i've had gross molds/slimey bacteria in the past too, which is why i went with the store-bought one, increased the air flow and acquired a larger chamber than the tiny one i was using.
and again, i intalled the humidifier because i was experiencing severe case hardenning in the first place... it's weird that it would work this way.
- no humidifier for 3 weeks = case hardening and mushy interior
mild humidifier for 3 weeks = case hardening with mushy interior
stronger humidifier for 3 weeks = case hardening and mushy interior
stronger humidifier for 6 weeks = case hardening and mushy interior
stronger humidifier for 6 weeks and then no humidifier for 1.5 weeks = case hardened, but interior much firmer...
stronger humidifier for 6 weeks and then no humidifier for 3 weeks = ? will tell ya on the 19th!