Unexpected mystery problems (Protank? Juice?) Warning: TL;DR

[Enoch777]

Hey everyone,

I've been vaping since December, but had a bad experience with my first starter kit (eGO-T ). About 3 months ago I got the urge to get back into it. I literally started crunching vape tips, setups, juices, maintenance, and everything under the sun like cramming for some massive exam. I did all this because I had experienced that perfect vape. I knew what a wonderful and incredibly joyful experience a good vape was like. I wanted more.

By this time I had long realized I was lucky in my first purchase in that I had an eGO battery. I knew I had plenty of options. I'd heard some amazing stuff about XL Dual-Coil Cartos, so I grabbed a few off MadVapes and some juice from a trusted vendor. Result? Decent vapor, and semi-decent flavor, in a setup that had no leaking issues period. But I knew I could do better. It just didn't meet my expectations quite yet.So I started learning more, found GrimmGreen on YT, thoroughly enjoyed finding out about all the latest and greatest. Unfortunately we all have a budget and mine was pretty slim at the time so I put my money down on what I'd figure would be my best purchase for better flavor/performance. The Protank 1 from Sun-Vapers (And some assorted juices from a trusted vendor). I also got the 1.8Ω heads since I knew the stock 2.5s wouldn't cut it on my eGO.

Result? AMAZING

After my juices had steeped for a week I couldn't have been happier. I was getting everything I wanted just about from my vape experience. The last 5ml of Butter Cream Mint I vaped during that period was like the smoothest, most delicious cigar in the world (without the burning smoke! he he).

Anyway yea, I ran out of juice because of budget and lack of foresight. But by this point I'd already planned and budgeted my next purchase, bigger and better! As soon as payroll came along I went out and ordered

1. SmokTech SID
2. 2-Pack Panasonic CGR18650GH 2250 mAH
3. Big *** bottle of the best of 5 flavors I tried from Virgin Vapor

The wait was excruciating, I had to switch to analogs because I literally had nothing to vape... however I should point out I'm only about a 2-3 cig a day kind of person, reserved mainly for after meals. But to the point, I got all the sweet loot, put it together... vaped the juice @ 9 Watts and..........
It was really crummy and instantly reminded me of the flavorless eGO-T "Tanks." Great vapor. Horrible taste.
Immediately I checked for flooding, nadda. Then I reseated the base. No go. Next I opened the head up to check out the coil, it was new and good looking with a generously wicked wick. Completely clear colored, the juice I'm vaping is crystal clear like water.

I tried 8 watts, 7 watts, 6 watts, 15 watts. Still the same. I switched to voltage and tried 3.6v to 5.2 volts, litterally, every setting in between those ranges. Still the same.
So I tried switching out a brand new 1.8Ω head with none of the flavor wicks removed (I normally remove one wick, just for better flow). Still nothing

While fiddling with my mods I tried a trick I used before using the Protank, by letting it wick by sitting vertical and then vaping with the .... of my mod up in the air, and woah, FLAVOR TOWN . Maybe not as good as what I had experienced before, but getting there. I know this juice really needs to steep for a while and that's part of the problem, but it remains a fact that whether leaky or not leaky, if I vape at this odd angle I generally get a warmer, more flavorful vape.
When I vape like normal I taste nothing but cool vapor and bitter all around. I know that's not what this juice tastes like, I vaped 1/2 ounce just 2-3 weeks ago and it was HEAVENLY.

So yea, anyway, that's my story. I guess this post serves as my "Hello ECF" as well! Right now I'm feeling pretty bummed that I have to wait ANOTHER 2-3 weeks to POSSIBLY get the experience I want. I know, I Know. I should buy my juices ahead of time so they can steep... but I didn't have to the first time (only steeped 2 days and it was amazing). Who knows, maybe I just got a really bad batch?? But I can't get the little voice in the back of my head to stop shouting "Then why did it sometimes taste amazing, and sometimes horrible?"

My plan right now is to:

• Order more juices that can be combined for additional flavors
• Buy an Igo-L, 100ft 28GA Kanthal, a small bit of silica wick, and some organic cotton yarn
• Possibly buy a Protank 2

I'm confident it will remedy the situation but I'm still extremely peeved my Protank 1 is acting like such tripe when it was performing top-notch before. Another strange thing I noticed, while inspecting my tank closely I noticed little "scratches" or what I thought to be scratches but careful observation I discovered there were TONS of tiny bits of silica wick stuck to the INSIDE of my Protank. Washing in warm water for 30 minutes does nothing to remove them, either. I'm assuming they're from the fickle "flavor wicks" resting freely above the coil. Has anybody else noticed this? If not, you might wanna take a close look. Just saying.

