A Beginner’s Guide To Vape Tanks

If you are new to using a vaping device with a tank, there are quite a few things you need to learn. However, with all the different options and additional parts available out there, that might seem like a very demanding task. That is why we have put together this simple guide to help you understand everything you need to know about vape tanks. Stick around to learn more for the optimal vaping experience with vape tanks.

What Is A Vape Tank?

A vape tank is the component of your vaping device that holds your e-liquid and the coil that vaporises it. Although vape tanks come in many different designs, their main function is always the same: to let your e-liquid soak into the wick, which makes contact with the coil. Activating your device heats the coil and vaporises the liquid in the wick. The tank keeps replenishing the wick with e-liquid as you vape.

Different Components Of A Vape Tank

There are various styles of vape tanks on the market, which might make things seem very confusing. However, there are some basic elements that almost every vape tank shares, including:

• Clear tank section: The clear tank section itself is usually made of glass or plastic. This is where your e-liquid is stored.
• Chimney: This is the top section that attaches to the coil and acts as an airway through the tank.
• Drip tip: The drip tip is the mouthpiece. There are many different styles of mouthpieces for a more customisable experience.
• Bottom section: The bottom section is the part where your coil screws in and connects to the battery. It also has an airflow, which you can adjust in some devices.
• Coil: Your coil will heat up the e-liquid inside its wick to produce vapour. They are usually replaceable. 
• O-rings: These components are made from neoprene or nitrile and prevent e-liquid from leaking between your tank’s different sections.

Types Of Vape Tanks

There are a few different types of vape tanks that will each provide you with a different vaping experience. It really depends on your vaping style. Types of vape tanks include:

• Mouth-to-lung (MTL) tanks
• Sub-ohm tanks
• Temperature control (TC) tanks
• Rebuildable tanks (RDAs)

Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) Tanks

Tanks with a higher resistance (1 Ω and above) are suitable for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. You will see a chimney going up the centre, which connects to the coil and mouthpiece. There is also a removable top and bottom section that enclose the tank. These tanks usually have airflow control as you will need your airflow to be tighter/more restricted for MTL vaping. Users who switch from smoking to vaping usually prefer MTL tanks due to the similar experience and the compatibility with higher nicotine strengths.

Sub-Ohm Tanks

Sub-ohm tanks have a lower coil resistance, anywhere below 1 Ω. These tanks also have much wider chimneys and coils to support more airflow. Due to the lower resistance, more e-liquid can be vaporised per second, so you will notice dense and thick clouds of vapour along with more pronounced flavours. You will need a mod system to vape with a sub-ohm tank.

Temperature Control (TC) Tanks

Temperature control (TC) tanks are essentially sub-ohm tanks that are compatible with specific coils that are suitable for temperature control mods. Coils that are made from nickel, stainless steel, or titanium are designed for TC, which limits the maximum temperature your coil can reach while you vape. This prevents dry hits and provides a more consistent vaping experience.

Rebuildable Tanks (RDAs)

Once again, this tank is much like the sub-ohm variety. Only this time, you have to build your own coils for your tank. If you know what you are doing, this can offer you more precise control over your tank’s performance. Rebuildable tanks have special atomiser heads with two contact points where you can attach your coil. These tanks are suitable for more experienced vapers.

How To Fill A Vape Tank

Whether your tank fills from the top or bottom, you can follow these steps to get e-liquid in your tank:

1. Disassemble your tank: The first step is to get your tank out and reach your filling port – depending on your tank’s design, you might need to unscrew the bottom section, remove the mouthpiece, or just open a section with a flap or hole.

2. Insert the e-liquid nozzle: Some tanks have holes that close when you open and remove the nozzle, while others have flaps you need to open and close manually. Insert the nozzle of your e-liquid bottle.

3. Fill the tank: Tilt the tank slightly as you let the e-liquid run in. Make sure to leave some space to avoid flooding the chimney or leaking.

4. Reassemble and wait: Put everything back together and wait 3-5 minutes for your coil to get fully saturated. This way, you will not get any burnt or dry hits.

5. Puff and enjoy!

Which E-Liquids Should I Use With My Tank?

It is important to use the right e-liquid with your tank for the best vaping experience. Vegetable Glycerin (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG) are the two main ingredients found in e-liquid (along with flavourings and nicotine). VG is thicker than PG.

If you have an MTL tank, you need to opt for thinner e-liquids that are 50% PG or higher. If your device uses a sub-ohm tank, you should look for thicker e-liquids that are 60% VG or higher.

How To Clean Your Vape Tank

You cannot expect an optimal vaping experience if you do not clean your tank regularly. As you vape, e-liquid residue and other buildup can layer up in your tank and cause blockages. This results in reduced airflow and flavour deterioration.

Simply follow these easy steps to clean your vape tank: 

1. Remove excess e-liquid from your tank by holding it upside down over a kitchen towel.
2. Hold your tank under warm, running water for about a minute.
3. Use a kitchen towel and cotton buds to dry the tank out as much as possible and let it air dry for at least 10 minutes before refilling.

Remember that all things need replacing eventually, so at some point you will need to get a new tank once yours is beyond cleaning.

Understanding vape tanks is essential if you are looking to upgrade to a modded device. It all comes down to preference and what you want from your vaping experience. Some vapers prefer higher nicotine strengths as they switch from smoking to vaping, while others prefer bigger cloud production and more pronounced flavours. Make sure that the tank you use is compatible with your device and the e-liquids you are using, and happy vaping!