Beads are turning red

[Tony12]

Anyone ever seen beads turn red? I am assuming that it is a bacteria. I used a humidificaton solution in hopes I wouldn't have to add water once a week to keep up the RH. Guess I was wrong, and probably the reason for the bead color change. What should I do? Toss the beads?

Anthony

[CBL]

I think humidification solutions kill the absorbing qualities of the beads and should only be used on oasis. Not sure if the beads are still useable, but I'm afraid you're gonna have to replace them.

[hoyopr]

Toss them, get new ones and only use distilled water.

[Fuzz AI]

Definitely get new bead. Re your statement about not wanting to add water once a week, if you're needing to top up every week to keep the RH up, you may want to check the seals on your humi. You shouldn't need to top up so often in a sealed system.

[thechenman]

Beads should only be hydrated with distilled water. Using tap water, bottled water or propylene glycol will only cause the beads to get clogged up and lose their effectiveness over time. Get new beads and go the distilled water route.

[daboose]

Anyone ever seen beads turn red? I am assuming that it is a bacteria. I used a humidificaton solution in hopes I wouldn't have to add water once a week to keep up the RH. Guess I was wrong, and probably the reason for the bead color change. What should I do? Toss the beads?

Anthony

I've asked a similar question to Dave at HeartFelt and he responded :

"What is happening is the beads are absorbing the gases that the cigars give off as they age. This does not affect the beads performance just changes their color."

I've had mine for a while. They are light brown in color. Working just fine. (I don't use humidification solution.)