How long does an atomised cartridge last?

[rog]

I know it's probably akin to asking how long is a piece of string but I'm wondering, as a newbie to this vaping lark, how long I can expect to use the standard cartridges in my Riva 1100 before they stop working well.

I'm asking because I've refilled them a few times over the last week and they seem to be working less well than at first, I suspect it may be the white fluffy material inside that's getting tired but I may be wrong and it may be the cartridge itself getting clogged or something else I haven't considered.

If it is the material inside can I replace it and if so is there any vendor I can get good stuff from?

[clockworks]

The filler gets compressed, and gunked up with juice. You can wash it out, but I just replace it every few days.

You can get the filler on eBay. Search for "fluval". Make sure you get the fluval polyester, not the fluval foam. Fluval is a brand of fishtank filter, and the refills come in 2 parts - polyester and foam.

I actually prefer the "fluval compatible" stuff to the genuine article. Cheaper, too.

[VE Jason]

You can buy the fluval type filler from James@ Paradise Vape Roger.

paradisevapeuk.vstore.ca/index.php/cName/diy-accessories

Or alternatively, I have the cartridges (filled & empty) but don't do the filler on it's own.

[rog]

Thanks clockworks, I thought they may be getting 'gunked', have found the stuff on eBay tanks for the tip.

Jason thanks for the link, is the blue stuff James sells better than the fluval? I notice it's foam as opposed to polyester, does that make a difference?

I may well be back to you for carts but will have a go at refilling for now and see how I get on ... I may also end up with cartomisers but again I'll see how I get on with the standard stuff first.

[VE Jason]

I think it's down to preference Roger, but I have seen James' foam recommended several times.

[Perpetua]

I've always found Fluval or blue foam to perform and last much better than the wadding type filler that comes in carts, you don't get bits of fibre for starters on your atomiser bridge either.

Although have you thought about having a go at dripping using a Drip Tip Rog? It's much easier than carts.

[rog]

Sounds like I'd be best to get the blue stuff!

Dripping is something I guess I'm sure to try and may well do it soon, I'll need to get some drip tips

[clockworks]

I tried blue foam, but I prefer imitation fluval. I think it depends on the thickness of your juice. They are very cheap, so try both, and see which you prefer.

You can try dripping with a standard atomiser and cartridge. Just remove the filler, and pop the cart off to drip.

[rog]

Thanks clockworks, I'll give both a go.

[bluemagnum]

I use blue foam but not those little squares. With those you have to remove it, fill cart with juice then place square piece back into cart. I cut a piece as deep as the cart and taper it so it's square at the top but drops to nearly nothing at the bottom. It wicks all the juice that way and are easy to fill. Either pull foam out or place syringe needle down the side. When you only have a little piece that fits in the top, it's very hard to get it to fit properly once filled with juice. Fluval 1 it is you want, not Fluval 1Plus.
Hope this helps.
P.s., if you do decide to drip (and a lot of us do) you'll find you use a lot more juice!