Tanked: Unfiltered

"Tanked: Unfiltered" is a riveting reality TV series from Animal Planet that aired in 2011. The series is essentially a spin-off of the hit show "Tanked" and offers viewers an exciting, unfiltered glimpse into the world of custom aquarium building.

The premise of the series revolves around the high-volume, intensely intricate, and brilliantly designed world of aquarium fabrications, predominantly constructed for celebrities, corporations, and the affluent. Lovers of marine life, luxury, and jaw-dropping creative designs will find themselves engrossed in the show's unique combination of artistry, engineering, biology, and interior design, all blended into one engaging format.

The stars of "Tanked: Unfiltered" are Las Vegas-based Acrylic Tank Manufacturing's (ATM's) co-owners, Wayde King and Brett Raymer. This dynamic duo has over 40 years of combined experience forging some of the world's most innovative and oversized aquariums. Their larger-than-life personalities match the grandeur of their creations, offering a welcome dose of humour and wit to balance out the meticulous, scientific nature of their business.

On each episode, Wayde and Brett tackle a new project, showcasing their unique ability to transform virtually any space into a breathtaking aquarium. From a telephone booth to a car, nothing seems to be off-limits for these two. Structures that might initially seem incapable of housing aquatic life are revolutionised into stunning, living works of art brimming with color and life.

The process showcased in each episode is immense. It typically starts with customer consultations where dreams are sketched out on paper. Then, the audience will be taken through the design process. The subsequent logistical and technical challenges of fabricating and installing these monumental aquariums make up the second part of every episode.

However, the process does not end with the installation. To populate the tanks, the show often features the ATM crew going on aquatic shopping trips to find the perfect fishes and marine creatures for each custom aquarium. These sequences often serve to educate audiences about different marine species, their behaviors, and their requirements.

The joyous reveal, where the customers see their dream brought into reality, often forms the climactic part of each episode. The reactions to these custom-made, visually stunning aquariums are largely heartwarming, making the hard work seem all the more worthwhile.

"Tanked: Unfiltered" is not just about showcasing the opulence and beauty of these luxurious aquariums. The series also serves as an intensely educational program, providing viewers with vast knowledge about different types of fishes and marine ecosystems. The show succeeds in inculcating a deeper understanding and respect for aquatic life, which often remains widely unfamiliar territory for many.

Adding to the intrigue and the suspense of each project are the complex demands and high expectations of their high-profile clients – ratcheting up the pressure to deliver. The way Brett and Wayde handle these demands, the problems that might crop up, their ways of negotiating obstacles, and achieving the seemingly impossible, lends a dramatic tinge to the series.

The dynamic personalities of the crew members, their familial relationships, their camaraderie, and the occasional clashes that come from working under stress also add an interesting dimension to the series. The interpersonal dynamics between the staff, including Wayde's wife (who also happens to be Brett's sister), the general manager, the marine technician, and other key crew members, punctuates the narrative with moments of laughter, tension, and affection.

With its beautifully crafted custom aquariums, emotional reveals, and slapstick humor, along with the more touching moments of family and teamwork, "Tanked: Unfiltered" is a series that seamlessly merges information with entertainment. To say that each episode is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish would not be an overstatement. For anyone with a penchant for creativity, an interest in marine life, or those simply looking for a unique, uplifting show - "Tanked: Unfiltered" is absolutely worth diving into.