Join us on an exciting journey touring aquariums built by Brett Raymer, the charismatic co-founder of ATM and star of Animal Planet's hit TV show "Tanked." With over 150 episodes aired, Brett has transformed the aquarium hobby into a mainstream sensation, creating jaw-dropping custom tanks for celebrities, businesses, and enthusiasts across the United States. In this in-depth interview, Brett shares behind-the-scenes stories, technical insights, and personal reflections about the show, the aquariums, and the legacy of "Tanked."
Table of Contents
- 🔹 Exploring Iconic Aquariums from "Tanked"
- 🔹 The Art and Practicality of Aquarium Design 🐠
- 🔹 Touring Unique Client Installations and Their Stories 🏞️
- 🔹 Behind the Scenes of "Tanked" and the Business Impact 💼
- 🔹 Addressing Criticism and Educating the Hobbyist Community 🎓
- 🔹 Fascinating Stories and Personal Reflections 🌟
- 🔹 FAQ on Touring Aquariums and "Tanked" 🐟
🔹 Exploring Iconic Aquariums from "Tanked"
Can you tell us about some of the most memorable aquariums you've built on the show?
Absolutely! One of the first tanks we checked out was from Season 6, Episode 6, a Christmas episode from 2013. It’s a massive 3,000-gallon tank, standing 12 feet tall and 8 feet in diameter. This aquarium is incredible not only for its size but also for the variety of fish it houses. We had some amazing species like blue tangs, niger triggers with their distinctive orange teeth, cross hatch triggers that cost around $1,200 each, and candy cane squirrelfish that are still thriving a decade later. As a hobbyist, I always geeked out over identifying the fish and sharing that knowledge with viewers.
What are some unique features or challenges you faced with these large aquariums?
One of the biggest challenges was during the transportation of that 3,000-gallon tank. Believe it or not, while filling the tank with water, it started leaking from the bottom. The bottom cracked during transit, and that was 100% real — no faking! When you’re building aquariums of this scale, there’s always something unexpected: water, glued pipes, delicate materials — issues happen regardless of your professionalism. But we were prepared and fixed it, and ten years later, that repair is still holding strong.
Can you explain the filtration systems you use for these tanks?
Absolutely. Our life support system is the heart of the aquarium. For example, in that 3,000-gallon tank, we use two types of filtration:
- Open loop system: This includes saltwater, a protein skimmer, and bio builders.
- Closed loop system: This has cartridge filters, a UV sterilizer, and a chiller.
We also use an Apex system that lets us monitor everything remotely via phone. The room for this filtration system is huge, with about 600 gallons of makeup water ready for quick water changes — you can knock out a 600-gallon water change in about 10 minutes. We visit twice a week for cleaning, and every couple of months, we even put a diver in the tank to clean it inside!
What was it like feeding and caring for the fish in such large tanks?
Feeding is always a highlight! For instance, in a 1,000-gallon tank inspired by our show, we feed a mix of frozen foods like frill shrimp. The fish quickly recognize feeding time — you can see them swimming up excitedly. Some species, like puffers, can be a bit tricky. They bite the food and spit it out, so we hand-feed them to ensure they get their share without other fish stealing their meal.
🔹 The Art and Practicality of Aquarium Design 🐠
Why do some tanks use artificial coral instead of live reef?
Great question! In some setups, especially those far from major cities like the one in the North Georgia mountains, maintaining a live reef tank can be very demanding. For venues that host events, they want minimal maintenance interruptions. Artificial coral inserts offer a practical alternative — they look dense and natural but have plenty of swim-throughs for fish to explore and hide. This setup is especially useful for tanks housing big angelfish and triggerfish that would otherwise chomp on live coral.
What are some creative touches you've added to these aquariums?
We love adding unique props that are safe for aquatic environments. For example, we’ve used coral-encrusted pool balls, poker chips, and playing cards embedded into the reef structures. These elements bring a fun and personalised vibe to the tank while blending seamlessly with the artificial coral made from collagen. It’s all about balancing aesthetics with practicality and fish welfare.
