Tanked is a popular Animal Planet reality program, now in its 14th season, that follows the exploits of Las Vegas-based firm Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM), who creates larger-than-life custom aquariums and acrylic exhibits for one-of-a-kind clients. ATM has built some of the world’s largest aquariums, including projects for major hotels and casinos, zoos, museums, theme parks, restaurants, retail centers, private clients and celebrities. The latest episode featured a unique challenge: building a fish tank that is also a working baby-grand piano!
The designers accomplished the task with the implementation of a Roland RD-2000 88-key Stage Piano as the keyboard aspect of the buildout, paired with a 250-gallon tank design rendered from one-inch clear acrylic in the exact dimensions of a baby-grand piano. ATM worked closely with Henderson, NV-based keyboard wholesaler Piano Action, who advised on the design and demonstrated the RD-2000.
The final installation took place at The Pianoworks in East Rochester, NY — a historic piano factory that is being converted into retail, office and residential space. The episode premiered on the network on Friday, May 18, 2018, and is currently streaming as part of Animal Planet’s On Demand roster.
The management of The Pianoworks was thrilled with the results. Shannon Fitzpatrick, property manager, The Pianoworks, stated, “I think you guys did a great job. You nailed it.”
Michael Kuskin, owner, The Pianoworks, remarked, “This really represents the history of this building and this community, and it’s something that everyone can enjoy. This is a dream come true.”
Glass Entertainment Group Associate Producer Matt Farabaugh added, “After extensively researching pianos, The Pianoworks Owner Michael Kuskin and I chose the Roland RD-2000 Stage Piano. We were looking for a high-quality keyboard at an affordable price point, and the RD-2000 far exceeded our expectations. When we first got hands on it, we were impressed by many of its features, its great design and high-quality sound. We think it not only helped our episode and kept our client happy, but it brought a new level of quality to the tank.”