Newb Questions

[markn]

Hi all (and happy holidays!),

I got my Riva 510 in the mail today and I'm really loving it.

1. How much should I fill my cartridges? I've been dropping ~5 drops and waiting about a minute, then repeating until it won't take any more. Usually 10-15 drops total.

2. How long should this last? So far the cartridges I've fill using this method have lasted all day and I've pretty much been chain vaping.

3. Is there a shelf life on cartridges? I get that the filling won't last, but if that is replaced do the cartridges last indefinitely?. I've got some Quilter's Polyester Batting my wife used for some projects a while ago. It looks like the filling that it came with and comes in huge rolled up sheets.

4. For dripping, basically I just drip 2-3 drops of juice on the atomizer and remove the filling? I don't think I'll be doing this much, but curious how it should be done.

I tried searching for these questions, but I've only found contradictory answers or none at all. Really appreciate any help, especially since this comes up a lot I'm sure.

Thanks again!

 

[cozzicon]

Hi all (and happy holidays!),

I got my Riva 510 in the mail today and I'm really loving it.

1. How much should I fill my cartridges? I've been dropping ~5 drops and waiting about a minute, then repeating until it won't take any more. Usually 10-15 drops total.

2. How long should this last? So far the cartridges I've fill using this method have lasted all day and I've pretty much been chain vaping.

3. Is there a shelf life on cartridges? I get that the filling won't last, but if that is replaced do the cartridges last indefinitely?. I've got some Quilter's Polyester Batting my wife used for some projects a while ago. It looks like the filling that it came with and comes in huge rolled up sheets.

4. For dripping, basically I just drip 2-3 drops of juice on the atomizer and remove the filling? I don't think I'll be doing this much, but curious how it should be done.

I tried searching for these questions, but I've only found contradictory answers or none at all. Really appreciate any help, especially since this comes up a lot I'm sure.

Thanks again!

Congrats and happy holidays!

1. You are doing it right. The top of the cartridge should look sort of "glassy" not like a "pool" of juice.

2. This depends on your vaping habit. As a formerly 3 pack or more a day smoker, I can kill a cartridge in about 12 minutes.

3. Cartridges can last indefinitely. There's a video linked in my cig on cartridge maintenance and sterilization.

4. 2 drops usually. But beware of flooding the atomizer. Better than using a cartridge- buy a drip tip.

Again- congrats and happy holidays!!

 

[dormouse]

1. Yeah as long as your stuffing will take it all from the top that will work. My PV has smaller skinnier carts so I usually have to remove the stuffing and put some in the cart, then replace stuffing and top off.

2&3? Eventually stuffing will either start to taste bad or stop wicking well. Then i chuck it and replace with blue foam. if your carts are standard 510 carts then there are cheap precut pieces for 510/901 at StrictlyEjuice.com, Flavor Shop!
I don't know if I recommend their juices (the ones I tried seemed weak eh though I hear the Konas are good if you like coffee). But they are a good for the precut foam pieces and also for a keyring juice bottle (and they sell empty bottles the same size). if you like the blue foam and are ready to cut your own, buy Marineland Rite-size U Foam Sleeve in the aquarium dept of Petsmart. I like it - it doesn't get the burnt polyfill taste like polyfill does when it's too dry, it's easier to clean and reuse, and holds its shape better.

4. most people say 2-3 to start and then 1 or 2 when needed.

 

[markn]

Thanks for the help. Also, what is the best way to clean cartridges/atomizers when switching to a different flavor of juice?

 

[Stosh]

Easy way put 3-4 drops of pure 100% 0 nic VG (wallmart glycerin) on the atty and vape it off,
for stubborn flavors, 4-5 drops vape a little and blow the atty out.

 

[Liv2Ski]

Thanks for the help. Also, what is the best way to clean cartridges/atomizers when switching to a different flavor of juice?

Take filler out of cart rinse under warm water and pinch dry w/papertowel. For attys I just blow them out really good and then change the flavor. Some flavors like Tobacco, mints, cinnamon will hold on a little longer. For those a drop some plain PG in blow it out then change flavors. Happy vapes to you.

 

[Liv2Ski]

Easy way put 3-4 drops of pure 100% 0 nic VG (wallmart glycerin) on the atty and vape it off,
for stubborn flavors, 4-5 drops vape a little and blow the atty out.

You are too quick fo me Stosh. Heres hoping for many big clouds for you in the New Year!!!!

 

[Klute]

All great responses above....

When I fill my carts, when it pools on top, I use a tooth pick to move around the filler to allow the liquid to drop a little. I have flooded my carts doing this and takes a little practice....

For cleaning and using different flavors, I use one atty for tobacco flavors and one for my fruity flavors... I blow them out, place them in Everclear for about 20 minutes, rinse, then add hot water from the tea kettle and let them site for another 20 minutes. Let them dry out, and add some PG as noted above to get any remaining flavor out. Cinnamon seems to linger around forever...

I can go through a small cart in about 15 minutes... I also use a Mega atty and Mega Cart, which holds about 60+ Drops and will last me a few hours. I love the Mega Atty for the Vapor and the Hit, but thinks it eats away on my Juice very quickly....

 

[Phreaker]

Congrats, I got a Riva on the 24th and I've been loving it! I had a 510 I already liked, but wanted a longer battery life option.

2. Wow, I wish a cart of liquid lasted me all day! I read it was about 3-5 cigarettes and that seems about right to me. One full cart lasts me around 4 hours before I get that taste, where you know it's no longer full.

4. I do 2 drops and it gives me about 7 or 8 real good hits. I use either an empty cart on the atty or a drip tip.

 

[markn]

Thanks for the help everybody. This is a little more difficult than smoking. My problem is, I still don't know what the expect so it's hard to tell if something's wrong. I'm getting it though.

Phreaker, I got mine on the 24th, too. Very pleasant surprise to have it for Christmas. I was gonna get a Joye 510, because of it's smaller size. I'm glad I went with the Riva.

I'm gonna have to try out a Mega atty and cart.

 

[WomanOfHeart]

Thanks for the help everybody. This is a little more difficult than smoking. My problem is, I still don't know what the expect so it's hard to tell if something's wrong. I'm getting it though.

Phreaker, I got mine on the 24th, too. Very pleasant surprise to have it for Christmas. I was gonna get a Joye 510, because of it's smaller size. I'm glad I went with the Riva.

I'm gonna have to try out a Mega atty and cart.

You're doing just fine from the sounds of it! We all had to go through the learning curve, so you're in excellent company. Just remember, vaping is way more personal than smoking. There's no need to rush. Just take your time, let yourself get comfortable and only do one thing at a time. The rest will all fall into place and become routine. If you have questions there is always someone here to help you. I hope you're enjoying your Riva. I know I did! Even though I now own a mod, I still use my Riva and eGo batts. They will always have a special place in my collection because they made it possible for me to do the one thing I thought I'd never be able to do....QUIT SMOKING!

 

[mlinky]

Congratulations! It sounds like you started ahead of the game. You've already gotten great advice. Welcome and ask anything that comes to mind. People around here are very helpful.

 

[markn]

Thanks everyone for the support and help!