How thick is the acrylic used in these tanks?
We like to build with very thick acrylic for strength and durability. For instance, some tanks are made with two-inch-thick acrylic, which provides excellent clarity and structural integrity, especially for large volumes of water. It’s the kind of build that ensures the tank lasts for decades.
🔹 Touring Unique Client Installations and Their Stories 🏞️
Can you tell us about some of the unique locations where your aquariums have been installed?
One of my favourite installations was in a cabin in the North Georgia mountains, about an hour and a half outside Atlanta. The aquarium was housed in a game room — a 1,000-gallon tank measuring 12 feet by 3 feet by 4 feet. The owner was inspired by our show and wanted to create a stunning centerpiece for this remote location.
What’s special about this mountain cabin aquarium?
Besides the size, the aquarium featured artificial coral for easier maintenance due to the remote location. The design allowed for lots of fish space and swim-throughs, supporting a variety of species including large angelfish, triggerfish, butterflies, and dog-faced pufferfish. The game room also had a pool table and poker table — the ultimate man cave!
What about other commercial installations?
Another remarkable project was a 3,000-gallon aquarium for a company formerly known as Rugged Ridge, now Real Truck. Installed in 2015 (Season 9, Episode 8), this double-sided aquarium is 15 to 17 feet wide with multiple angles. It was one of the hardest tanks we ever built due to the complex shapes and perfect gluing and polishing required. The tank holds a diverse mix of fish including Pakistani butterflies, emperor angels, niger triggers, yellow tangs, and golden puffers, all thriving eight years later.
Are there any funny or unusual stories from these builds?
Yes! For example, after installing the Real Truck tank, we got a call to remove some coral. It turned out employees had been inserting phallic-shaped coral into multiple tanks repeatedly — a prank that became notorious. It was hilarious but also a reminder to keep an eye on things during long projects.
🔹 Behind the Scenes of "Tanked" and the Business Impact 💼
How many episodes did you film and what was the split between business and home installations?
We filmed 156 episodes in total. About 60% of the builds were in homes, and 40% were in businesses. Business installations often involved the entire company coming out for the big reveal, which could include 60 to 80 employees — a huge event!
How did filming work? Was everything done in real-time?
Not exactly. There’s a misconception that we built and installed these massive tanks in just a few hours. In reality, much of the work happened off-site. For example, we’d arrive at a celebrity’s home with the tank already on a trailer, ready to install. The actual filming of the installation and reveal was compressed into a few days, but behind the scenes, there was weeks of preparation, fish acclimation, and staging.
How did celebrity involvement work?
It varied. Some celebrities contacted the production companies because they or their families were fans and wanted to buy an aquarium. They would pay for it outright. Others were approached by the show and the aquarium was funded by the production company. Regardless, my company and I always got paid for our work. In cases like Tracy Morgan, if the build went over budget, the celebrity would cover the extra costs.
What was the relationship between your business ATM and the show?
They were separate but interconnected. I had my business, ATM, which operated independently, and I was also talent on the show. The show helped grow the business exponentially — from $2 million a year to $10 million at our peak. We went from five employees to about 60. The exposure was invaluable.
Did you feel fairly compensated for your role on the show?
Honestly, no. The production company and network made the majority of the money. I would have liked to own part of the show since I created it and gave it to them. I received no rerun royalties — I got paid once per episode, and that’s it, regardless of how many times it aired. This is common in reality TV but still frustrating.
What led to the end of the show and your departure?
The show ended in 2019 due to multiple reasons: high production costs, changes in network leadership, and family issues behind the scenes. There were tensions between husbands and wives, brothers and sisters — the family dynamic became too difficult. I personally needed a break and decided to quit. It was not about money; it was about protecting my happiness and mental health.
What happened to ATM after you left?
Since I was the main salesperson and driving force, my departure was a big blow. The company struggled to find a replacement with the same star power and sales ability. Combined with family problems, ATM eventually closed down. Meanwhile, Redneck, my co-star, moved on to work in other fields like RV sales in Vegas.
