The heart of our “fully-immersive” dining experience was designed and created by two brothers-in-law who run the largest aquarium manufacturing company in the nation, and are featured on Animal Planet’s hit series, TANKED. Former president of TradeWinds and Dr. Guy Harvey presented Wayde King and Brett Raymer of Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM) with the challenge of building three saltwater fish tanks, including a giant 33,500 gallon aquarium in RumFish Grill on St. Pete Beach. After accepting the challenge, Wayde and Brett were told they would only have one month to finish the project. Since no job is too big, too far, or too outlandish for the ATM crew, they assured Keith and Guy they had it all under control.

Our project was definitely one of the most unique that TANKED has ever featured on their show. As with any project, there were unexpected setbacks, miscalculations, and mega time crunches. However, they were able to pull it all together to create a truly amazing showcase for RumFish Grill. Not only will visitors get an up close view of these fish, but guests at the RumFish Beach Resort will also have the opportunity to snorkel in the giant tank, bringing a whole new meaning to getting TANKED.

Beyond its visual impact, the experience was inspired by a deeper mission: to educate guests about the indigenous marine life of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, while supporting marine conservation efforts and fostering a renewed connection between the community and its coastal ecosystem. Each tank serves as both an attraction and a living classroom, highlighting the importance of protecting and preserving these species for future generations.

This commitment to immersive education and conservation extends beyond St. Pete Beach, with additional RumFish locations at Raymond James Stadium and Tampa International Airport, bringing this unique blend of dining, awareness, and environmental stewardship to an even broader audience.

All tanks feature fish that are native to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, including snook, grouper, tarpon, and even a green moray eel, offering guests a rare opportunity to engage with and learn about the region’s remarkable underwater world.