Today while taking a break from the weekend chores, I turned on the television and came across a marathon of Animal Planet's show "Tanked". I knew about the show, but avoided watching it because I knew it would send my blood pressure off the scale. Reality shows don't thrill me anyway, and I'd heard negative comments about the show from fellow fish enthusiasts. I decided to watch and see for myself what it was all about.I came away with mixed feelings. Editing of the show gives viewers the impression that they fill the tank, then immediately toss fish into it. Not to mention some tanks were stocked with more fish than I'd recommend for the volume of water. Then there was the bizarre shape and decor in many of the tanks. Sure a tank that looks like a refrigerator complete with fake food is eye-grabbing, but far from natural for the fish. None of that sits well with me.
On the other hand, it was a lot more interesting than I expected. I suspect it will draw some interest to the aquarium hobby, which is a good thing. I visited the program website and was pleasantly surprised to see they partnered with Doctors Foster and Smith to provide care and species information. Too bad they don't share more of that good info on the air. In the end I feel the show presents more negatives than positives. I won't be watching again myself, but perhaps others may enjoy it. What about you, how do you feel about the show?
Photo © Andreas Schlegel
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