🔹 Addressing Criticism and Educating the Hobbyist Community 🎓
How do you respond to criticism about the way fish were handled on the show?
We faced a lot of criticism, especially from aquarium hobbyists, about stocking too many fish at once or improper acclimation. My response is that the show was made for entertainment, not a science channel. Behind the scenes, fish were acclimated for weeks ahead, and many were kept in hospital tanks to ensure health before filming. After filming, we sometimes removed fish to reduce bio-load and maintain tank health.
How did you balance entertainment and education on the show?
It was a fine line. We wanted aquariums to be exciting and accessible to the mainstream, not just hobby experts. We showed the process in condensed form, highlighting key moments for viewers. It wasn’t perfect science, but it inspired many people to start their own hobby. For every negative comment, we got hundreds of positive ones.
What advice do you have for people considering large custom aquariums?
If you’re thinking about investing in a large tank worth tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, you must budget for expert maintenance. Once the tank is installed and handed off, it’s your responsibility to maintain it or hire professionals. Without proper care, even the most stunning tank can deteriorate. It’s like owning a luxury car — you don’t just buy it and forget about it.
🔹 Fascinating Stories and Personal Reflections 🌟
What are some of your proudest moments from the show?
I’m proud of having created a show that lasted 15 seasons and more episodes than "Friends." We brought family values, education, comedy, and amazing builds to millions of viewers. We helped grow the aquarium hobby worldwide and inspired a new generation of aquarists. I built tanks for celebrities like Kobe Bryant and Dr. Dre before the show was even on air, though those projects were private.
What’s your message for the aquarium community and fans?
I hope the aquarium community loves what I did and continues to innovate and grow the hobby. Whether or not the show was perfect, it made aquariums fun and exciting for many people who otherwise wouldn’t have gotten involved. I’m proud to have played a role in that, and I look forward to seeing where the hobby goes next.
🔹 FAQ on Touring Aquariums and "Tanked" 🐟
Q: How large were the biggest tanks you built on "Tanked"?
A: Some tanks were massive, like the 3,000-gallon Christmas episode tank and a 3,000-gallon double-sided commercial tank. Sizes ranged from hundreds to thousands of gallons depending on the project.
Q: Did you always use live coral in these aquariums?
A: Not always. For practicality and maintenance reasons, especially in remote locations or event spaces, we often used artificial coral inserts that looked natural but were easier to care for.
Q: Were all fish added to the tanks during filming?
A: No. Fish were acclimated weeks in advance, often housed in hospital tanks. Some were removed after filming to balance bio-load and ensure tank health.
Q: Did you receive royalties from reruns of the show?
A: No, I was paid only for the initial airing of each episode, with no residuals from reruns.
Q: What happened to ATM after you left the show?
A: The company struggled without my sales leadership and eventually closed due to family issues and operational challenges.
Q: What advice do you have for maintaining large custom aquariums?
A: Hire experts for maintenance, budget accordingly, and follow protocols strictly. Large tanks require ongoing professional care to thrive.
Q: How did you handle criticism from aquarium hobbyists?
A: I understood the criticism but reminded people the show was entertainment. Behind the scenes, we took steps to ensure fish health and tank success.
Q: Are any of the tanks from the show still around?
A: Yes! Many tanks are still thriving years later, maintained by professionals or owners who followed proper care.
Q: What was it like working with celebrities?
A: It was exciting but varied. Some celebrities were fans who paid for tanks; others were part of production company deals. Everyone loved their custom aquariums!
Q: Why did the show end?
A: A combination of high costs, network changes, and family dynamic issues led to the show's end in 2019.
Thank you for joining this in-depth look at touring aquariums built by Brett Raymer and the legacy of "Tanked." Whether you’re a hobbyist or just fascinated by these underwater masterpieces, Brett’s stories and insights offer a unique window into the world of custom aquarium design and television.
This article was inspired from the video Touring Aquariums Built on "Tanked" W/ Brett Raymer! with all credits going towards the creator. Drop them a Like and Subscribe!
