Cheap alternatives to "cigar" beads?

[eber]

I originally used the floral foam and had massive fluctuations, similar to the ones stated above, then I tried the kitty litter pearls and they worked a little better however still not very consistent (took a long time to get the RH up high enough) now I have a 1 1/3 pounds in my vino and a small container in my 100ct desktop and I rarely have to ever touch them and they rock a consistent 64%-66%.

For me it was completely worth the money, I am busy enough with school and work and family stuff to have to constantly monitor my RH. just my