Hi - I am a new member here - have been lurking for a long time - This is a great place with great people.

I have been doing my homework regarding setting up a Vinotemp and understand all the basics.

But I still am not sure which electric humidification system to use + beads.

APPROX. PRICES

Hydra system+ fans -$90 + $65 for x3 fans

Oasis XL - $100
Oasis + 1-3 CPU fans connected to a timer to activate hourly

Humicare Elec. system + Fans - $80 + $32 for x3 fans

Avallo Accumonitor + x1fan + Timer - $300



It seems based on what I have read - all systems will work. But I havent come across a thread about comparing these options based on quality/effect/costs. I tend to invest in better quality items because in the long run they are better and last longer - regarding cigars - this is all about protecting the investment. But at the same time, I dont want to go too overboard. Just something I can trust to work.


Thank you all in advance for any advice.

Mark
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Electronic humidification is totally unnecessary in a 28btl Vinotemp or equivalent. I have been using 1lb of Heartfelt 65% beads in two bags(one at top and one bottom) for the past 2 years. I have two Oust fans but got tired of changing batteries so I do without. Never had an issue with Rh using beads. :-)
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In my opinion...if you just got enough beads you would achieve your desired RH and save all the money that an active humidification devices would cost.

Is there a specific reason you want to do both? Also, how big a vinotemp are you looking at?

P.S. Welcome to the forums :-)
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unless it is a big humidor, an active system isn't really necessary, as bobarian mentioned.

I have a 35 ct unit and a pound and a half of kitty litter and the thing holds very well. I don't even have the fans running because the humidity readings at each sensor are showing well
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Thanks for the replies.

Right now, I am thinking a 18-28 bottle unit.


So perhaps figuring out a way for CPU fan + timer set up + 2lb of beads will work well enough....

I saw many other people were using active humidification systems so I assumed there was a major benefit doing so in addition to the beads...

I do want to use the oust fan because of the battery issue and I would like to find the best way to incorporate a fan + timer system...
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Agree with the rest. Have 2 28 bottle ones full to the gills. Been running them 2 years with 1.5 pounds of beads and no fans. No issues at all. It is in the basement where the temp is pretty constant at 65 so I don't even have them plugged in.
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Go with the 28, it's the largest you can get while having the thermoeletric system.

Also, I wouldn't worry too much about fans. I calculated it would take a little under 1.5lbs of heartfelt beads for a 28 count cooler, so I got 1.5 lbs. I'll put a half a pound at the bottom, middle, and top of the cooler and I'm sure that will be plenty of stability without needing fans. Other people might disagree, but that's just my :-) :-)
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A fan is also not necessary. Rh will be stable in such a small space, it all balances in the long run. I dont use fans any more in either of my 28btl Vino's.
You can run the fan wires down through the drainhole in the back to a timer.
A few ppl have mounted CPU fans in empty cigar cab's.
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Wise man says wise things.
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Only one I have tried on your list is Oasis and it was junk that now lives in a landfill somewhere.:-)

I have a 28 bottle with 2# of Shilala Beads (you can buy them right here in the Nuthouse) and could not be much happier.:-):-)
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