Re: Eva-Dry and Goldenrod
A rod is crap. In a safe that isn't air tight (few are) it will pull cold moist air from the bottom as the heated air goes out the top. A perfect moisture loop. In a sealed safe (rare) it suspends all the moisture in the air ala rain forest. No doubt, crap, it was meant for clothes in a closet. I'll go one further, your running an electric device in your safe that could burn out, catch fire, overheat. I'll go one further, its the worst thing possible for wood stocks. You were absolutely right to throw it out, one down 10,567 to go!
As to using a desiccant, that is the ONLY way to go and it is done strictly by the numbers. Get a hygrometer and keep it within 45%-55%. Can't get it there? You need more silica. I've tended some remarkable collections of firearms, this is ALL we find in use, nary a rod anywhere. Want to keep it really simple, air condition the room and your almost there.