If anyone has tips, advice, recommendations, I'm all ears (Or is it eyes? ) but I just thought I'd share my story and see what more experienced vapers have to say. I apologize for the LONG *** THREAD, but I either explain everything in gory detail or I don't bother doing it at all. Thanks for everyone who reads/responds!

Keep Calm and Vape On!

TL;DR My protank was performing amazing, then started SUCKING. Horrible, horrible flavor production but still amazing amounts of vapor. Tiny bits of silica stuck to the inside of the tank. I tried switching heads (even a new one) and nothing has changed but sometimes especially when vaped at an angle the flavor will suddenly decide to come back. The rest of the time, it's bitter as hell. Bitter town, all around.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Hello,
I have heard that taking the silica out and replacing with cotton does wonders to improve the flavor. google the how to, and I am sure you will find something. I have not tried these types of tanks. Hopefully another member will join in with more info.

 

[MitchMitchell]

are those silca bits or is it adhesive bits? My protank 1 adhesive was broken down by cinnamon juice and bits were floating around in the tank. The juice also got layers I suspect it was some reaction with the adhesive.

 

[Coastal Cowboy]

TL; DNR.

Describe the flavor you're getting. Is it burnt tasting or just "bad?"

I haven't seen the floating silica fiber issue you mentioned. I've also never had a problem with the flavor wicks disintegrating in the manner that would let the fibers be deposited like you describe. As long as I don't fool with them a lot, they hold up just like they did when delivered. The original PT is harder to clean than the PT2, which disassembles into component parts and allows for more thorough cleaning. I would be more suspicious of the liquid that went into the tank than the hardware, especially if you hadn't seen these deposits before.

It is really not a good idea to remove flavor wicks, and if I ever meet Phil Busardo, he's gonna get the what for from me for ever recommending it. Those things are there for a reason, and they are the Protank's best defense against wicking and leaking problems.

FWIW, I'm not a fan of liquid vendors who advertise that their products are "organic," or "100% natural." That kind of advertising is misleading at best; dangerous at worst. I don't want anything in my liquids that are not up to the USP standard, and there's no way that an organic or 100% natural liquid or flavoring meets that standard. No. Way.

The only exceptions to my rule regarding USP standards are vendors making WTA and NET liquids. Those are different and I use them for experimental purposes only.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Update. did a little checking and found that Butchers Twine is a great alternative to silica. google it....can find it in Wal-Mart and target. And of course, it is food grade........

 

[Enoch777]

TL; DNR.
Describe the flavor you're getting. Is it burnt tasting or just "bad?"

Don't blame ya, haha. The flavor is just... bland.... bland as in very little/no taste. Not entirely true I suppose, because there is a very light but highly consistent bitterness on the exhale.

As far as juice, I'm starting to think maybe I did get a bad batch. I've had a good batch and the two ARE NOT THE SAME AT ALL. To each their own though. I've tried a half dozen flavors from Virgin Vapor and have been entirely impressed with the deliciousness and quality. I also buy from them because I can't vape anything other than 100% VG or VG mixed with distilled water.

PG causes me to develop dry, itchy rashes. Unfortunately that means the majority of juice vendors are out of the question for me. I'm sure you can see from my point of view why I prefer to order from VV.

are those silca bits or is it adhesive bits? My protank 1 adhesive was broken down by cinnamon juice and bits were floating around in the tank. The juice also got layers I suspect it was some reaction with the adhesive.

Definitely not mate. I knew the original Protank 1s had that design error before I ordered mine, and I got mine directly from Sun-Vapers with the updated (Glue Free!) model.

And thanks Sugar&Spice, I'm definitely going to pick some up as soon as I manage to order some Kanthal!

As of now I'm pretty resigned on just waiting and ordering a RDA, juice, and a Protank-2. I wish I had another atty to vape the juice on so I could compare flavor but my only other thing is a Dual Coil filled with Coconut Breeze and it's damn near dead anyway.

 

[Coastal Cowboy]

Don't blame ya, haha. The flavor is just... bland.... bland as in very little/no taste. Not entirely true I suppose, because there is a very light but highly consistent bitterness on the exhale.

