Tanked: A DIY Aquarium Enthusiast’s Perspective

For DIY aquarium builders and enthusiasts, creating custom fish tanks is an exercise in creativity. It also involves problem-solving and provides deep personal satisfaction. When Animal Planet’s Tanked debuted in 2011, it promised an inside look at the most extravagant, over-the-top aquariums imaginable. The show quickly became a hit. It featured Wayde King and Brett Raymer, founders of Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM). They delivered stunning builds for celebrities, businesses, and everyday fish lovers. Yet, DIY enthusiasts who construct their own aquariums from scratch find Tanked to be a mixed bag. It offers both inspiration and frustration in equal measure.

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The Spectacle of Tanked

Tanked thrives on its visual appeal. From shark tanks in living rooms to massive installations in casinos, ATM’s builds are undeniably eye-catching. The production quality of the show ensures that each tank is showcased in its full glory. It emphasizes vibrant color schemes, unique shapes, and complex filtration systems. For those of us in the DIY community, the show serves as a source of inspiration. It is proof that aquariums can be more than rectangular glass boxes. Seeing ATM push the boundaries of aquarium design is a reminder that creativity has no limits in the aquascaping world.

The dynamic between Wayde and Brett also provides a layer of entertainment. Their constant bickering is comedic and makes the show lighthearted. It is engaging even for those who are not deeply invested in the aquarium hobby. The family business aspect adds a relatable element. Brett’s sister, who is Wayde’s wife, Heather helps to keep the operation running smoothly. This is something many viewers enjoy.

The Shortcomings from a DIY Perspective

The spectacle is fun to watch. But, Tanked often glosses over critical aspects of aquarium building. These aspects are essential to DIY enthusiasts. The show focuses heavily on the aesthetic and structural aspects of the tanks. It often neglects the more technical elements. Long-term sustainability is what DIY builders obsess over. Below are some of the most notable concerns from a DIY aquarium perspective:

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1. Lack of Detailed Filtration and Maintenance Discussion

One glaring issue with Tanked is its omission of detailed discussions about filtration. It also skips water chemistry and long-term maintenance. Many of ATM’s builds involve exotic fish, including sharks, rays, and other high-bioload species. Yet, the show rarely dives into specifics about tank maintenance. It mainly focuses on basic canister or sump setups.

For DIY enthusiasts, filtration is the backbone of a healthy aquarium. The nitrogen cycle, mechanical and biological filtration, and proper water parameters are crucial topics that deserve attention. Instead of demonstrating how these systems handle heavy bioloads, Tanked often prioritizes aesthetics over functionality. This focus leaves many DIY hobbyists questioning the practicality of some builds.

2. Stocking Choices and Ethical Concerns

A common critique among aquarium hobbyists is Tanked‘s sometimes questionable stocking choices. The show creates visually stunning tanks. Nonetheless, it often places incompatible fish together. It also stocks tanks with species that need specialized care. DIY aquarium builders know that responsible fishkeeping means researching species compatibility, proper tank sizes, and ethical sourcing.

ATM sometimes places saltwater sharks in tanks that are barely large enough for their adult size. They also install tanks with delicate fish in environments that are not optimal. Responsible DIY aquarists emphasize creating stable and well-planned ecosystems. They often question whether the long-term welfare of the fish is prioritized in the show’s rapid-fire build schedules.

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3. Speed of Tank Setups

One of the biggest frustrations for DIY aquarists watching Tanked is the unrealistic timeline of tank installations. The show often creates the impression that setting up a brand-new tank is quick. It suggests that a finished tank with fish can be operational within a matter of days. In reality, cycling an aquarium to start beneficial bacteria and stabilize water parameters takes weeks, if not months.

DIY builders take great pride in setting up tanks carefully. They make sure that the biological filtration is mature enough to handle fish waste before adding livestock. The “instant setup” approach seen on Tanked can mislead inexperienced viewers easily. This leads to fish loss and frustration when they try to replicate these builds at home.

