Introduction
The television series Fish Tank Kings aired on the National Geographic Wild channel. It offers a deep dive into the world of large-scale custom aquarium building. The show follows the skilled professionals at Living Color Aquariums. They design, build, and install elaborate fish tanks for high-end clients. These clients include hotels, restaurants, celebrities, and even theme parks. The series showcases impressive craftsmanship and engineering. Yet, a DIY aquarium enthusiast can find the show to be inspiring. It also can be frustrating. In this review, we will analyze Fish Tank Kings from the perspective of an aquarium hobbyist. This hobbyist values hands-on creativity. They appreciate budget-friendly builds and the educational aspect of aquascaping.
The Spectacle of Large-Scale Builds
One of the most engaging aspects of Fish Tank Kings is the sheer scale of the projects they undertake. The show spectacularly highlights the grandeur of high-end aquarium design. It ranges from 1,000-gallon saltwater tanks to custom-built coral reef displays. The team at Living Color Aquariums includes expert designers, marine biologists, and engineers. They work together to bring their clients’ visions to life. For any DIY aquarist, it is fascinating to see how these professionals tackle challenges. They handle tank weight distribution, filtration efficiency, and livestock compatibility on such a large scale.
Nonetheless, the focus on commercial and ultra-luxury aquariums makes Fish Tank Kings feel somewhat disconnected from the DIY community. Most home aquarists work within a much smaller budget. They do not have access to industrial-grade materials or a team of specialists. While the show provides inspiration, it rarely offers practical insights that a home hobbyist can apply to their own projects.
Lack of DIY-Friendly Insights
People enjoy building their own aquariums, backgrounds, and filtration systems. They will find Fish Tank Kings more like a fantasy. It does not serve as an instructional guide. The show rarely delves into the finer details of how these extravagant aquariums are built. Instead, much of the process is glossed over with montages and dramatic reveals. A DIY enthusiast would appreciate a deeper look into:
- The materials used in the fabrication of custom tanks and decorations.
- The step-by-step process of assembling and installing custom filtration and plumbing systems.
- Techniques for creating realistic and durable artificial reef structures.
The show does not showcase cost-effective techniques. An average hobbyist replicate these approaches. Instead, it focuses on high-budget solutions that are out of reach for most DIY enthusiasts. This lack of transparency can be frustrating for those who enjoy the technical aspects of aquarium building.
Focus on Aesthetics Over Sustainability
Another point of contention for many DIY aquarium hobbyists is the show’s emphasis on aesthetics over sustainability. Fish Tank Kings features many tanks stocked with exotic marine species. These species need precise water conditions. They also need extensive maintenance. The team does consult with marine biologists. Yet, the show often treats fish and coral as decorative elements. They are treated as decorative elements rather than living creatures that need proper care and ethical sourcing.
A more balanced approach would have included discussions about:
- The ethical considerations of sourcing fish and coral for high-end tanks.
- Sustainable alternatives to wild-caught specimens, like captive-bred fish and aquacultured corals.
- The long-term maintenance required for the extravagant setups showcased on the show.
DIY aquarists often take pride in researching and caring for their fish responsibly. They may find this lack of focus on sustainability disappointing.
Lack of Failure and Realistic Problem-Solving
One of the most rewarding aspects of DIY aquarium projects is troubleshooting and learning from mistakes. Unfortunately, Fish Tank Kings rarely highlights the difficulties involved in aquarium construction. Every project is presented with dramatic tension—will they finish on time? Will the client be satisfied?—but there is little discussion of the actual problems that arise during tank setup, like:
- Managing water chemistry during a new tank cycle.
- Dealing with unexpected livestock health issues.
- Handling filtration failures or leaks.
In reality, every DIY aquarist has faced setbacks. These challenges include a leaking sump, an outbreak of algae, or fish that refuse to acclimate. The show omits these struggles. It presents an unrealistic view of aquarium building. This may leave hobbyists feeling disillusioned rather than informed.
What Fish Tank Kings Gets Right
Despite its shortcomings from a DIY perspective, Fish Tank Kings does have several redeeming qualities. The show excels at demonstrating the artistic potential of aquarium design. The team’s ability to turn a client’s vision into reality is impressive, and the finished tanks are undeniably beautiful.
Additionally, the series does give some valuable insights into:
- The engineering challenges of large-scale aquariums.
- The importance of collaboration between designers, biologists, and fabricators.
- The cutting-edge technology used in high-end aquarium systems.
For those who are simply looking for entertainment and inspiration, Fish Tank Kings delivers. But, those seeking educational content or DIY-friendly advice need to look elsewhere.
Conclusion: A Show for Inspiration, Not Instruction
For the average DIY aquarium enthusiast, Fish Tank Kings is a double-edged sword. It provides plenty of visual inspiration. It showcases the incredible possibilities of custom aquarium design. Yet, it lacks the practical details that would make it useful for hobbyists looking to build their own setups. The show prioritizes spectacle over substance, making it more of a reality TV drama than an educational resource.
That being said, Fish Tank Kings can still be a fun watch for those who enjoy aquariums. If you’re willing to overlook its lack of DIY-friendly content, it can be an enjoyable experience. Take it for what it is—a showcase of high-end, luxury aquarium builds. But, if you’re looking for hands-on tips, you be better off exploring YouTube channels. For budget-friendly advice or in-depth discussions about sustainable fishkeeping, consider aquarium forums dedicated to DIY projects.
In the end, Fish Tank Kings is a visually stunning but ultimately impractical show for most DIY aquarium enthusiasts. It can inspire you to dream big. Yet, when it comes to actually building and maintaining a tank, you’re better off relying on hands-on experience. Community-driven resources are also beneficial.
| Season/Episode | Air Date | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| S01-E01 | May 12, 2012 | 7th Inning Catch |
| S01-E02 | May 19, 2012 | Pimp My Tank |
| S01-E03 | May 26, 2012 | Finsanity |
| S01-E04 | June 2, 2012 | Card Sharks |
| S01-E05 | June 9, 2012 | Fish Upon A Star |
| S01-E06 | June 16, 2012 | Extreme Tankover |
| S02-E01 | June 1, 2013 | The Amazing Aqua-Van |
| S02-E02 | June 8, 2013 | Cbig Bowl of Gumbo Limbo |
| S02-E03 | June 15, 2013 | Desperate House Tanks |
| S02-E04 | June 22, 2013 | Love's Beach |
| S02-E05 | June 29, 2013 | Turning A New Reef |
| S02-E06 | July 6, 2013 | Little Mermaids |
| S02-E07 | June 13, 2013 | There's A Tree in my Tank |
| S02-E08 | June 20, 2013 | 14 Tanks and a Shipwreck |
| S03-E01 | April 28, 2014 | Shark Tank |
| S03-E02 | May 5, 2014 | Secret Crystal Cave Fish Palace |
| S03-E03 | May 12, 2014 | Fish Whisperer |
| S03-E04 | May 19, 2014 | Empire Tank Building |
| S03-E05 | June 4, 2014 | Jellyfish Jackpot |
| S03-E06 | June 11, 2014 | Go Fish |
| S03-E07 | June 18, 2014 | Pufferfish Palace |
| S03-E08 | June 25, 2014 | Sweetest Tank on Earth |