What Is a Vape Tank?
A vape tank is the central part of your setup that holds e-juice and coil. It sits on top of your vape device and connects through a 510 thread, which is the standard fitting used across most brands.
Inside, you’ll find a small system of glass, seals, and airflow that all work together to deliver flavour and vapour consistently. In simple terms, no tank means no vape. From compact designs aimed at ex-smokers to large sub-ohm tanks built for clouds, this is the piece that shapes your overall vaping experience.
What are the Main Elements of Vape Tanks?
A vape tank is made up of several parts. From the tip you inhale through to the base that connects with your device, each piece has its own function. Let’s go through them one by one:
- Drip Tip (Mouthpiece): This is the part you place on your lips when you inhale. Drip tips come in different shapes and materials. A narrow tip is usually found on MTL (mouth-to-lung) tanks as it gives a cigarette-like draw, and wide tips are common on sub-ohm tanks to allow more vapour and airflow.
- Top Cap: The top cap sits at the upper end of the tank and provides access for refilling. Most modern tanks use a sliding or twist-off system to make topping up easy and to prevent leaks.
- Glass Tube/Reservoir: This is the chamber that holds your e-liquid. In the UK, TPD regulations limit standard tanks to 2ml. Some tanks come with straight glass, while others offer “bubble glass” for extra capacity.
- Atomiser Head: This has your coil (the heating element) and wicking material (the liquid absorber). The coils come in different shapes and materials, like dual mesh, sub-ohm and MTL coils.
- Airflow Ring: Located at the base or top of the tank, the airflow ring lets you adjust how much air passes through when you inhale. This adjustability helps fine-tune the balance between flavour, vapour, and throat hit.
- 510 Connection: The base of the tank has a threaded 510 connection, the universal fitting used by most vape devices. It ensures your tank can be screwed onto different mods or batteries.
How Many Types of Vape Tanks Are There?
Here is the list of popular vape tanks:
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) Tanks
MTL tanks are designed to replicate the familiar feel of smoking a cigarette. They usually use coils with a resistance of 1.0Ω or higher, which creates a tighter, more restricted draw. This offers less vapour but more throat hit, something that many ex-smokers find comforting when making the switch.
Sub-Ohm Tanks:
Sub-ohm tanks are built for Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping. They use coils with a resistance below 1.0Ω, often between 0.15Ω and 0.5Ω. These tanks need more power, so they’re usually paired with box mods or devices capable of higher wattages.
They also tend to feature larger airflow slots, bubble glass for more capacity, and wide drip tips for increased vapour intake. Examples include the Smok TFV series, Vaporesso iTank, and Geekvape Z Sub-Ohm.
RTAs, RDAs, and RDTAs (Rebuildables)
Rebuildable tanks are for advanced users who enjoy building their own coils. They offer maximum control over your vaping experience, but they also require knowledge, patience, and practice. These different types are explained below:
- RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomiser): They feature a build deck alongside a tank, so you can install custom coils and still carry e-liquid with you.
- RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomiser): RDAs don’t have a tank; instead, you drip e-liquid directly onto the coils and cotton. They deliver excellent flavour and vapour.
- RDTA (Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomiser): These are a hybrid of the two, offering a small tank section but still functioning like an RDA in many ways.
After having a clear understanding of their anatomy and types, the next thing you’re probably wondering about is “how to choose the right vape tank?” Let’s discuss that in the next section.
Which Tank Should You Choose?
If you’re just starting out or looking to switch from smoking, a mouth-to-lung tank is a good choice. On the other hand, if producing thick clouds and getting bold flavour is what excites you, then a sub-ohm tank is the way to go.
For those who see vaping as a hobby rather than just an alternative to smoking, rebuildable tanks offer maximum control. With RTAs and RDAs, you can build your own coils, tweak airflow, and fine-tune every aspect of your vape, though they require more knowledge.
Key Features to Look For
Below are the main features worth considering before you buy one:
- Coil Compatibility: Every tank is designed for specific coils. For example, the Geekvape Z tank works only with Z-series coils, and the Aspire Nautilus tank is built for the famous Nautilus coil range. So, make sure to check their compatibility before setting up your device.
- Capacity: In the UK, tanks are restricted to 2ml capacity under TPD rules. While this might feel small, it’s the law. Hence, try to choose the one that adheres to the legal standards.
- Airflow Control: Check the airflow system, as it will help fine-tune your vaping experience.
