Yep, i think the gels are absolutely necessary.
I put them in a paper box and use a pen to perforate the box till it looked like a bee hive. Every now and then (which is very long), i'd check on the gels and when it turns pink, It means the gells are absorbed and used.
When that happens, I'd put them in a discarded pan I kept and fry the pink beans on the stove. you'll see that the beans will turn blue. what happens is that the heat drives the moistures out from the gell and makes it new again to do its job.
Please take extra note to clean the pan before you fry and not to use the pan after frying the gell. I don't know if the gell will leave behind poisonous residue or not. Do handle with care as the beans will be hot. Allow it to cool for a short while before putting back to the air tight box.
my 2 frames worth.