How to Choose the Right Vape Tank

How to Choose the Right Vape Tank for Your Needs

here is a moment every vaper experiences when they realise their vape tank is doing most of the heavy lifting. The flavour, the airflow, the warmth, the smoothness, the throat feel, even how long your coil lasts, all depend on the tank you choose. Picture this. You stop for a quiet break, lift your device, and the first inhale is rich, full and satisfying. No gurgles. No dry hit. Just proper flavour. That moment does not happen by accident. It happens because you picked the right tank. 

Here at Tidal Vape, we have guided countless beginners, hobbyists and long timers through the maze of tanks available today. Whether you want subtle mouth to lung hits or thick direct lung clouds, the right tank turns an average vape into something enjoyable and predictable. This guide breaks down the essentials so you can choose a tank that suits your style from day one. 

What vape tanks are and why they matter

Before comparing models, you need to understand what a tank actually does. It is the part of your vape that holds your e liquid and houses the coil. It controls the airflow, the vapour temperature and how the flavour develops. 

Why tanks matter more than many think: 

  • Tanks decide how smooth or sharp your inhale feels
  • Tanks decide how intense your flavour is
  • Tanks control airflow which defines your draw style
  • Tanks influence coil life through wicking and airflow
  • Tanks determine how often you refill and how much e liquid you use
  • Tanks can make or break your first vaping experience 

A good tank makes the whole setup feel balanced. A poor tank can ruin even the best device.  

MTL tanks vs DTL tanks which one fits your style

Just like pod kits, tanks are designed for different vaping styles. Before buying one you need to decide which style suits your needs. 

MTL (Mouth to Lung) tanks

These tanks suit those who want a cigarette like draw. 

MTL tanks work best when: 

  • You prefer a tight draw with small vapour output
  • You want a gentle throat hit
  • You use higher nicotine strengths or nic salts
  • You want flavour over vapour volume
  • You enjoy slow controlled inhales 

DTL (Direct to Lung) tanks

These tanks are designed for looser airflow and bigger clouds. 

DTL tanks are ideal when: 

  • You enjoy inhaling straight into the lungs
  • You prefer large vapour production
  • You use lower nicotine levels
  • You want warm dense hits
  • You enjoy experimenting with wattage and airflow 

Knowing whether you are MTL or DTL will immediately narrow down your choices and avoid mistakes. 

Key features to consider when choosing a tank

There are countless tanks out there, each with its own strengths. The following features can help you identify which one meets your needs. 

Key features to check: 

  • Coil type compatibility which affects flavour, draw style and vapour production
  • Coil resistance range which helps you match your vaping style
  • Tank capacity which decides how often you refill
  • Top fill vs bottom fill which affects convenience and potential leaks
  • Airflow adjustability which lets you fine tune your draw
  • Material quality such as stainless steel and high grade glass
  • Wicking design which impacts coil saturation and lifespan
  • Ease of coil replacement which matters for beginners
  • 510 connection compatibility so it fits most devices
  • Heat resistance which influences comfort during longer sessions 

A strong tank should be leak resistant, easy to refill and deliver consistent performance with your chosen coils. 

Vape tanks available at Tidal Vape

At Tidal Vape we carry a range of tanks for both MTL and DTL vaping. Here are standout options that beginners and intermediate vapers often choose due to reliability, flavour and ease of use. 

Aspire Nautilus 3 Tank

A classic MTL tank known for consistency and simplicity.

Why beginners trust it: 

  • Multiple coil options for different draw tightness
  • Smooth adjustable airflow
  • Easy top fill system
  • Very clean flavour production
  • Strong build quality and long lasting coils

OXVA Arbiter 2 RTA

compact rebuildable tank aimed at advanced users.

Key strengths: 

  • Top to bottom airflow for a leak free experience
  • Smooth flavour from the honeycomb airflow structure
  • Supports single and dual coil builds
  • Postless deck for easy coil placement
  • Strong vapour output without losing flavour
  • Spacious wicking for thicker builds  

HorizonTech Falcon Legend Sub Ohm Tank

Known for flavour intensity.

Why DTL vapers enjoy it: 

  • Mesh coils that offer rich flavour
  • Spacious airflow for large clouds
  • Strong tank capacity
  • Quick slide top fill
  • Durable materials 

Uwell Valyrian 2 Tank

A powerful sub ohm tank built for dense clouds.

What makes it stand out: 

  • Quad coil design for high wattage vaping
  • Customisable airflow with interchangeable coil pins
  • Heat insulated flip top for quick filling
  • Large fill ports for mess free refills
  • Reliable airflow control for consistent vapour
  • Strong flavour delivery with UN2 coils 

Aspire Tigon Tank

A flexible tank that works well for new and intermediate users.

Why it’s a solid choice: 

  • Supports both MTL and DTL styles
  • 0.4 Ω coils for airy direct lung hits
  • 1.2 Ω coils for tight mouth to lung draws
  • Push pull coil system for quick changes
  • Smooth adjustable airflow
  • Durable Pyrex glass construction 

These tanks represent the different styles available at Tidal Vape, covering both easy going MTL draws and fuller DTL experiences. 

