Firstly, how often do you have to "top it off" and how do you know when to do that?
Cartomizers are metal tubes so it can be difficult for beginners to know when to top off or refill a cartomizer used solo. Usually you will get a burnt or "dry" taste when you start tasting just the filler material instead of the flavor of the e-liquid. Once the dry polyfill is burnt with no liquid to vaporize, it is ruined and must be replaced.
A carto in a cartotank however will last much longer than when used alone. Each time you take a vape, the suction will pull more liquid from the tank into the cartomizer to keep the polyfiller wet with juice. As most tanks are clear to allow you to see the level of the juice, you have a much better idea of when to refill the tank with more juice. Once the tank's juice level gets down to where the holes in the cartomizer are, it is time to refill the cartotank. Many people top off the cartomizer in the cartotank when they add more liquid to the tank.
Second, how often does the cartomizer typically last you before you have to replace it (also how much liquid do you go through a day)?
Most people probably go through at least 3-5 ml daily, but I've read of people using as much as 10ml a day. The amount consumed should not be any different from any other juice delivery device that you already use.
Cartomizers in a tank can last 1-3 weeks, if not longer. Thicker e-liquids, or darker flavors, tend to clog the polyfill faster causing a stiffer pull, decrease in vapor production, and a decrease in flavor.
Compared to the clearomizers with the wicks, do the cartotanks mute the flavor more and if they do by how much and is it enough for you to want to turn away from cartotanks?
It's actually my experience, and many of the people who prefer cartotanks, that they provide better flavor than any string-wicked delivery device. Think about the difference in surface area of the wicking material between the two types of delivery device. Which would you say can bring the most juice (flavor) to the heating coil? Two to four string wicks or an entire cartomizer full of wicking material?
It's been my experience that string wicked delivery devices such as clearomizers and clearo tanks (Vivi Nova) mute most flavors. In fact, I've stopped using clearomizers (inconsistant, leaky, muted and harsh flavor) and Vivi Nova tanks altogether.
Does your cartotank ever leak? My stardust leaks like crazy and I have to wipe it off like 3 times a day.
I have several different brands of cartotanks. None of them have ever leaked. I have up to a dozen cartotanks running at any particular time, each with their own flavor.
Also, what exactly is the filler made out of?
I can't say exactly. It is a poly filler material that is absorbant and rather densely packed, with the appearance similar to that of a cigarette filter.
Lastly, what cartotank do you use, what are the pros and cons of it, and would you recommend it to someone else?
I use mostly the pyrex tanks from IBTanked (I have seven), but also have a few DCT polypro tanks from My Vapor Store, one tank from Hoosier Vapes and Phiniac, Vaporfexion, Valley View Vapes, and High Desert Vapes.
I prefer to use pyrex tanks due to pyrex being an inert material and not imparting any "taste" to the juice that some people believe plastic tanks can. Pyrex is also safe to use with certain flavors that can crack or melt the plastic in clearomizers or plastic tanks. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND cartotanks to anyone wishing to take the time to learn how to use them.
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I've taken the time to write several articles on cartotanks, cartomizers, etc in my blogs. To access them, click on the "
6" below my avatar by the blog entries, then click the title of the article you wish to read. You likely will not find so much information in one place on cartotanks for a beginner wanting to know about tanks any where else.
If you wish to view some of my tank collection, click on the following link to view my photo gallery:
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/members/baditude-albums-pictures-my-setup.html
