Tanked

Tanked follows the loud, messy, often hilarious day to day at Acrylic Tank Manufacturing, a family-owned shop in Las Vegas that builds enormous custom aquariums. The show centers on partners Wayde King and Brett Raymer, brothers-in-law whose competitive banter fuels most jobs. Each episode pairs a bizarre client request with the practical challenges of engineering giant acrylic tanks, plumbing, and life support systems, so you get shop-floor problem solving and interpersonal clashes as projects move from sketches to finished installations. The tone mixes workplace comedy with hands-on craftsmanship, and the cast around the two leads includes family members and technicians who add personality and expertise to every build.

Premiered in 2011, the series is filmed at ATM's 13,000 square foot Las Vegas workshop and features Wayde King and Brett Raymer up front, alongside Irwin Raymer, Heather King, and marine tech Robert Christlieb.

As a reality fixture, Tanked hasn't been a big contender on the major awards circuit, so it didn't rack up Emmys or Golden Globes. Still, it ran long enough to become familiar to audiences who like trade-focused nonfiction TV.

The show left a mark on pop culture by turning custom aquariums into a recognizable visual shorthand for over-the-top luxury. Its outrageous tank designs and the pair's loud personalities have been referenced, parodied, and shared in clips online, helping spark wider interest in bespoke aquatic displays and home installations.

Critics and viewers have generally enjoyed Tanked for what it is, reflected in a 7.6/10 user score from 26 votes. Reviews often highlight the mix of technical ingenuity and workplace comedy, noting the chemistry between Wayde and Brett and the satisfying before-and-after reveals. Themes include family business dynamics, practical engineering challenges, and the clash between creative ambition and real-world constraints.