Mistakes beginners often make when choosing a tank

It is easy to get confused when browsing through tanks, especially when you see unfamiliar terms like mesh, wattage ranges and coil materials. 

Beginners often make the following mistakes: 

  • Buying a DTL tank when they actually want an MTL draw
  • Choosing tanks without checking coil availability
  • Using the wrong e liquid thickness for the tank
  • Ignoring airflow options and assuming the tank is faulty
  • Running the tank too dry which burns the coil
  • Using high nicotine in powerful DTL tanks
  • Choosing the tank only because it looks good
  • Mixing incompatible coils and tank models 

Avoiding these mistakes ensures smoother usage and longer coil life. 

MTL tanks vs sub ohm tanks what is the difference

Many new vapers mix up these two categories. MTL tanks focus on flavour and a cigarette like inhale. Sub ohm tanks are designed for vapour volume, warmth and airflow. 

MTL tanks provide: 

  • Tighter draw
  • Lower wattage use
  • Less e liquid consumption
  • Stronger throat hit
  • Smoother inhalation 

Sub ohm tanks provide: 

  • Open airflow
  • Warmer vapour
  • Larger clouds
  • Lower nicotine use
  • Higher wattage requirements 

Your choice depends on what you want your daily vape to feel like.  

Coil resistance and why it matters

Your tank and coil work together. Coil resistance determines how much power the tank needs and how the vapour feels. 

Higher resistance coils (1.0 ohm and above): 

  • Produce a tight MTL draw
  • Work with higher nicotine
  • Deliver cooler vapour
  • Consume less e liquid
  • Use lower wattage 

Lower resistance coils (below 0.8 ohm): 

  • Produce more vapour
  • Give a looser direct lung inhale
  • Provide warmer hits
  • Consume more e liquid
  • Require more power 

Choosing the right resistance helps match your tank to your vaping style with no guesswork. 

E-liquid compatibility

Your tank will perform best when paired with the right e-liquid. Using the wrong ratio can damage coils or weaken flavour. 

MTL tanks work best with: 

  • High PG liquids
  • Nic salts
  • Higher nicotine strengths
  • Thin liquids that wick quickly 

DTL tanks work best with: 

  • High VG liquids
  • Low nicotine strengths
  • Sweeter dessert and fruity flavours
  • Thicker liquids that support warm vapour 

Choosing the right liquid ensures smooth draws and longer coil life. 

How to maintain your vape tank

Even the best tank needs care. A few simple habits will keep your setup clean, flavourful and long lasting. 

Maintenance tips: 

  • Rinse the tank occasionally to remove old flavour
  • Replace coils as soon as flavour drops
  • Clean the airflow ring if it feels tight
  • Keep the tank upright to avoid leaks
  • Check seals and O rings if you notice moisture
  • Avoid over tightening the tank on your device
  • Prime new coils before using them
  • Wipe the contact points to prevent misfires 

Well maintained tanks perform better and taste fresher. 


Adjustable airflow and why it matters

Airflow is one of the most important features of a tank. It controls how tight or loose your draw feels. 

Tight airflow gives: 

  • Stronger throat hit
  • More concentrated flavour
  • A slower inhale
  • More cigarette like draw 

Open airflow gives: 

  • More vapour
  • Smoother hits
  • Warmer clouds
  • Faster inhalation 

Choosing a tank with adjustable airflow gives you the freedom to fine tune your perfect draw. 

Final thoughts choosing the right vape tank

vape tank is not just a container for e liquid. It controls nearly every part of your vaping experience. Picking the right one can turn your daily vape into something smooth, reliable and enjoyable. 

Before you buy a tank, remember: 

  • Choose MTL or DTL based on your preferred inhale
  • Check the coil resistance and wattage range
  • Make sure replacement coils are easy to find
  • Match your e liquid to your tank style
  • Pick a capacity that suits how often you vape
  • Consider airflow options for a custom draw
  • Choose trusted brands found at Tidal Vape
  • Keep your tank maintained for peak performance 

With the right tank, everything feels easier. The draw becomes smoother. The flavour becomes clearer. The experience becomes more predictable. At Tidal Vape, we help beginners and experienced vapers find the perfect match so their first inhale of the day always feels right.

FAQ's

A vape tank holds your e-liquid and coil. It controls flavour, airflow and vapour.

Because your tank decides how smooth, flavourful and consistent your vape feels.

MTL = tight, cigarette-like draw.

DTL = open airflow and bigger clouds.

Simple MTL tanks like the Aspire Nautilus or hybrid tanks like the Aspire Tigon.

Use 1.0Ω+ for MTL.

Use below 0.8Ω for DTL.

MTL = high-PG or nic salts.

DTL = high-VG sub ohm liquids.

Keep it upright, avoid overfilling and check O-rings and coil fit.

Your coil is dry or worn. Prime it, slow down your puffs or replace the coil.

Every 5–14 days, depending on e-liquid sweetness and how often you vape.

Most do if they use a 510 connection — just match coil resistance and wattage.

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