Help with Santiago End Table Humidor!

[ChevronRyan]

I've just purchased my first ever end table Humidor and seem to be having some problems with it. The unit itself is beautiful however the hygrometer isn't going above 66 RH and I'm trying everything. I purchased the cigar oasis XL plus humidifier along with this unit and have placed it at the very bottom and set it at 75 just to help things progress a little faster. I've wiped the inside down completely with distilled water and have a bowl of distilled water sitting on the bottom shelf.

The cigar oasis unit has a built in hygrometer which is reading 73 however the hygrometer on the top shelf I can't seem to get above 66, could the air just not be moving the way it should? I've had this setup for a day and realize the seasoning process takes longer than this but shouldn't it be higher by now?

Any suggestions or tips would be more than appreciated, I have a great deal of nice cigars so I need to get this thing working as soon as possible!

Thanks!

Ryan

 

[javajunkie]

first off, welcome to the botl! roll on through to the introductions thread and give a shout out.

second, how long you had the unit? is this after a day or two, or a month or more?

 

[StocktonJohn]

Have you put the hygrometer you are using on top next to the oasis to see how they sync up? Is it calibrated? If so, it may be just a circulation issue. I've added beads to the top shelves of my cabinet and some oust fans and that did the trick.

When you fill those drawers circulation may not be perfect, so maybe address each area as a sort of separate unit with its own humidifier and calibrated hygrometer. Then you adjust how many beads you use in each part depending on the way it's performing.

Btw, about 65-68 is where I try to keep my cabinet.

 

[pnoguy]

No, it probably shouldn't be higher than that right now. My desktops took 3-4 days each to season with pretty much the same procedure you are using right now. If it will make you feel better, give the inside another good wipe down, leave the bowl of water in it, close it up, and walk away for a week. Don't open it, don't even look at it. Also, if you haven't calibrated your hygrometers, you really don't have a clear idea of what the real RH is. Get yourself a Boveda kit or two so you know they are accurate. Failing that, you can do your own salt test, which is generally accurate to within a few percentage points if you do it right. Here's a great place to start.... http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php?t=3277

EDIT: BTW, Welcome! :welcome:

 

[StocktonJohn]

I agree with Pnoguy. Will take a week or two to really season.

 

[ChevronRyan]

Thanks so much for all of the welcoming, certainly looking forward to meeting people that have the same love for cigars as I do.

As near as I can tell it turns out the hygrometer which came with this unit is not working properly, I took the hygrometer out of my diamond crown desktop Humidor which I know works perfectly and put it in the top drawer so I can view it through the glass. As of today it is reading 71RH which is right where I would like it. I am still a little concerned as the cigar oasis hygrometer shows 74 and I don't want to over-humidify. I'm thinking that an extra couple of fans is whats needed to circulate the air making sure the level at the top of the Humidor reflects that of the bottom.

This is only day three of my having this unit, now that it's reading what I want it to is it too soon to start filling it up? I know seasoning should not be rushed but I don't see the point in waiting if it's already showing 71RH.

Thanks again for everyone's help with this!!

Ryan

 

[Clint]

I have had the same size cab, and an Oasis unit in the past...Here is my advice...

Definitely spend the extra $$$ and buy TWO additional hygrometers. The extra $25 bucks will ensure that your relative humidity levels are accurate for the life of your humi.

Place one at the bottom, one at the top.

If the top RH reads considerably lower, an Oust Fan might help.

Best of luck...PM me with any questions, and absolutely listen to any and all advice that RonC might offer you.

Best of luck!

 

[javajunkie]

nope, i would take more time. slower is always better with seasoning, especially when you are talking that much wood. unless you are in a rush to get cigars in there. $ .02

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

nope, i would take more time. slower is always better with seasoning, especially when you are talking that much wood. unless you are in a rush to get cigars in there. $ .02

:thumbsup:

....and take Clint's advise and invest in two adjustable digital hygrometers.