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Vape Tanks Explained
Vape tanks hold your e-liquid, house the coil, and control airflow — all essential for flavour and vapour production. Whether you prefer a Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) or Direct-to-Lung (DTL) style, the right tank makes all the difference. Learn how vape tanks work, their key parts, maintenance tips, and how to choose one that fits your style.
If you’ve been vaping for a while, you’ll know that Vape Tanks the tank you use can make or break your experience. And if you’re new to it, that small glass cylinder sitting on top of your vape might seem simple enough, but it’s doing a lot more work than you think. As vaping enthusiasts and sellers, we’ve seen it all, from old-school MTL vape tanks to the latest Sub Ohm Vape Tanks monsters. And we know just how big a difference the right tank can make.
The tank is where all the magic happens. It holds your e-liquid, houses the coil, controls the airflow, and plays a big role in how your vape tastes and feels. You might have the most powerful mod or the best e-liquid in the world, but if your tank isn’t right for your style, you won’t enjoy it.
So, let’s strip it back to basics. We’ll talk about what vape tanks do, the types you can get, how to look after them, and how to choose one that suits you.
What a Vape Tank Actually Does
At its core, a vape tank is the part of your kit that holds the e-liquid and turns it into vapour. It’s made up of a few key parts: a glass chamber, a coil, an airflow system, and a mouthpiece. When you press the fire button on your device, the coil inside the tank heats up, vaporising the e-liquid soaked into the cotton.
Different tanks are designed for different experiences. Some are built for a tight, cigarette-like draw, while others are made for deep lung inhales that fill the room with vapour. The tank’s design, from the coil type to the airflow decides how your vape feels.
Breaking Down the Parts
It helps to know what each bit of your tank does. That way, when something goes wrong, you’ll have a better idea of how to fix it.
- Drip Tip: The bit you put your lips on. Some are wide, some narrow, and the shape can slightly change how the vapour feels.
- Top Cap: Usually twists or slides open so you can refill your e-liquid.
- Glass Tube: The chamber that holds your liquid, typically around 2 ml in the UK due to regulations.
- Coil: The heating element that vaporises the liquid. Coils come in different resistances and materials, which affect flavour and vapour production.
- Airflow Control: Usually a ring at the base of the tank. Open it up for more air and bigger clouds, close it off for tighter, stronger hits.
Once you understand what each bit does, it’s much easier to get the most out of your tank and keep it in good shape.
Choosing Between MTL and DTL Tanks
You’ll often hear vapers talking about MTL and DTL. It’s not just jargon — it’s the biggest factor in deciding which tank to buy.
Mouth to Lung (MTL)
This is how most people start. You draw vapour into your mouth first, then inhale into your lungs, just like you would with a cigarette. MTL tanks are perfect for higher nicotine strengths and nicotine salts. They use smaller coils, less power, and give you that familiar, satisfying hit.
MTL tanks usually:
- Have tighter airflow
- Use coils above 0.8 ohm
- Produce smaller clouds
- Deliver stronger flavour at lower wattages
Direct to Lung (DTL)
This is a smoother, airier draw. You inhale straight into your lungs, which produces a lot more vapour. It’s better suited to lower nicotine and higher VG e-liquids.
DTL tanks typically:
- Use low resistance coils (below 0.5 ohm)
- Need more power
- Create thick clouds
- Feel smoother and warmer
Most vapers stick to one or the other, but some like having both — one for all-day use, another for when they want to go big.
Features That Make a Good Tank
A great tank isn’t always about how fancy it looks. The small details make the biggest difference.
Look out for these features:
- Adjustable Airflow: Lets you fine-tune how tight or airy your draw feels.
- Top-Fill Design: Makes refilling quicker and less messy.
- Coil Availability: Choose tanks with coils that are easy to find.
- Solid Build: Stainless steel and Pyrex glass last longer and are easier to clean.
- Leak Resistance: Modern tanks have improved sealing and design to stop leaks.
- Compatibility: Most tanks use a 510 connection but check your device just to be sure.
These details might sound small, but they’re what make a tank a pleasure to use rather than a hassle.
Keeping Your Tank in Good Shape
If you want your tank to perform well Replacement Glass and last longer, maintenance is key. Thankfully, it’s not complicated.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Always prime your coil before using it. Add a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Keep your tank clean. Take it apart every week or two, rinse the glass and metal bits with warm water, and let them dry fully.
- Don’t overfill and leave a small air gap at the top.