4. Emphasis on Gimmicks Over Functionality

Many of ATM’s creations lean heavily into the realm of spectacle, with elaborate themes, excessive decorations, and unconventional tank shapes. While these tanks are visually stunning, many DIY enthusiasts recognize the potential drawbacks. Oddly shaped tanks can create flow issues, dead zones, and difficulties in performing routine maintenance.

For DIY builders, an aquarium isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a functional, thriving ecosystem that requires thoughtful planning. Themed builds can be fun. Still, they should never come at the cost of the health and well-being of the fish. Tanked is certainly creative. The show favors form over purpose. This is something DIY hobbyists avoid.

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The Takeaway: Entertainment vs. Education

Despite its shortcomings, Tanked remains an entertaining show for those who enjoy large-scale aquarium builds. The creativity and craftsmanship displayed by Wayde, Brett, and their team are impressive. For many viewers, the show serves as an introduction to the fascinating world of fishkeeping.

For DIY aquarium enthusiasts, nonetheless, Tanked should be viewed with a critical eye. While it provides inspiration, it often lacks the educational depth needed for responsible fishkeeping. The flashy builds attract new hobbyists. Yet, without proper guidance on water chemistry, filtration, and stocking, the show risks promoting unrealistic expectations.

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A DIY Enthusiast’s Wish list for a Show Like Tanked

If a similar show were created with DIY aquarists in mind, it would ideally include:

  • Detailed discussions on filtration, water parameters, and long-term maintenance
  • Realistic timelines for cycling and stocking an aquarium
  • Sustainable and ethical fishkeeping practices
  • Balanced focus on aesthetics and functionality
  • DIY-friendly techniques and budget-conscious alternatives

Tanked succeeds as a fun, visually striking reality show. We, who build our own tanks, are reminded of what’s truly important in aquarium keeping. A well-designed, functional, and sustainable aquarium is far more rewarding than a flashy, impractical one.

In the end, DIY aquarium enthusiasts can appreciate Tanked for what it is. It is entertainment. Meanwhile, they continue to push the boundaries of fishkeeping in a responsible and educated way.