- Filling Mechanism: Ensure that your chosen tank comes with an easy filling mechanism. For example, if you’re a newbie, you’d probably want a top-fill mechanism that doesn’t require disassembling the device.
- Ease of Maintenance: Some tanks are easier to live with than others. Tanks with push-fit coils (like Voopoo PnP tanks) make coil changes quick and mess-free. Others require unscrewing and careful alignment. Pick the one that fits your needs.
How to Choose the Right E-Liquid For Your Tank?
Choosing the right e-liquid depends on what you value most: flavour, throat hit, or vapour production. Here is your guide:
| Vaping Style | Tank Type | Examples (Popular Options) | Best E-Liquid Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| New to vaping / Quitting smoking | MTL Tank | Aspire Nautilus, Innokin Zenith | 50/50 PG/VG or nic salts (smooth throat hit, higher nicotine, cigarette-like draw) |
| Clouds & flavour | Sub-Ohm Tank | Smok TFV18, Vaporesso iTank, Geekvape Z Tank | High VG (50%+) shortfills with nicotine shots (big vapour, rich flavour, lower nic strength) |
| Maximum control | Rebuildables (RTAs/RDAs) | Geekvape Zeus RTA, Vandy Vape RDA | Works with high VG shortfills for clouds, or 50/50 blends if building for MTL style |
How to Fill a Vape Tank for the First Time
First, make sure your tank is clean. Open the filling port carefully, taking note of the small hole designed for e-liquid rather than the central airflow tube. Pour in your e-liquid, keeping the nozzle close to the side of the tank. Make sure you leave a small gap for airflow.
Let your filled tank stand for a few minutes before vaping so the coil doesn’t dry out. This process, known as priming, is important to avoid dry hits or burnt taste. When everything’s ready, reassemble the tank, adjust your airflow to preference, and take a gentle first puff to start smoothly.
How to Fix the Common Vape Tank Issues?
No matter how well you maintain your vape tank, small glitches can happen from time to time. Most are easy to identify and fix once you know what to look for. Below, we’ve addressed the common problems vapers run into:
Why is my vape tank not producing any vapour?
If your tank isn’t firing, it could be due to a poor coil connection, a flooded coil, or an issue with the device recognising the resistance. Reseating the coil or checking for debris on the contact points can help.
Why does my vape juice turn dark in the tank?
E-liquid darkening in the tank can be caused by heat, sweeteners in the liquid, or an old coil. A fresher coil and storing your vape away from direct sunlight is necessary.
Why am I getting spitback from my tank?
Spitback happens when too much e-liquid floods the coil, sending hot droplets through the mouthpiece. To fix it, clear excess liquid by flicking the tank (carefully) or firing the device briefly without inhaling to burn off the excess.
Why is my tank hard to open?
Stuck tanks are usually due to e-liquid residue drying around the threads. Wiping down the tank regularly or using a rubber grip can make it easier to open.
Why does my vape taste burnt?
A burnt taste usually means the coil wasn’t primed properly, or it’s reached the end of its lifespan. To avoid this, always let your coil sit for at least 5–10 minutes after filling so the cotton absorbs the liquid. If the issue persists, replace the coil.
Why is my vape tank making a gurgling noise?
That bubbling or gurgling sound usually means e-liquid has oversaturated the coil or entered the airflow chamber. Removing the coil, giving it a light clean, and refilling carefully should solve it.
Why does my vape flavour feel weak?
Weak flavour often comes from a coil past its prime, or when airflow is too wide open. Try closing the airflow slightly for a more concentrated draw, or replace the coil if it’s old.
Why is my vape tank leaking from the bottom?
Most often, it’s caused by worn-out seals (O-rings), using thinner e-liquid with a high PG ratio, or simply overfilling the tank. Always check the seals, avoid filling past the max line, and try using compatible e-liquids.
Summing Up
As you’ve probably realised by now, tanks do a lot more than just hold e-liquid. They decide how your vape feels, tastes, and performs, which means that choosing the right option is really important.
Follow the above tips and know your preferences before buying a tank. Remember, tanks should be fully compatible with the vape kit you’re using. Also, make sure the coil resistance matches the device’s wattage requirements.
If you’re ready to purchase, browse our catalogue to find the right options. Ma Vapour has TPD-compliant options for all types of vapers. Even better? Our exclusive deals and discounts let you stock up on the best tanks at affordable prices. Shop now!