Please help me buy my first carto tank on a budget...

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erikbal

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Oct 31, 2013
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Hey guys. With all the good things I've read about cartos as far as flavor and vapor I would like to get my feet wet and give them a try. I am on a very tight budget and have VERY limited knowledge of carto tanks, so please be easy on me. I have no idea what or where to order from. I would like a tank that's at least 3ml, and would like a pre punched carto so I have to do the least amount of work with it to start out. I prefer anywhere between 1.8-2.2ohm and like to stick in that range. Can anyone post some links and recommendations on EXACTLY what I need to order to start out? I don't mind plastic tanks, I don't currently vape any tank crackers and I imagine that would help keep the cost down. I have skimmed through Bad's blogs some as well. From what I understand I need a tank and then buy the cartos separately correct? Is there anything you can recommend that comes with a tank and a carto that just needs to be primed and filled, yet has a replaceable carto? Sorry if I am not using the terminology correctly or anything. Again I have used nothing but clearos for the 3 months I've been vaping but would like to try a cartotank because I would like more vapor and more flavor, but mostly more vapor. Any help is appreciated, thanks a lot!

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Papa_Lazarou

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If you read Bad's blog on tanks then you probably saw him mention a vendor called IBTanked. They are pretty much the reigning champion of carto tanks here on ECF.

Here's a link to their site:

IBTanked - Get Tanked With Us!

They sell quality tank parts (caps, tank bodies, drip tips) as well as cartos for use in the tanks. You'll see from their site that you have options in terms of tank size (height, width, volume) and carto types (length to fit the tank, resistance).

As with most (all?) carto tanks, you just prime (fill) the carto, install it inside the tank, fill the tank, vape your face off, swap out an old carto when the taste is just not doing it for you anymore. They are pretty easy and many say they give the best non-rebuildable flavour.
 

erikbal

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Thanks. I went to complete tanks and see they offer different sizes. I think I'd go with the standard 22mm. What is the difference between halfling cartos and regular and xl's? 2 holes or 1 hole? I really don't know much about this. I vapes 50/50 if that makes a difference. Here's what I was looking at... http://www.ibtanked.com/complete-tanks/pbproduct/22mmcartomizertank
What is an ibtipsy and do I need it?
Are there any other cheaper ways to start? Some kind of cartotank that comes preassembled? I've heard great things things about the ibtanked tanks. I'm just a little hesitant to spend $30 just to try something. If I have to I will. I'm just not sure when I'll have the spare cash and if I could find something for like $15 I'd be able to get it sooner then possibly upgrade down the road once I get a feel for it and figure out that I like it. I want to make sure whatever I order has everything that I'll need. I'd hate to order something and be missing a certain piece and not be able to use it. Thanks again, and please be patient with me!


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erikbal

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Ok I read though the FAQ on IBTankeds page. So if I get a 22mm standard tank then I obviously need a standard carto. I see what the ibtipsy is as well and I think I'd pass on that and get just a standard drip tip for now, as my budget is pretty tight. I think I know what I'd need to order. A standard 22mm tank, a standard 2 hole 2.0 ohm carto, whichever color caps I want and a standard drip tip/tool. Looks like my total would be $29 plus shipping obviously. I assume it would probably be a good idea to get some extra cartos as well. Can anyone recommend a place to get a 5 pack of 2 ohm prepunched cartos for the best price? I will start book marking sites and such so when it's time to order I'll have everything all ready. Thanks again

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Pocha

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This is what I started with when I got into cartotanks:

SMOKTech Pyrex DCTank Glass DCTank

$11 will get you an aluminum sleeved pyrex tank with permanently assembled end caps, a dual coil cartomizer (not the best, in my opinion but defintiely OK to start with and get the hang of carto tanks) and a drip-tip. Can't beat the price for a "starter" tank. They also come in a 5ml tank size.

As much as I love my IBTanked, I think this is a more newbie-friendly set up for someone who isn't sure they're going to stick with carto tanks or doesn't want to spend quite as much to start out. I have several of these, large and small size in my rotation along with my IBTankeds and they have held up really well...no complaints, no leaking, no O-ring issues.

Good luck.
 

Papa_Lazarou

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This is what I started with when I got into cartotanks:

SMOKTech Pyrex DCTank Glass DCTank

$11 will get you an aluminum sleeved pyrex tank with permanently assembled end caps, a dual coil cartomizer (not the best, in my opinion but defintiely OK to start with and get the hang of carto tanks) and a drip-tip. Can't beat the price for a "starter" tank. They also come in a 5ml tank size.

As much as I love my IBTanked, I think this is a more newbie-friendly set up for someone who isn't sure they're going to stick with carto tanks or doesn't want to spend quite as much to start out. I have several of these, large and small size in my rotation along with my IBTankeds and they have held up really well...no complaints, no leaking, no O-ring issues.

Good luck.

Yes, yes - that DCT is a good option, too. Forgot I had one some time ago. The locking base ensured no tank slippage. The only issue I had with it was the cartos themselves - kept getting a resistance fail on my pv's - a swapping out a good single coil carto should work just fine.
 

mobocracy

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Oct 21, 2013
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I must say I've had great luck with even the cheapest Smoktech DCT tanks (without the lock ring). I've added a couple of UDCTs with the locking ring and will probably stick with them just to avoid a potential slippage issue and leaking, but with a little care I've been toting a plain DCT in the car for over month and light pocket duty in my vest without any issues.

I even like the DCT single hole cartos -- I'm on two weeks with the same carto with about 6 ml of 100% VG Johnson Creek Vanda and only now am I thinking I might swap it out because the draw is getting a little tighter than I want.

IMHO, if you're just checking it out, the vape itself isn't going to be a whole lot better with a more expensive tank; the carto and battery largely determine the vape on a tank. Pyrex glass and better rings will give you more durability, but that's not necessary if you're just experimenting. I'd also worry as much about trashing the threads on a battery if I dropped a tank on a battery as the 510 connection is a weak spot, and I could see stripping the threads or bending the battery post with the right fall.

One thing you WILL want to get though is a tank tool like the "Slap Yo Momma" tool from Big Daddy Vapor. It makes carto insertion/replacement and filling much easier. The name is silly but it's remarkably useful. If it's a one off trial purchase maybe you don't need one, but if you want to keep from trashing your o-rings on the sharp edges of a carto or expect to refill much, it's worth it.
 

sss1911

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Ok I read though the FAQ on IBTankeds page. So if I get a 22mm standard tank then I obviously need a standard carto. I see what the ibtipsy is as well and I think I'd pass on that and get just a standard drip tip for now, as my budget is pretty tight. I think I know what I'd need to order. A standard 22mm tank, a standard 2 hole 2.0 ohm carto, whichever color caps I want and a standard drip tip/tool. Looks like my total would be $29 plus shipping obviously. I assume it would probably be a good idea to get some extra cartos as well. Can anyone recommend a place to get a 5 pack of 2 ohm prepunched cartos for the best price? I will start book marking sites and such so when it's time to order I'll have everything all ready. Thanks again

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For cartos to just try out. Your best option is to just order a five pack along with your ibtanked. If you ordered them cheaper from another site the additional shipping will just cost you more.
 

NicoHolic

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For cartos to just try out. Your best option is to just order a five pack along with your ibtanked. If you ordered them cheaper from another site the additional shipping will just cost you more.

Or you could order a couple of five packs from SureVapes.com and get free shipping on $10 or more. :)
 

baseballmom

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This is what I started with when I got into cartotanks:

SMOKTech Pyrex DCTank Glass DCTank

$11 will get you an aluminum sleeved pyrex tank with permanently assembled end caps, a dual coil cartomizer (not the best, in my opinion but defintiely OK to start with and get the hang of carto tanks) and a drip-tip. Can't beat the price for a "starter" tank. They also come in a 5ml tank size.



As much as I love my IBTanked, I think this is a more newbie-friendly set up for someone who isn't sure they're going to stick with carto tanks or doesn't want to spend quite as much to start out. I have several of these, large and small size in my rotation along with my IBTankeds and they have held up really well...no complaints, no leaking, no O-ring issues.

Good luck.

Thanks for the great rec. here! I want to try but don't want to put out too much $ initially, and then if I like this, I can upgrade to the IBtanked ones. This is a great idea-thanks so much
 

daleron

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    These may not be as large as you want but they are very nice, carto come's installed, no caps to fool with and if you don't mind Red they are on sale.
    This was my first & only carto/tank and I really like them ... very easy for a beginner like me. You might want to get a DCT Filler or syringe also and extra carto's of course :)

    http://www.madvapes.com/slim-pyrex-dct.html
     

    Huckleberried

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    Thanks for your post Erik. I've been wanting to do exactly the same, but the budget ain't so friendly right now. I'm so tired of fiddling with coils and junk right now. I've been building, successfully, but it's getting aggravating, too.

    I'm just wondering if cartos are any cheaper in the long haul?

    I'm new, I'm frustrated. I don't wanna smoke, though.
     
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