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A Complete Guide on Vape Tanks
If you have just stepped into the vaping world, hearing ‘vape tank’ might drown you in confusion. People will tell you that it's a container, but it’s much more than that. The fact that it’s an essential part of your vaping device that heats up the e-liquid is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to improve your vaping experience by enhancing the flavour and avoiding leakage of e-liquid, go through this vape tank guide we have crafted for you to know what else a vape tank is responsible for and capable of. Let’s first know what a vape tank is and what it consists of:
Published on June 06, 2025
What Is a Vape Tank?
A vape tank is the part of an e-cigarette that holds and delivers e-liquid to the coil. It’s built to ensure efficient wicking, allowing the coil to vaporise juice evenly. Most tanks use glass or reinforced plastic to handle heat and prevent leaks. Tanks come with built-in and replaceable coils of varying resistances.
What’s in a Vape Tank?
A tank comprises different parts, including:
-
Drip Tip (Mouthpiece): The mouthpiece, made from resin or metal, comes in various sizes and directly affects the temperature of the vapour. They are available in 3 sizes:
- 8.5mm standard 510
- 10.5mm 710
- 12.5mm wide bore 810
- Top Cap: This covers the top of the tank and usually includes a fill port. It also has a slide-to-fill and twist-to-fill design that can make refilling easy.
- Chimney: This is the tube inside the tank that brings the vapour to the mouthpiece when you inhale the vape. The size of the tube can affect the density of flavour and vapour.
- Tank Glass/Reservoir: It is usually made of Pyrex or plastic and stores the e-liquid. A larger capacity means fewer refills but a bulkier tank. Plastic tanks can break down with some e-liquids, especially citrus-flavoured ones.
- Coil: This is the heating element, which is wrapped in wire with a wick inside. It is responsible for heating up the e-liquid. Coil types vary: standard wire, mesh, and ceramic. The resistance of the coil affects the vapour production and power requirements.
- Wick: This absorbs e-liquid to the coil. Cotton is the most common wick material, and it is famous for its purity and flavour delivery.
- Airflow Control Ring: It adjusts the amount of air flowing through your tank when you inhale, affecting vapour temperature, throat hit, and flavour.
- Base / 510 Connector: This connects your tank to the mod. Though most use 510 threading.
Types of Vape Tanks
There’s a vape tank for everyone, depending on what you want from your device:
- Clearomizers: These are simple, beginner-friendly, and transparent tanks that help monitor e-liquid levels. They usually come with preinstalled coils.
- Sub-Ohm or DTL Tanks: These tanks are designed for coils under 1 ohm resistance. Such coils produce big clouds and strong vapour and are ideal for direct lung (DTL) vaping.
- Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Tanks: These tanks mimic smoking with tighter airflow. They are suitable for higher nicotine or nic salt e-liquids.
- Rebuildable Atomisers (RTAs, RDAs, RDTAs): For those who like to build and customise their coils. They offer control but require more skill.
- Disposable Tanks: These tanks come pre-filled and are supposed to be disposed of when the e-liquid in them runs out. They are convenient but environmentally unfriendly.
- Pod-Tank Hybrids: They blend pod system convenience with tank capacity and coil options.
Role of Coils and Wicking Material in the Vape Tank
Coil
The coil is the part of the vape tank that heats up the e-liquid to create vapour. Coils are usually made from different metals like Kanthal, Stainless Steel, Ni80 (Nichrome), and Titanium. Each of these materials heats up slightly differently, affecting the flavour and vapour production. They’re divided into two categories:
- Low resistance coils (under 1 ohm): Create more vapour and are ideal for cloud chasing, but use more battery power.
- High resistance coils (above 1 ohm): Better for a tighter draw and smoother hits, making them perfect for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping.
Wicking Material
The wick soaks up e-liquid from the tank and delivers it to the coil for heating. The most common wicking material is cotton, which is excellent at absorbing liquid and giving a clean, smooth flavour. However, ceramic wicks are becoming more popular. Ceramic lasts longer than cotton and can offer a different, often smoother flavour.
How the Coil and Wick Work Together
The coil and wick work hand-in-hand to produce the vapour. When you vape, the wick soaks up the e-liquid and delivers it to the coil. The coil heats the liquid, creating the vapour you inhale. This system works best when the coil and the wick are in good condition.
Are Vape Tanks Refillable?
Yep, most vape tanks let you refill them. They have a little reservoir inside that holds your e-liquid, and when it’s running low, you just open the top, usually by twisting or sliding it, and pour in more juice. It’s easy and means you can use whatever flavour you like without swapping out parts all the time. These tanks are often made from glass or strong plastic so they don’t get damaged. Refilling saves you money and cuts down on waste, which is why lots of people prefer refillable tanks over disposable ones.
How to Fill a Vape Tank
Whether you’re refilling a vape tank or are confused about how to fill a vape tank for the first time, the method is the same for both procedures:
- Remove the tank from the battery device.
- If the filling port is on top, slide or flip open the top cap of the mouthpiece to reveal it and remove the silicone stopper.
- If the filling port is on the side or at the bottom of the tank, locate it and simply remove the silicone stopper.
- Fill the tank with your favourite e-liquid but ensure to keep it below the top to avoid overfilling.
