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Old 06-10-2018, 03:05 PM   #1
ElkTwin
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Biofilm in active humidifier

I noticed today that the humidity in my main cabinet was taking longer than usual to climb back to normal after having the door open. I pulled the humidifier and found that the media and water pan were choked with a slimy, gelatinous mass of bio-film that had built up over a couple of years. That meant the water could not evaporate properly and led to a stagnation issue resulting in a bit of mold and some dark fungus on the walls of the unit.

Nothing a toothbrush and some bleach couldn't handle, but it could have been worse if left for longer. When the humidifier clogs it can't distribute moisture properly so you get a humid hot spot around the unit and dryer air farther away. A recipe for mold...
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Old 06-11-2018, 08:57 AM   #2
Rob G
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This is one of the reasons why the makers of Cigar Oasis started using floral foam, along with anti-fungal material, in the reservoir on the Cigar Oasis humidifiers. Without this the "gelatinous mass" that you identified can form. But it's easily rectified. You just need to keep an eye on it.
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Old 06-11-2018, 09:56 AM   #3
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From the kitty litter in the toe of a pair of panty hose perspective, if you have any problem with them, you toss it and make another.

For those who use commercial humidifiers, this is an excellent heads-up, Roger!
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Old 06-11-2018, 10:27 AM   #4
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There's no such thing as "Maintenance Free" because everything requires some attention. Now, some methods give you a pretty good time frame between service or attention. But, yes, it's always good to pull everything out and give it all the ol'eyeball and sniff test. Especially, long term, seldom opened, coolers. As stated water and bleach solves most ills.

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Old 06-15-2018, 09:40 AM   #5
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This is a good heads up for those using active systems. Seems like quarterly checks and maintenance are a good idea. In the Navy we had charts to track regular maintenance requirements. If you are a type A person, a spreadsheet would be a good idea.
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