Ep 7. Nigiri and the NBA

In season 4 episode 7 of Tanked, titled "Nigiri and the NBA," the team at Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM) takes on two very different but equally challenging projects.

First up is the installation of a massive saltwater aquarium for a sushi restaurant in Las Vegas. The restaurant owner, who is also a big fan of the show, wants a tank that will not only showcase exotic marine life but also serve as a stunning centerpiece for his establishment. The team at ATM, led by brothers-in-law Brett Raymer and Wayde King, must create a custom tank that fits into a tight space and can accommodate a variety of fish species.

They decide to go with a unique shape that mimics a Japanese recipe called nigiri, where a small piece of fish is placed on top of a ball of rice. The tank will have a round base with a tapering center column that flares out at the top, resembling a nigiri piece. It's a challenging design that requires precise measurements and specialized equipment, but the team is up for the task. They also source an impressive array of marine life, including a massive eel and vibrant coral reefs, to fill the tank.

But just as the team is about to finish the installation, they face a setback - one of the acrylic panels cracks and needs to be replaced. With time running out and the sushi restaurant's grand opening looming, Brett and Wayde scramble to find a solution. They manage to cut a new panel to size and install it just in time for the big reveal. The finished tank is a stunning success, with the unique shape and vibrant marine life impressing both the restaurant owner and the Tanked team.

The second project featured in this episode is for a very different client, NBA player Chris "Birdman" Andersen. Birdman is a professional basketball player who lives in Florida and has a passion for reptiles. He wants a custom enclosure for his prized iguanas and bearded dragons, one that will not only provide ample space but also be visually striking.

Brett and Wayde fly down to Florida to meet with Birdman and see his current setup. They quickly realize that his current enclosures are cramped and not suitable for the reptiles' needs. They set out to create a luxurious reptile room that provides ample space, natural light, and plenty of shade.

The team decides to go with a design that mimics a tropical paradise, complete with a large tree and a waterfall feature. They also install specialized lighting and heating systems to create a comfortable and healthy environment for the reptiles. The project is more straightforward than the sushi tank but still requires precision and attention to detail.

Once the enclosure is complete, Brett and Wayde bring in Birdman's reptiles and show him around. He's thrilled with the new setup and grateful for the Tanked team's expertise. The episode ends with the Tanked team celebrating another successful project and looking forward to their next challenge.

Overall, "Nigiri and the NBA" is a fascinating episode that showcases the Tanked team's creativity, skill, and dedication to their craft. The contrast between the two projects - a sushi tank and a reptile room - highlights the team's versatility and ability to tackle any design brief. Whether you're a fan of marine life or reptiles, this episode is sure to entertain and impress.