Season/EpisodeAir DateEpisode Name
S01-E01August 7, 2011Brett Takes a Dive
S01-E02August 19, 2011Swimming wth the Sharks
S01-E03August 26, 2011Rules of Engagement
S01-E04September 2, 2011Be Cool
S01-E05September 9, 2011Good Karma
S01-E06September 16, 2011Tricks of the Trade
S02-E01April 14, 2012Fish Out of Water
S02-E02April. 2012Old School vs. New School
S02-E03April 28, 2012Serenity Now
S02-E04April 19, 2012Roll with it
S02-E05May 12, 2012Tanks for the Memories
S02-E06May 19, 2012Polar Opposites
S02-E07June 2, 2012Most Challenging Tanks
S02-E08June, 2012Where the Wild Things Are
S03-E01August 11, 2012We're Gonna Need A Bigger Tank
S03-E02August 18, 2012For Love of Game or Money
S03-E03August 25, 2012Flying High and Sinking Deep
S03-E04September 8, 2012Nuclear Family
S03-E05September 15, 2012Love is an Illusion
S03-E06September 20, 2012On the Road Again
S03-E07November 17, 2012Midwest Zest
S04-E01March 20, 2013Pranks and Dranks!
S04-E02March 29, 2013Learn to Lover or Love to Learn
S04-E03April 5, 2013Groovy Sarcophagus Man
S04-E04April 12, 2013Tip of the Hat to the Devils
S04-E05April 19, 2013Spin the Bottles
S04-E06April 26, 2013A Guiding Light to Fitness
S04-E07May 1, 2013Nigiri and the NBA
S04-E08May 10, 2013Fermenting Donuts
S04-E09May 17, 2013A Healthy Dose of ATM
S04-E10May 31, 2013Jurassic Campground
S04-E11June 7, 2013Popcorn on the High Seas
S05-E01August 2, 2013Sweet Memories
S05-E02August, 2013Just What the Doctor Ordered
S05-E03August, 2013Smiling is the Best Medicine
S05-E04August 22, 2013Lifestyles of the Fish & Famous
S05-E05September, 2013Employee of the Month
S05-E06September 13, 2013Tricks and Trees
S06-E01November 1, 2013Rock N Roll Eruption!
S06-E02November, 2013Legal Vending Machine
S06-E03November, 2013Tracy and His Octopus
S06-E04November, 2013Crazy Client Requests
S06-E05November, 2013Betty White's Got an App for that
S06-E06December, 2013Tanked for the Holidays
S07-E01March 7, 2014Driving New Business
S07-E02March 14, 2014NASCAR and Baseball Champions Tanks!
S07-E03March 21, 2014Tanks on Tap
S07-E04March 28, 2014Tank This
S07-E05April 4, 2014Give a Dog a Phone
S07-E06April 11, 2014Hang Ten Barbeque
S07-E07April 18, 2014Character Favorites
S04-E08April 25, 2014Dining with the Fishes
S07-E09May 2, 2014Making History
S07-E10May 9, 2014Shark Buffet
S07-E11May 16, 2014The Winds of Trade
S08-E01September 19, 2014Shaq-Sized
S08-E02September 26, 2014Pete Rose Scores a Tank
S08-E03October 3, 2014Channeling the Long Island Medium
S08-E04October 10, 2014Medievil Protection
S08-E05October 17, 2014The Pirate Queen
S08-E06October 24, 2014Pipe Dreams
S08-E07October 31, 2014The Purr-fect Tank
S08-E08November 7, 2014Fish-a-Palooza
S08-E09November 14, 2014Saved by the Spell
S08-E10November 21, 2014Wilmer's Tank-errama
S08-E11November 28, 2014Tank You Come Again!
S08-E12December 5, 2014Tanked Again for the Holidays
S08-E13January 16, 2015When the Moonshine Hits Your Eye
S09-E01May 29, 2015Howie Mandel Is the Brains Behind ATM
S09-E02June 5, 2015Dwight Howards Slithering Slam Dunk
S09-E03June 12, 2015Gabriel Iglesias' Fluffy Tank
S09-E04June 20, 2015Marshawn Lynch Goes Beastmode
S09-E05June 27, 2015Jeff Dunham's Tank for Dummies
S09-E06September 18, 2015The Hoff Gets a Tank
S09-E07September 25, 2015Penn & Teller Monkey Magic
S09-E08October 2, 2015Sherri Shepard on the Rock
S09-E09October 9, 2015Bill Engvall: Here's Your Tank
S09-E10October 23, 2015Tanks N' Roses
S09-E11October 30, 2015Boyz II Men to ATM
