The Most Simple Help I Can Ask For...

[SuspenCe]

I started hookah about 2 years ago and I'm slowly learning with out any help.

Can some one explain to me from start to end on how to set up a basic hookah, I know the basics, but I need a review.

Some times I don't put the shiny side down, sometimes I put too many coals and I don't know how to judge it, sometimes the holes are too big etc etc...

And could some one answer these few questions for me?

Whats the benefits of having the shiny side down?
How big should the holes be?
How many coals should I put on at a time with out it being harsh?
Can I ever put too much water in the base?
What is " Tangiers "
What side for quick lights should go face down on the tinfoil?
If I put the bowl on top of the hookah, shisha loaded, tinfoil and ready to go... if the gasket is in, but the bowl wont go down all the way, will I lose air/suction/etc?
Is hookah worse than ciggs/swishers?

I know, newb questions but we all have to learn some way.
Any feedback is appreciated muchh!

[Tom1]

I started hookah about 2 years ago and I'm slowly learning with out any help.

Can some one explain to me from start to end on how to set up a basic hookah, I know the basics, but I need a review.

Some times I don't put the shiny side down, sometimes I put too many coals and I don't know how to judge it, sometimes the holes are too big etc etc...

And could some one answer these few questions for me?

Whats the benefits of having the shiny side down?
How big should the holes be?
How many coals should I put on at a time with out it being harsh?
Can I ever put too much water in the base?
What is " Tangiers "
What side for quick lights should go face down on the tinfoil?
If I put the bowl on top of the hookah, shisha loaded, tinfoil and ready to go... if the gasket is in, but the bowl wont go down all the way, will I lose air/suction/etc?
Is hookah worse than ciggs/swishers/

I know, newb questions but we all have to learn some way.
Any feedback is appreciated muchh!

Answered in order, also get rid of where I highlighted red.

Shiny side down is supposed to retain heat better in the bowl.
I use small holes, either a sewing needle or a toothpick.
Depends on the tobacco/bowl/how its packed/type of coals
yes you can, should try to submerge 1 inch of the stem.
Tangiers is a brand of tobacco.
lay it so the disc stays flat, the side with the circular ridge going around it.
blow out lightly to see if its leaking, if not then you should be fine.
We would like to think otherwise. Edited September 15, 2008 by Tom16689

[Codename067]

And could some one answer these few questions for me?

Whats the benefits of having the shiny side down?
Well, shiny side reflects heat away from the bowl, so shiny side always down

How big should the holes be?
I personally do mine as big as the tip of the toothpick.

How many coals should I put on at a time with out it being harsh?
This depends on the bowl/tobacco you are smoking from. Bigger bowls and some tobacco brands require more heat to keep them going.

Can I ever put too much water in the base?
Of course. Always make sure that the down stem is no more than 1 inch in the water. Too much water will make the drags harder.

What is " Tangiers "
Tangiers is a company that makes grade A shisha for hookah. They are also popular for coming up with the Phunnel Bowl.

What side for quick lights should go face down on the tinfoil?
This is about personal preference. I dont use quicklites so I couldn't tell you.

If I put the bowl on top of the hookah, shisha loaded, tinfoil and ready to go... if the gasket is in, but the bowl wont go down all the way, will I lose air/suction/etc?
You will definitely have a problem air coming through. I personally use paper towel to make my grommet for the bowl.

Is hookah worse than ciggs/swishers?
This is very debatable. The media likes to push the fact that Hookah is worse that cigs. I personally believe otherwise.

I know, newb questions but we all have to learn some way.
Any feedback is appreciated muchh!

Everything takes time and experience

[modisess]

How big should the holes be?
How many coals should I put on at a time with out it being harsh?
Can I ever put too much water in the base?
What side for quick lights should go face down on the tinfoil?

Ill only asnwer the ones that i can. which are those ^

Well, i usually poke holes using a toothpick, so probably that's the hole size you would want. But sometime i also use a staple, just bend one end of it and poke as much holes as i can all over the foil.

Well if you're using quicklites then make it 3, but 2 would be sufficient enough.

Yes, you can put too much water in the base. If you notice that the pull is alot harder, then it could be either a packing problem, or you have too much water in your base.

For quicklites, dome shape should be on top and the flat surface at the bottom.

[Codename067]

Thank you for the responses.

What is a Phunnel bowl? What are the benefits of it?
I've been doing the coals the wrong way too haha... Well, now I know.

Thank you guys again.

The Phunnel bowl allows the tobacco to sit in and collect and keep all the juices and molasses in the bowl, allowing for longer session, more taste, and thicker clouds.

[Codename067]

Where can I buy one?
Anything to look out for?

Thank you for not getting annoyed, I just rather find out the first time around rather then have regrets in the end.

Can be found at:

Thehookah.com
hookahcompany.com

[Apets22]

No hookah is not nearly as bad for you as cigarettes

Because of the coal and foil the tobacco never gets hot enough to produce the carcinogens found in cigarettes. A good amount of the tar is filtered out through the water as well.

Its still not good for you but its better for you then cigs.

Source: http://www.harmreductionjournal.com/content/5/1/19 Edited September 15, 2008 by Apets22