- Replacement Vape Coils as soon as you taste burnt or muted flavour.
- Check your seals and O-rings regularly. A damaged one can cause leaks.
A few minutes of care will save you money and frustration down the line.
Matching a Tank to Your Budget and Style
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great tank. The trick is knowing what you want from it.
Here’s a rough guide:
- Beginners Vape Kits: Start with an MTL tank. They’re simple, use less power, and give a familiar draw.
- Intermediate Vapers: Try a sub-ohm tank with mesh coils for better flavour and vapour.
- Tinkerers: Go for an RTA or RDA if you enjoy building your own coils and tweaking performance.
- Everyday Vapers: Stick with tanks that use easy-to-find coils and have top-fill designs.
Shop Vape Tanks Online Tidal Vape has got tanks for every level and style, and we test them ourselves before stocking them.
Why Shop at Tidal Vape
We’re not just another online vape store. We’ve been around the UK vaping scene for years, and we take pride in knowing our products inside out. When we say a tank is worth your money, it’s because we’ve tried it ourselves.
What you’ll find with us:
We’ve built a reputation for stocking reliable, well-made gear and looking after our customers long after they’ve made a purchase.
Some of Our Favourite Tanks
Here are a few that we and our customers swear by:
An Aspire Vape Tanks MTL tank that’s hard to beat. Great flavour, easy coil swaps, and solid airflow control.
- 2 ml capacity
- Works with Nautilus coils
- Ideal for new vapers or anyone after a smooth draw
Vaporesso iTank 2
Perfect for sub-ohm vaping with loads of vapour and a clean, crisp taste.
- Uses mesh GTi coils
- Top-fill slide design
- Strong build and reliable performance
A SMOK Vape Tanks proper cloud chaser’s tank. Smooth airflow and strong flavour at higher wattages.
- Mesh coils for rich vapour
- Great airflow range
- Top-fill with wide juice ports
For those who like to build their own coils and experiment.
- Dual coil build deck
- Leak-resistant airflow
- Heavy-duty construction for long life
Each one has its strengths, and the right choice really depends on how you like to vape.
Staying safe and compliant
UK vaping laws keep things safe and consistent. Every tank we sell meets TPD standards, meaning it’s been tested for quality and capped at a 2 ml capacity. Still, how you use your gear matters too.
Keep these in mind:
- Always use genuine coils.
- Make sure your device can handle the tank’s coil resistance.
- Keep your vape and e-liquids out of reach of kids and pets.
- Replace worn seals to prevent leaks.
- Dispose of old coils responsibly.
Follow these basics and your tank will last longer and perform better.
Common problems and simple fixes
Even the best tanks have their off days, but most problems are quick to sort out.
- Leaking: Check the seals, don’t overfill, and make sure everything’s tightened properly.
- Gurgling: Too much liquid inside the coil. Clean it out and reduce airflow a touch.
- Burnt Taste: Coil’s done. Swap it for a new one and prime it properly next time.
- Weak Vapour: Try adjusting wattage, cleaning your tank, or fitting a fresh coil.
Most of the time, a quick clean or coil change will fix whatever’s wrong.
Getting the best flavour
If you care about flavour (and who doesn’t), a few small habits can make a big difference.
- Don’t chain vape and give your coil a second to re-soak between puffs.
- Keep your tank topped up.
- Match the coil’s resistance to your preferred e-liquid.
- Adjust airflow slowly until you find your sweet spot.
- Stick to quality e-liquids since the cheap stuff burns through coils.
A well-maintained tank with a properly broken-in coil gives flavour that’s clean and consistent every time.
The road ahead
Tanks have come a long way in the last few years. Mesh coils are now standard, airflow designs are smoother, and leak-proof systems actually work. Manufacturers are finding clever ways to squeeze more flavour out of less power, and tanks are becoming more compact without losing performance.
At Tidal Vape, we keep an eye on these changes and make sure our shelves stay up to date. Whether it’s the next big sub-ohm release or a simple MTL tank that gets the job done, we’ll have it.
Wrapping Up
If you’ve ever wondered why some vapes just feel better than others, it usually comes down to the tank. The right one gives you smoother draws, better flavour, and less hassle day to day.
Tidal Vape helps thousands of people find their perfect setup, and we’d love to help you too. Whether you want something simple and reliable or powerful and customisable, we’ve got a tank that’ll fit.
Check out our collection and find the Shop Vape Tanks UK that makes every puff worth it.
