Tanked - What a Mess

[mainn]

I've been bumming around the house sick this week and as such I have ended up watching a regrettable amount of garbage TV. I have watched tanked before, but while not particularly a fan, pass a lot of it off on TV editing, people who care more about having a decoration than a fish tank and whatnot. I am aware of the overstocking and quick cycles that they usually do, but today I saw an episode that really made my blood boil.

It was S4 E8 Dining with the Fishes if Anyone cares to look it up.

Basically they built a table tank for these people who made silverware and stuff, cool in theory, however, it was meant to be taken around the country to trade shows. It has 2 small access panels - probably 1ft x 1ft, which are below the waterline, meaning the tank has to be drained to even get to them, and the screws holding them in stripped and leaked like the 2nd time they were installed. So much for low maintenance. Also how do they plan to catch all of these fish to move the tank????

Anyway the true crux of the problem here was the stock list - Keep in mind the tank was 115 gallons, also meant to be taken to trade shows by people who make silverware and have no idea about anything about fish.

I counted no less than 4 hippo tangs, a couple of naso tangs, an orange shoulder tang, several (more than 4) butterfly fish, a queen angel, and a bunch of other stuff that I didn't bother to go frame by frame and count. One of the hippos was dead in a number of shots, and it really makes me wonder what else they cut out of the show.

Tank:

Dead Hippo:

 

[UF18]

I am friends with the guy who takes care of a couple of their tanks in a mall. After they set up the 1000 gallon 10' tall cylinder and filled it with $4k worth of fish, they were all dead within a few days. Maintenance was such a pain my friend removed the big decorative top on the tank and converted it to African cichlids.

 

[mainn]

Really doesn't suprise me all that much, but it really is a shame that all those fish have to die for it.

 

[bevo5]

Are you sure that hippo is dead? If you look at my tank right now mine is most likely stationed in exactly the same position under his favorite rock for some R&R.

Not saying the others issues aren't completely valid - but I seriously doubt they would edit the episode together to show dead fish!

 

[mainn]

They had a couple of shots where they stayed on it for a bit and it really wasn't breathing at all. Either way too many big delicate fish for a tank like this.

 

[bevo5]

Can't argue with you there - they overstock the tanks with apparently very little regard for how well they would do long term.

One thing I"ve read is that they remove the fish afterwards, but who knows.

 

[ReeferBob]

These shows are more about the lives of the people than the work they actually do. "Reality" shows have taken a turn for the worse. Combining the interesting non-fiction mission/technical related stuff and the boring drama of otherwise uninteresting lives in an attempt to reach wider audiences. I have always disliked this show especially the dude with the pig nose. I used to watch several automotive based reality shows that now are about 90% drama of the lives of the people and 10% of what the show used to be there for.

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

One thing I"ve read is that they remove the fish afterwards, but who knows.

I've read a few articles that said it's in the contract that the customers sign with ATM that they're going to overstock the tank for filming purposes and it's on the client to have it removed. Those article spoke with former clients that decided to ignore the contract and keep all of those fish in there. Then the tank crashes and they get mad at ATM. Sure, It's not smart on either side but almost all of these people are paying to have the tanks serviced so why are the people servicing them not taking the extra fish out?

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Yes, the tanks are overly stocked for filming purposes and any extra fish should be removed by the servicer. ATM has dozens of approved servicers for their clients. it's like buying a car. once you drive it off the lot it's up to you what you do with it.

And I'm not sure why anyone is still upset at this show. by now it's common sense that's it's scripted and heavily edited.

 

[reefwiser]

We just had a TANKed aquarium placed here in my area. The fish where all dead in no time and they are now redoing the whole filtration system. I wish they would bring back Fish tank kings on Nat Geo.
They did a much better job. I wish they would cancel Tanked.

 

[vertigo01]

I've said it before and will say it again.
The only reason to watch Tanked is Agnes.
The rest of the gllitz and glam is worthless air time.

IMHO of course

 

[wkscott]

Can't beat hillbilly handfishin'