As far as juice, I'm starting to think maybe I did get a bad batch. I've had a good batch and the two ARE NOT THE SAME AT ALL. To each their own though. I've tried a half dozen flavors from Virgin Vapor and have been entirely impressed with the deliciousness and quality. I also buy from them because I can't vape anything other than 100% VG or VG mixed with distilled water.

Ok, then. Let me recommend Johnson Creek's Red Oak Line of liquids. They are PG free, using only VG and distilled water.

Their quality control standards have allowed them to achieve ISO:9000 certification. Every bottle ordered comes in amber glass, shrink wrapped, with a dripper cap and an empty, 5ml plastic bottle. Every bottle is stamped with a lot number. They only use USP grade ingredients.

Shipping is 2-3 days anywhere in CONUS, provided you order in the morning.

They are pricey, but that kind of QC and service is worth a premium.

I have 13 BCC's, including two PT systems and a competitor called the X10. Those systems perform like beasts.

I should say that I have had leaking, gurgling and flavor issues with my BCC's, but every one of those problems was of my own making. I removed flavor wicks. I rebuilt coils using the wrong gage wire and wrong diameter wick. I put the coils on a VV battery and fired them way too high for the resistance level of the coil. Once you understand how the BCC systems work, they really are flavor and vapor beasts.

 

[djsvapour]

100 ft of Kanthal. ROFL.

I buy mine in 1m portions.

Protanks are good, most people like them, some a LOT.

I'm not a fan of the iGo-L. It's become a kind of mythical "must have". I gave mine away in return for some Karma.

I'm thinking about an iGo-W, seems more logical for me.

 

[Enoch777]

Ok, then. Let me recommend Johnson Creek's Red Oak Line of liquids. They are PG free, using only VG and distilled water.

Cool, I was only aware of a few vendors who sold 100% VG and I wasn't too impressed with the flavor lists. I'll check them out and probably order a bottle. Any flavors from them you'd recommend?

I rebuilt coils using the wrong gage wire and wrong diameter wick. I put the coils on a VV battery and fired them way too high for the resistance level of the coil. Once you understand how the BCC systems work, they really are flavor and vapor beasts.

Ya totally, as stated my Protank was performing flawlessly in terms of flavor and vapor production. Somewhere along the lines I messed it up and can't seem to get it back. Then again, could just be the juice. I hate not having anything to compare it to so I can narrow down problems easier, but that's something I plan on remedying ASAP.

I definitely plan on rebuilding BCC heads, what GA wire and MM wick do you recommend? I was thinking 30GA @ 4-5 wraps for (hopefully) somewhere around 1.4-2.0 Ohms and a hefty 3mm wick, but that is in no way based on experience. I'm definitely aiming for taste here and would VERY MUCH APPRECIATE avoiding further headaches.

@dj Too much? LOL. Can't blame a fella for being fiscal! Can't say I know anything at all what people are saying about the Igo-L... I just saw a few reviews and made the decision on it as my first RDA.

 

[fccwpe]

I have had issues with the Protanks producing a metallic taste and sort of tasting bland at times as well.

I have switched over to evods and when it seems bland I do one of three things:

Replace the head (I use cotton as the flavor wick and a standard 1.8 Ohm coil).

Cover one of the air intake holes with a piece of tape. It seems that the more airy the draw, the less flavor I perceive to taste.

Switch flavors. Sometimes my taste buds become "bored" with a flavor for whatever reason.

 

[Enoch777]

Hmm, interesting. Do you use Protank 1 or 2? I really love how it performs aside from being a bit of a juice monster but if others are experiencing their juice turning bland in the Protank then it only solidifies my thoughts on rebuilding the coil with cotton wick.

Or maybe I just need to get into carto tanks haha. At any rate I'll be taking your advice, I'm gonna chock this one up to my own ignorance and move forward with new system and new juice.

Thanks for replies everyone!

UPDATE: I found *part* of the problem here... whilst washing out my Protank apparently I was careless and the flavor wicks went down the drain.

Put another head on that has flavor wicks installed and instant improvement to flavor. (less bitter)
I think this was due to flooding the coil and being clueless.
Still tastes really bland though compared to my previous bottle, but hey, I think fccwpe is spot on the money and I've probably gotten sick of the taste.

Wow... talk about a derp

DOUBLE UPDATE: After contacting Customer Support, I was quite surprised to learn that the first bottle I ordered was aged.... 8 months!!! How crazy is that?? Fine wine, my friends. Fine wine.