[Bill86]

I would remove the plastic from the boxes personally, if only for ease of access, however from what I gather it doesn't matter. I'm sure someone else can confirm this.

The Coleman Xtreme's are quite popular. If you got a pound of beads I would recommend going right around ~90-100 quarts. I used 2 pounds in my 120 and it held 64-65 rock solid. Not sure how less beads would have done but I dunno, I'd rather have more than not enough.

Many people like the 70 quarts because they aren't overly large and easier to move.

I would recommend scrubbing it out with baking soda and hot water to get the plastic smell out if there is one. Even if there isn't may as well do it anyways.

After that really just toss the boxes in with the required amount of beads and that's about it. A digital hygro would help.