Just another plug for cotton here 
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Tried silica, IMO doesn't wick well. Tried SS mesh and cable, wick well but the flavor is bleh. Cotton wicks well, holds juice well (for drippers), and has great flavor. Tried it a couple of times when I first got into micros, haven't gone back. That's been well over 3 months now.
For an easy cotton experience, head to CVS (or your local pharmacy) and pick up this stuff called 'Rolled, sterile cotton.' Because its sterile, you don't need to boil. No cotton-y flavor (because there's no chemicals and sizing on it), its sterile, and it couldn't be easier to work with. It's one long roll of the stuff and you can just pull a bit out of the box when you need it! I bought a box for $5 about 3 months ago. I'm not even close to a 1/4 way through it.
My two cents.
. Tried silica, IMO doesn't wick well. Tried SS mesh and cable, wick well but the flavor is bleh. Cotton wicks well, holds juice well (for drippers), and has great flavor. Tried it a couple of times when I first got into micros, haven't gone back. That's been well over 3 months now.
For an easy cotton experience, head to CVS (or your local pharmacy) and pick up this stuff called 'Rolled, sterile cotton.' Because its sterile, you don't need to boil. No cotton-y flavor (because there's no chemicals and sizing on it), its sterile, and it couldn't be easier to work with. It's one long roll of the stuff and you can just pull a bit out of the box when you need it! I bought a box for $5 about 3 months ago. I'm not even close to a 1/4 way through it.
My two cents
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