Ep 3. Shark Byte

In this episode of Tanked season 12, titled Shark Byte, the aquarium-building experts at Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM) find themselves with another challenging and exciting project. The client, a technology company called Dell, wants them to build a custom 500-gallon shark tank for their new cybersecurity center in Austin, Texas. To add to the pressure, the tank needs to be installed within a 24-hour timeframe to fit with the opening schedule of the center.

The team, headed by co-owners Wayde King and Brett Raymer, gets to work right away, creating a design that will not only showcase the sharks, but also incorporate Dell's logo, as well as a modern, tech-inspired look. They decide to use a brushed aluminum finish on the tank, which will reflect the light and colors of the sharks as they swim, giving it a sleek, industrial look.

One of the challenges they face is the fact that the tank needs to be installed on the second floor of the building, which means they need to find a way to get it up there. The team comes up with a solution, creating a steel frame structure that will support the tank during the installation process.

The team also selects the sharks that will call the tank home, including a blacktip, a zebra shark, and a bonnethead. They carefully acclimate the sharks to their new environment, ensuring that the water conditions are just right and that the sharks are healthy and comfortable.

But as they begin to fill the tank with water, disaster strikes. One of the acrylic panels cracks, putting the entire installation in jeopardy. The team quickly works to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it, all while racing against the clock.

Despite the setback, the team manages to fix the panel and finish the installation in time for the grand opening of the cybersecurity center. The finished product is a stunning, state-of-the-art tank that features the sleek design that ATM is known for, as well as the unique branding elements that Dell requested. The sharks take to their new home with ease, providing an eye-catching and engaging addition to the new center.

As with all episodes of Tanked, Shark Byte not only showcases the impressive skills of the ATM team in designing and building aquariums, but also highlights the complex and fascinating world of aquariums and the animals that inhabit them. From selecting the right species of sharks, to ensuring that the environment is just right for them to thrive, the show underscores the importance of careful planning, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of animal behavior in creating successful and beautiful aquariums.