Tanked Aquariums - A Look Back At The Show

For many years, folks tuned in to watch some truly incredible aquatic creations come to life on a television program that captured imaginations. This show, known simply as "Tanked," gave viewers an up-close look at the often very big and quite unusual fish homes being put together by a dedicated group of individuals. It ran for quite a stretch, bringing a little bit of the ocean, or a fresh water pond, right into living rooms across the country, showing off what could be done with a lot of clear material and some very creative ideas for housing swimming creatures.

The program first appeared on Animal Planet, a channel known for its animal-focused stories and documentaries, back in August of 2011. It quickly became a favorite for those who loved seeing something built from scratch, especially when that something was going to be filled with water and lively, colorful fish. The series continued to air new episodes for a number of years, presenting over a hundred and fifty different projects, each one a little more imaginative, or perhaps a little more challenging, than the last. You know, it's almost like watching an artist at work, but with big sheets of acrylic and lots of plumbing.

This popular show followed a company that made some of the largest, most custom aquariums in the United States. It gave people a peek behind the curtain at how these massive, sometimes truly wild, fish habitats were thought up and then constructed, step by step. The people involved really made the program what it was, bringing their personalities and their passion for these aquatic displays to the screen every week. It was, in a way, a chance to see dreams take shape, especially if those dreams involved a lot of water and some very happy fish.

What Happened to Tanked Aquariums?
How Did the Tanked Aquariums Show Begin?
Who Were the Faces Behind the Tanked Aquariums?
Getting to Know the Tanked Aquariums Creators
The Legacy of Tanked Aquariums
Where Can You Still See Tanked Aquariums?
The Art of Building Tanked Aquariums
The Double Meaning of "Tanked" - A Play on Words for Tanked Aquariums

What Happened to Tanked Aquariums?

Many fans of the program often wonder what became of their favorite show about creating incredible fish displays. After a long run on television, the series that showed off these custom-made fish homes eventually concluded. It had been on the air for quite some time, giving viewers a chance to see many different projects unfold over the years. The show, which truly captured the interest of many who enjoyed seeing big, custom-built fish tanks, wrapped up its broadcast life. You know, it's always a little sad when a beloved show stops making new episodes, but this one had a good, long run.

The television program, which had become a signature offering for Animal Planet, finished its production schedule in late 2018. It aired its very last episode on December 28th of that year. So, while it might feel like it just ended, a little bit of time has passed since new stories about these fascinating aquatic structures were shared with the public. It was, in some respects, a natural conclusion for a series that had given so much to its audience over many years. Fifteen seasons is quite a lot for any television production, and this one certainly made its mark.

Even though the program was still quite popular and had a loyal following, the decision was made to bring it to a close. Animal Planet, the network that hosted the show, confirmed that "Tanked" was indeed done after its fifteen seasons. It was a pretty successful show, bringing in lots of viewers who were curious about how these huge, unique fish tanks were put together. Basically, the series, which had followed the creation of so many interesting tanked aquariums, simply reached its end point after a very good run. It was a long stretch of time, really, to be on the air.

How Did the Tanked Aquariums Show Begin?

The show first introduced itself to television audiences in the summer of 2011, specifically on August 7th. From that moment on, it started to build a following of people who enjoyed seeing big, custom-made aquatic environments. The idea was to give everyone a close look at the process of designing and constructing these often very large and sometimes truly unusual fish homes. It was a fresh concept for a reality program, focusing on a craft that many might not have known much about. You know, it's pretty neat to see something so specialized get its moment in the spotlight.

The program centered around a company that held the distinction of being the biggest manufacturer of aquariums in the United States. This business was responsible for creating some of the most striking and outrageous fish tanks you could imagine. The series took viewers inside their operations, showing the day-to-day work, the challenges, and the triumphs of building these incredible habitats. It was, in a way, an open invitation to see how these massive projects, which often included very particular tanked aquariums, came to be.

Over the years it was on the air, the show produced more than 150 individual episodes. Each one typically featured a new project, a new client, and a new set of challenges for the team to overcome. Viewers got a chance to see how raw materials, like big sheets of acrylic, were transformed into beautiful, functional homes for aquatic life. It was a true behind-the-scenes look at a very specialized kind of craftsmanship, and that, is that, what made it so appealing to so many people who watched.

Who Were the Faces Behind the Tanked Aquariums?

Every good television program, especially one that shows people doing interesting work, has a cast of characters who bring it to life. For the show about these custom fish homes, there were a few key individuals whose personalities and skills were front and center. These were the people who were responsible for dreaming up, building, and installing all those amazing aquatic displays. They were, in some respects, the heart of the show, making it feel real and engaging for everyone watching at home.

The primary figures on the program were Wayde King and Brett Raymer. These two individuals were at the head of the company that specialized in creating these custom fish habitats. They were often seen working together, sometimes disagreeing, but always with the goal of making the best possible environment for the fish. Their dynamic, you know, was a big part of what made the show fun to watch, as they navigated the various demands of their unique business. They were the ones who really put the "tanked aquariums" into the spotlight.

Beyond Wayde and Brett, other family members and colleagues also played important parts in the series. Kyle Calabrese was another regular presence, contributing his skills and efforts to the projects. Heather King, who was Wayde's wife, also appeared on the show, adding another layer to the family business aspect. These individuals, working together, were the ones who really made the show about building these impressive tanked aquariums feel like a real-life operation. It was, really, a team effort that viewers got to witness week after week.

Getting to Know the Tanked Aquariums Creators

The people who were regularly featured on the show brought their own unique qualities to the screen. Wayde King and Brett Raymer, as the main figures, were often seen making big decisions, solving problems, and sometimes getting into a little bit of playful banter. Their work involved a lot of planning and physical effort to bring the designs for these custom fish habitats to life. It was pretty clear that they had a deep passion for what they did, which definitely came through in every episode.

Kyle Calabrese was another important member of the team, usually seen assisting with the construction and installation of the large fish enclosures. His contributions were vital to getting these massive projects completed on time and to the very high standards they aimed for. Heather King, as Wayde's wife, offered a different perspective, often handling aspects that kept the business running smoothly or adding a personal touch to the family-run enterprise. Basically, each person played a part in making those incredible tanked aquariums a reality.

It’s worth noting that the show was very much about the personalities involved, as much as it was about the actual building of the tanks. The interactions between the cast members, their reactions to unexpected challenges, and their dedication to their craft were a big draw for viewers. They were, in a way, inviting people into their professional lives, showing them what it took to create these extraordinary aquatic structures.

The Legacy of Tanked Aquariums

Even though the television program is no longer making new episodes, its impact on those who watched it continues. The show left behind a collection of over 150 stories about the creation of some truly remarkable fish environments. It inspired many people to think differently about what an aquarium could be, moving beyond just a simple glass box to something much more imaginative and integrated into a space. It really showed what was possible when creativity met craftsmanship, especially with those very big tanked aquariums.

The series helped to shine a light on a very specialized industry, one that most people probably didn't know much about before. It showcased the skill and dedication required to build these large, custom fish homes, from the initial design sketches to the final filling of water and introduction of fish. It also brought the personalities of Wayde, Brett, and the rest of the team into homes, making them familiar faces to many. Their work, you know, definitely left a lasting impression on the world of custom aquariums.

For a show to run for fifteen seasons, it has to have something special that keeps people coming back. "Tanked" certainly had that appeal, drawing in viewers with its blend of unique projects, family dynamics, and the sheer visual spectacle of the finished tanks. It provided a regular dose of wonder and creativity, demonstrating that even something as specific as building fish tanks could be endlessly fascinating. The show, in some respects, proved that there's an audience for just about any kind of incredible building project, especially when it involves tanked aquariums.

Where Can You Still See Tanked Aquariums?

Even though new episodes are not being made, fans who miss the program or those who are curious to see what it was all about can still find ways to watch it. The series, which showcased so many incredible custom fish habitats, remains available on certain streaming platforms. This means that the work of Wayde, Brett, and their team can still be enjoyed by anyone with an internet connection and a desire to see some truly amazing aquatic displays. It's pretty convenient, actually, that you can just pull it up whenever you feel like it.

One place where you can catch up on old episodes of the show is Pluto TV. This service allows you to stream the program for free, giving you access to many of the past seasons and the various projects featured within them. So, if you're feeling nostalgic for those big, custom-built fish homes, or if you've never seen the show before and are curious, it's pretty easy to find. You know, it's a good way to spend an afternoon, just watching those beautiful tanked aquariums come together.

Being able to stream the entire series means that the stories of these impressive builds and the personalities behind them are still accessible to a wide audience. It allows the show's legacy to continue, letting new generations discover the creativity and effort that went into each custom fish habitat. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of seeing something truly unique being created from scratch, especially when it involves living creatures and a lot of water. You can, like your, revisit those incredible tanked aquariums anytime you wish.

The Art of Building Tanked Aquariums

The television program really highlighted the special skills and artistic vision required to create these massive and often very unusual fish homes. It wasn't just about putting glass or acrylic together; it involved a great deal of design, engineering, and a deep appreciation for aquatic life. Each project was a unique challenge, requiring the team to think outside the box to meet the specific requests of their clients. It was, in a way, a blend of science and artistry, all focused on making the perfect home for fish.

Viewers got an inside look at how big sheets of acrylic, a clear and strong material, were shaped, joined, and polished to form the basic structure of the tanks. But beyond the structure, there was the intricate work of creating the internal landscapes, installing filtration systems, and making sure everything was safe and sound for the fish that would eventually live there. It was a very involved process, showing that building these tanked aquariums was much more than just a simple construction job.

The show often featured "outrageous tanks" that were designed to house "striking fish." This meant that the team wasn't just building standard rectangular boxes. They were crafting aquariums that might be shaped like pyramids, telephone booths, or even cars, all while ensuring they were functional and healthy environments for the aquatic inhabitants. This dedication to both form and function was a core part of the show's appeal, demonstrating the incredible possibilities when it came to custom tanked aquariums. It was, truly, a sight to behold.

The Double Meaning of "Tanked" - A Play on Words for Tanked Aquariums

It's interesting to think about the title of the show and how that word, "tanked," can have more than one way of being used. While the program was clearly about building fish tanks, the word itself sometimes gets used in everyday talk with a completely different sense. This double meaning might have added a little bit of cleverness to the show's name, making it memorable in more ways than one. You know, it's a pretty common thing for words to have multiple uses, and this is a good example.

In casual conversation, if someone says they are "tanked" or "tanked up," they usually mean they've had too much to drink. This informal use of the word is quite common in certain situations. So, when you hear the show's title, there's that slight moment where your brain might briefly consider the other interpretation before settling on the obvious one related to fish tanks. It's just a little bit of linguistic fun, really, that probably wasn't lost on the show's creators.

Of course, for the television program, the word "tanked" was directly connected to the large, custom-built fish aquariums that were the star of every episode. It referred to the act of creating and filling these impressive water containers. The play on words, however subtle, likely added a layer of informal charm to the show's identity. It helped to make the title of the program, which focused on these incredible tanked aquariums, stick in people's minds. It's pretty neat, actually, how words can work like that.