- Leave the tank to rest for at least 5 minutes so the coil absorbs the e-liquid well.
- Reattach the tank to the mod and inhale to start vaping.
How to Empty a Vape Tank?
Whether you’re refilling a vape tank or are confused about how to fill a vape tank for the first time, the method is the same for both procedures:
Top-Fill Tanks
If you’ve got a top-fill tank, start by removing it from your vape device and sliding or unscrewing the top cap. Hold it over a sink or a few paper towels, then gently tilt and pour the e-liquid out, just make sure you don’t pour it down the center airflow tube. If you’re planning to switch flavours, give the tank a quick rinse with warm water, then let it air dry before you refill it.
Bottom-Fill Tanks
For bottom-fill tanks, you’ll need to unscrew the tank from your mod and then take off the base. Flip it upside down and slowly pour out any leftover juice. Be careful not to spill liquid onto the coil if you’re keeping it in place. A rinse with warm water helps if you’re doing a full clean or switching e-liquids. Let everything dry completely before putting it back together.
Side-Fill Tanks
Side-fill tanks are a little different. Pop open the rubber stopper or latch on the side to access the fill port. Tilt the tank and let the liquid drain out through that opening—it might take a little longer since the hole is smaller, but it works just fine. Once you’re done, wipe it down, close the port, and you’re good to go.
How to Choose the Right Vape Tank?
Choosing the right vape tank for yourself can be tough. If you’re confused about how to get the best vape tank for flavour or e-liquid, or what vape tank you should go for if you want good vapour production, here’s a little breakdown of three factors that you must consider before picking up the right vape tank for yourself:
| Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Vaping Style | MTL Style: If you want a cigarette-like feel and stronger nicotine hit, get tanks with high-resistance coils. |
| DTL Style: If you want bigger clouds and more vapour, go for tanks with low resistance coils. | |
| Airflow Control | Get tanks with an adjustable airflow option so you can control the draw. |
| Tight airflow means more flavour and throat hit, while wide airflow creates bigger clouds. Choose based on your preference. | |
| E-Liquid | High VG Juices: Go for tanks that can handle thicker liquids. They have bigger wicking holes to allow smooth e-liquid flow and prevent dry hits or clogging. |
| High PG Juices: Go for tanks that are suitable for thinner juices. They have small wicking holes and offer an intense throat hit. |
Are All Vape Tanks Interchangeable?
People often ask if all vape tanks are interchangeable or if they are all different. Honestly, every vape tank is different, and only those that belong to the same vape brand and are compatible with different devices are interchangeable. Even though lots of tanks use that common 510 connection, there’s more to it than just fitting on your device.
They come in different shapes and sizes. The coils used in them can vary in resistance and their filling mechanisms are different too. All vape tanks might look similar but they operate differently and offer different vaping experiences.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting:
Why Is My Vape Juice Turning Dark in the Tank?
Your vape juice might be turning dark in the tank due to:
- Coil Burn: Over time, your coil burns the e-liquid, which can make it darken. This is normal, especially with sweet juices.
- Thicker Juices: If you're using a high VG juice, it tends to darken quicker because it leaves more residue on the coil.
- Sweeteners: Juices with sweeteners like sucralose will darken faster because they caramelise when heated.
How to fix the issue: Don’t overfill, check your O-rings, tighten the coil, and store your tank upright to avoid leaks.
Why Is My Vape Tank Leaking from the Bottom?
Your vape tank can be leaking due to several reasons:
- Overfilled Tank: If you fill your tank too much, the juice can spill out when you vape.
- Worn O-Rings: Those little rubber seals can wear out or get damaged, causing leaks.
- Loose Coil: If your coil isn’t screwed in tightly, it can let juice leak out.
- Storing Your Tank Wrong: If your tank is lying on its side or upside down, the juice can leak out, especially if it's full.
How to fix the issue: Don’t overfill, check your O-rings, tighten the coil, and store your tank upright.
Where to Dispose of Vape Tanks?
Most tanks are refillable, making them better for the environment than disposables. Dispose of used coils and plastic parts responsibly. Store e-liquids safely, out of reach of children. Avoid throwing the vape tanks in regular trash cans. Look for recycling stores as they can reuse the plastic and glass vape tanks effectively.
Conclusion
Knowing your vape tank inside and out helps avoid leaks, burnt hits, and bad flavour. Regular cleaning, choosing the right tank, and understanding your setup means a better vape every time. Use this vape tanks guide to get the most from your device safely and confidently.
If you’re still unsure about what vape tank is best suited for you, reach out to us through our customer support service or mail us your queries to enjoy your vaping experience to the fullest!
Chris works at Alectrofag as a shop assistant, where he has spent years getting to grips with vaping, both the technology and the people behind it. He’s always on hand to help out on the shop floor, offering advice that comes from real experience, not just theory. When he’s not chatting to customers, you’ll find him writing about vaping tech, digging into the details of new products, or answering the questions that pop up most. Outside of the shop, Chris is usually lost in music, playing his guitar and chasing fresh sounds. For him, it’s not about the jargon, it’s about making sense of the vaping world and sharing that with anyone who wants to understand it better.
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