Plastic Tank – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A plastic tank is the transparent reservoir section of a vape device—usually found in older clearomisers and some starter kits—made from polycarbonate (PC) or acrylic instead of glass or metal. Its job is to hold your PG/VGe-liquid and feed it to the coil through small wicking channels. Lightweight, cheap to replace and almost unbreakable when dropped, plastic tanks are ideal for new Australian vapers who want a no-fuss introduction to refillable systems before stepping up to tougher glass or pod-style cartridges.

Technical Details

Most plastic tanks are injection-moulded from food-grade polycarbonate, rated to withstand temperatures up to 120 °C and pressures created by standard Power Mode devices (6–15 W). Wall thickness is typically 0.7–1.0 mm, giving a capacity range of 1.6 ml to 3 ml—complying with Australia’s nicotine import limit guidelines. Threading is almost universally 510 or eGo, allowing the plastic tank to screw onto slim stick batteries. Variations include coloured or frosted finishes for UV protection, and “dual-window” styles that let you monitor juice level from both sides. Because polycarbonate can cloud or crack when exposed to strong citrus or cinnamon concentrates, some manufacturers now offer PCTG (a tougher copolyester) as a drop-in replacement.

Usage & Tips

• Avoid tank-crackers: Flavours heavy in citric acid, malic acid or cinnamon will craze polycarbonate within hours; switch to PCTG or glass if you love fruity or spicy juices.
• Check seals weekly: Plastic tanks compress o-rings over time—carry spare 8 mm × 1 mm silicone rings to stop seepage in your pocket.
• Keep out of sun: A hot car can warp the tank and melt the 510 threads; store your vape upright and shaded.
• Clean gently: Warm water plus a drop of dish soap is enough; alcohol or ultrasonic cleaners can frost the surface and shorten life.
• Track your puff count: Plastic tanks usually last 4–6 weeks of daily use before clouding—replace early to maintain flavour clarity.

History & Context

Plastic tanks debuted in 2009 with the first “clearomiser” revolution, giving cig-a-like users a window to see remaining juice. When pod systems arrived around 2017, plastic reservoirs shifted into disposable cartridges, but the classic screw-on plastic tank remains popular among budget-conscious Australian vapers and high-nicotine mouth-to-lung enthusiasts who value ultra-light hardware.