S09-E12November 6, 2015NBA Wizardy
S09-E13November 13, 2015Chicago Bull Boom Box
S09-E14November 20, 2015Shaq-A-Tank!
S09-E15December 25, 2015Holiday Madness
S10-E01April 15, 2016100 Episodes STRONG!
S10-E02April 22, 2016Johnny Damon Is Expecting the Unexpected
S10-E03April 29, 2016Nick Carter Wants His Tank That Way
S10-E04May 6, 2016Prince Fielder's Big Hit
S10-E05May 13, 20162 Chainz, 1 Tank
S10-E06June 3, 2016Prince Royce Gets a Royal Tank
S10-E07June 10, 2016Imaginarium Tank
S10-E08June 17, 2016Bellagio Makeover
S10-E09June 24, 2016Party Rockin' Tank
S10-E10July 1, 2016Internet Tank Sensation
S11-E01September 23, 2016Fish Flop Hip Hop
S11-E02September 30, 2016Fish City, Kid
S11-E03October 7, 2016Real Aquariums of Beverly Hills
S11-E04October 14, 2016DJ of Dragons
S11-E05October 21, 2016Country Superstar Surprise!
S11-E06October 28, 2016Narho Average Fish Tanks
S11-E07November 4, 2016Going for the Gold(fish)
S11-E08November 11, 2016The Miami Heat Is On!
S11-E09November 18, 2016Thumbs Up!
S11-E10December 9, 2016Tanks for the Help
S11-E11December 16, 2016We Fish You a Merry Christmas
Special EpisodeDecember 9, 2016Tanks for the Help
Special EpisodeDecember 16, 2016Sea-Librity Edition: Trickster Tanks
Special EpisodeDecember 16, 2016We Fish You a Merry Christmas
Special EpisodeDecember 25, 2016Merry Fishmas: Tanks of Christmas Past
S101February 17, 2017Not-So-Freshwater Tank
S102February 24, 2017Fish Out of Water
S103March 3, 2017Nightmare Tanks
Special EpisodeMarch 10, 2017Tanks Again For The Help
S12-E01April 21, 2017Tank of Jerucho
S12-E02April 28, 2017Kevin Smith's Tortally Awesome Tank
S12-E03May 5, 2017Shark Byte
S12-E04May 12, 2017Alyssa's Charmed Tank
S12-E05May 19, 2017Sweet Tank O' Mine
S12-E06June 2, 2017Tty Dolla's Fresh Tank
S12-E07June 9, 2017Panama City Beach Tank
S12-E08June 16, 2017Wyclef's Tank Is Ready, or Not?
S12-E09June 23, 2017Spin Cycle Spec-Tank-ular!
S12-E10June 30, 2017Extreme Pond Off! Wayde vs. Brett
S13-E01October 6, 2017Antonio Brown's Touchdown Tank
S13-E02October 13, 2017San Francisco Giants Tank
S13-E03October 20, 2017Dwight Howard Slamming Tank
S13-E04November 3, 2017Adrian Peterson's MVP Tank
S13-E05November 10, 2017Shark Tank in the Shark Tank
S13-E06November 17, 2017Tanked in Sonoma
S13-E07November 24, 2017Antonio Davis High Brow Tank Tank
S13-E08December 1, 2017The Tank of Atlantis
S13-E09December 8, 2017This Tank is Ludacris
S13-E10December 15, 2017Napping with the Fishes
S14-E01March 30, 2018Keyshia Cole's Dream Tank
S14-E02April 6, 2018Brett's Donut Mania Tank
S14-E03April 13, 2018Triple Tank Throwdown
S14-E04April 20, 2018Fernando Vargas Knock Out Tank
S14-E05April 27, 2018Mel's Drive in Tank
S14-E06May 4, 2018Howie Mandel's Surprise Tank
S14-E07May 11, 2018Gangster Tank
S14-E08May 18, 2018The Amazing Piano Tank
S14-E09May 25, 2018The Fast and the Fishiest
S14-E10June 1, 2018Kurt Busch's Tank-a-Dega 500
S14-E11June 8, 2018The Dunk Tanks
S15-E01November 2, 2018The Wonderful Dr. Oz Tank
S15-E02November 2, 2018Wildfire Rescuse Tribute Tank
S15-E03November 9, 2018DeMarcus Cousins and a Snake Tank
S15-E04November 16, 2018Urijah Faber's Ultimate Fish Tank
S15-E05November 23, 2018All in the Ocean
S15-E06November 30, 2018Clay Matthew's Green Bay Eel Tank
S15-E07December 7, 2018Healing Garden Waterfall
S15-E08December 14, 2018A Merry Fishy Christmas
S15-E09December 21, 2018Tracy Morgan's Giant Shark Tank Under Construction
S15-E10December 28, 2018Tracy Morgan's Giant Shark Tank Revealed