The Iconic Series: Tanked
In the realm of reality television, few shows captured the imaginative fun of creation quite like Tanked. This series, broadcasted by Animal Planet, delved into the custom aquarium business. Its appeal lay not just in the massive, intricate aquariums but in the charming cast that brought them to life.
Wayde King and Brett Raymer
Wayde King and Brett Raymer were the frontmen of Tanked. Both business partners and brothers-in-law, their banter and camaraderie set the tone for each episode. Wayde, the CEO of Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM), had a background rooted deeply in the art of aquariums. His father repaired aquariums, which gave Wayde an early introduction to marine life.
Brett was known for his energy and humor. He complemented Wayde’s technical expertise with marketing prowess. Together, they made their differences work in favor of the business. The duo’s dynamic made the show engaging, balancing serious business with entertainment.
Irwin Raymer aka The General
Irv The General Raymer, Brett’s father, added wisdom to the mix. Former co-owner of the company, he had been with ATM since its early days. Known for his straightforward approach, Irwin served as the company’s office manager. This role ensured that chaos remained somewhat organized.
Heather King
Heather King, Wayde’s wife and Brett’s sister, was another integral member of the cast. She oversaw the finances, keeping budgets in check amidst Brett’s often grandiose ideas. Heather facilitated harmony in the otherwise hectic operations at ATM.
Robert Robbie Redneck Christlieb
Robbie Christlieb, often called Robbie Redneck, brought a different flair. Serving as the shop’s expert fabricator, his ingenuity and craftsmanship shone through in the unique tank features he built. Robbie’s easygoing personality and southern charm made him a fan favorite.
Agnes Wilczynski
Agnes Wilczynski managed sales and featured prominently in Tanked. Her role involved dealing with clients and managing expectations. Agnes brought a balance of friendliness and determination to her dealings, ensuring client visions were clearly communicated to the team.
The Process of Building a Tank
- Concept: Every project began with client meetings to discuss visions and requirements.
- Design: The team drafted detailed plans, ensuring each feature fulfilled functional and aesthetic criteria.
- Building: Construction involved cutting, gluing, and assembling large acrylic pieces.
- Installation: Completed tanks were transported carefully and installed on-site.
Memorable Tanks and Clients
The variety of clients made each episode unique. From celebrities to theme parks, each build brought new challenges.
- Celebrity Tanks: Notable names like Neil Patrick Harris and Shaquille O’Neal commissioned tanks.
- Themed Tanks: Builds like the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat were large in scale and design intricacy.
- Unusual Requests: Sometimes clients sought unconventional designs, like a phone booth turned aquarium.
Each tank’s uniqueness stemmed from matching client environments with themes. A tank designed as a sunken ship for a Caribbean restaurant exemplified this creativity.
Behind the Scenes
Executing these projects required teamwork and problem-solving. Often, obstacles in construction led to creative solutions. The collaborative environment at ATM allowed innovative ideas to thrive.
Additionally, logistics played a vital role. Coordinating transportation for massive tanks required precise timing and expertise. Interactions with a range of marine life suppliers maintained the vibrant ecology within the tanks.
Impact of the Show
Tanked highlighted the intricacies of aquarium creation, broadening public interest in aquascaping. The show inspired viewers to appreciate both practicality and artistry of large aquariums.
Its influence extended to an increased demand for customizable tanks in both residential and commercial spaces. The series popularized aquariums as complex art forms merged with technology.
The Business of ATM
Acrylic Tank Manufacturing, based in Las Vegas, became a hub of innovation under the spotlight of Tanked. The show propelled ATM into international recognition, expanding their client base.
Beyond Tanked, the company continued to craft bespoke tanks, further developing their techniques and designs to meet diverse specifications.
