Don't over think this. . . it's all about getting the Spanish Cedar moist to about 70% RH before storing cigars. Straight distilled water can bring the humidity up as high as 80 or 90% given enough time. Beads are really good. There are some GREAT humidification devices on the market now. I like the gel (globs or nuggets) sold inside a little jar (about an inch tall by 2-inches in diameter +/-). When the gel nuggets get dry & shrink, just add distilled water. We live in the desert (always very dry here). I also keep a sauce cup with Propylene Glycol & 50% distilled water in addition to the gel/beads. I like to see the water/liquid level. . . so, when it gets low, I just add distilled water. Been working good for over 8 years now.
I've seasoned numerous humidors for friends. It only takes a couple days. I use a very fine spray bottle with distilled water. Leave a dish of water or soaked wet sponge on a dish too. It's ok to wet the Spanish Cedar! It soaks right into the wood. . . and, that's a good thing. Never use tap water. Never use 'drinking' water. They have minerals. Distilled water has no minerals. Therefore, no residue.
More good advice:
Use a good quality digital hydrometer to measure your RH. Analog hydrometers (with a needle & dial) need to be calibrated from time to time. . . another science project in itself!
An empty humidor (with lots of open space) is difficult to control. A full humidor has less air/space to re-humidify after opening to select or inspect your cigars.
Tip:
I like to spritz the lid with a quick (fine) spray of distilled water to re-humidify the box. The moment you open the humidor, the RH releases into the room air. Room air is usually around 20 to 40% RH. The reason I (occasionally) spritz is because the beads and/or Propylene Glycol solutions work very hard (and takes hours) to bring the humidity back up to the desired 68 to 70%. However, beads and/or PG will absorb moisture much faster with the "over moist" lid. The spritzing will spike the humidity to around 80% then the beads/PG, Spanish Cedar and dry room-air will contribute to a quick drop to the desired 68 to 70% RH.
Disclaimer:
I'm not a chemist nor scientist. Just sharing my years of experience. It's a constant 'science experiment'. My cigars are consistently and properly humidified. .. . ready to smoke.
Next time we'll discuss temperature! The challenge is to keep your humidor in the ideal temperatures around the 70 degree area. Over 75 degrees enables tobacco beadles to hatch!
Carry on!