stuff to my humidification decvice....my hygrometers battery is dead and I need to get some more, have I screwed up? Are my sticks beyond repair?

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How long since your hygrometer worked, Mickey?

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Last week it was still reading at 68%

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Then there is no way you caused fatal harm to your cigars, Mickey.

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But they are so hard.....I went ahead and put them in some 5 finger bags hoping to fix them, its about 12 cigars....how do I rectify this? Also how do I make sure it doesn't happen again, I was horrified!

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Working hygrometer, beads, and loving care. :)

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Thanks Tom, wish me luck. I thought I was being so careful.....ugh.

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After You Get A New Battery, Be Sure To Recalibrate Your Hygrometer, Mickey. GL, Brother!:tu

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One week shouldn't hurt them at all. Not familiar with the gel stuff, Get a battery, a boveda calibration kit, and there you go.

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Thanks Greg and Sean. I will say I am smoking a RP Cameroon and its smoking nicely....paper is a bit crackes, but I working around those issues.

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I have noticed that when using a silica gel based humidification system, that both the humidor and the individual (unlit) cigars have a weaker smell than those from a humidor using distilled water/floral foam. I have transferred strong-smelling cigars from a floral-foam based humidor into one using silica gel and within a few days notice a marked decrease in pungency of wrapper aroma. I have experienced this with both Kitty Litter and made-for-purpose silica beads. Upon replacing the foam/water system in a few of my humidors, I could easily tell that the scent from the interior of the humidor was much weaker. I have heard that silica gel does absorb odours. Has anyone else experienced a decrease in cigar/humidor aroma after making the switch to silica? If so, has it negatively impacted the flavour/ quality of your cigars?
By the way, I leave the cellophane on.

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Most of the bead products absorb ammonia -- which is prevalant in new cigars. The floral foam does not absorb ammonia. I think it's best to remove the ammonia myself as it "taints" the flavor of the cigar.

Some bead products (not HCM Beads) will absorb hydrocarbons that are given off by the cigars and this is why the beads become discolored over time. This also may be a component of what you are detecting.

Just my :2

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Quick question, I've been using Boveda humidor pillows. I usually change them out every three months, with two new ones. (I have a 50 stick desktop humidor) A little while ago, my RH gauge thing fell apart. It didn't compromise the integrity of the humidor, but I have no clue what the RH is in my humidor. My question is; I've been good with my routine of two new Boveda pillows every three months, how important is the gauge? TIA

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Not that important with a consistent humidity source. As long as they are smoking good I wouldn't worry about it. I have hcm beads and no hygro in my desktop.

If it was one of the analog hygrometers that came with the desktop, chances are it wasn't terribly accurate to begin with.

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Many people don't use hygrometers; those that do usually use a digital one. You can proceed as you have been doing and you will likely be fine. If you are really worried you can pick up a good digial hygrometer pretty cheaply -- just have to look around a little bit.

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Thank you guys!