Aquariums have fascinated people for centuries, but modern custom tanks take the experience to a whole new level. One name that often comes up in this space is ATM Fish Tanks, also known as Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM). The company rose to fame through the Animal Planet show Tanked, where viewers watched massive, jaw-dropping aquariums being designed and installed. But over the years, many have wondered: Is ATM Fish Tanks still in business? Let’s take a closer look at the brand, its history, ownership, current status, and what the future might hold.
A Little Background about ATM Fish Tanks
Wayde King and Brett Raymer established ATM Fish Tanks in 1997 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Custom acrylic aquariums for homes, corporations, and major institutions were the company’s area of expertise. Their projects ranged from modest in-home tanks to giant aquariums for casinos, restaurants, and museums.
The company quickly gained recognition not only for its craftsmanship but also for its creativity. This led to their appearance on the Animal Planet show Tanked (2011–2018), which gave audiences a behind-the-scenes look at their work. The show boosted ATM’s profile and made the company one of the most recognizable names in custom aquariums worldwide.
Is ATM Fish Tanks Still in Business?
This is where things get complicated. While ATM was once thriving, reports suggest the company closed around 2020 due to financial and operational struggles. Rising manufacturing costs, supply chain challenges, and internal issues are believed to have contributed to the shutdown.
Some sources online still claim ATM is in business, pointing to old websites or press features. However, customers have reported disconnected phone lines and unanswered emails when trying to reach the company. This strongly suggests that ATM Fish Tanks is no longer fully operational today.
Who Owns ATM Fish Tanks
ATM Fish Tanks was originally owned by Wayde King and Brett Raymer, who were also the stars of Tanked. The show’s popularity made them household names among aquarium enthusiasts.
While both King and Raymer were integral to the company’s growth, ownership and leadership appear to have become strained over the years. Reports of family disputes and financial troubles surfaced after the show ended, which may have contributed to the decline of the business.
ATM Fish Tanks Present Scenario
Currently, ATM does not appear to be actively building or selling tanks on a large scale. Their official website and contact numbers are inactive, and there’s little evidence of ongoing projects. Some leftover ATM-branded products, such as fish food and aquarium supplies, are still available through third-party retailers, but the custom tank business seems to have gone silent.
For those looking for custom aquariums today, other companies have stepped in to fill the gap. Businesses like Acrylic Aquariums Manufacturing, Living Color Aquariums, and smaller regional builders now cater to customers who once might have gone to ATM.
ATM Fish Tanks Efforts to Stay Competitive
During its peak, ATM tried to stay ahead of competitors by leveraging its TV fame and brand recognition. The company launched its own line of aquarium products, including fish food and water treatment supplies, in addition to building custom tanks. This strategy helped them diversify beyond just aquarium manufacturing.
Unfortunately, once Tanked ended, the spotlight dimmed, and without consistent marketing or updated business models, ATM struggled to maintain relevance in a crowded market. Competitors with lower prices and faster turnaround times became more appealing to customers.
Reviews of Customers on ATM Fish Tanks
Customer feedback on ATM Fish Tanks has always been mixed. On the positive side, many praised the company’s stunning custom designs, high-quality craftsmanship, and unique creativity. The aquariums featured on Tanked were often described as “works of art” that pushed the limits of what was possible.
However, others criticized ATM for being expensive, slow, and hard to reach. Some reviews noted poor communication and delays in project completion. After the show ended, frustrated customers also reported difficulties contacting the company for support, further damaging its reputation.
ATM Fish Tanks Future Prospects
As of now, the future of ATM Fish Tanks looks uncertain. With no official relaunch announcements or active operations, it seems unlikely the company will return in its original form. However, the demand for custom aquariums remains strong, and other companies continue to carry the torch that ATM once held.
There’s always a chance that former owners or a new investor could revive the brand, given its global recognition from Tanked. But unless that happens, ATM Fish Tanks will likely remain a fond memory for fans of the show and aquarium enthusiasts.
Conclusion
ATM Fish Tanks, once a leader in custom aquariums and a household name thanks to Tanked, appears to have ceased major operations around 2020. Founded by Wayde King and Brett Raymer, the company rose quickly but faced financial and operational struggles that made it hard to stay competitive.
While the brand’s aquariums left a lasting impact and their TV fame boosted popularity, ATM’s future is uncertain. For now, aquarium enthusiasts looking for high-quality custom tanks must turn to alternative builders. Still, the legacy of ATM Fish Tanks lives on in the creativity and innovation it brought to the industry.
Also Read:
