How Much Does An ATM Fish Tank Cost?

Last Updated on August 29, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

ATM fish tanks, popularized by the hit reality show “Tanked” starring Wayde King and Brett Raymer, involve crafting extravagant, fully customized aquarium builds that serve as stunning living art pieces and center points of any space. But naturally, such intricate bespoke designs come at a steep price.

While certainly not a cheap endeavor, a thoughtfully executed ATM fish tank tailored to your specific vision becomes a jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring focal point that provides a rewarding long-term hobby when designed intentionally from the start to align with your budgetary reality. The living results prove well worth the difficult planning and upfront sacrifices when done right.

How Much Does An ATM Fish Tank Cost?

The cost for an ATM fish tank is anywhere from $30,000 into the low six figures, like $250,000+, for a professionally engineered and constructed ATM tank depending on the desired size, features, exotic marine life, automation, and overall design complexity.

Starter 150-300 Gallon Freshwater Tank

• Acrylic or Basic Glass Materials – $8,000 to $15,000
• Medium Size Life Support Filtration – $3,000 to $5,000
• Hearty Freshwater Fish Species – $800 to $1,500
• Straightforward Installation – $5,000 to $10,000
• Total Turnkey Budget – $20,000 to $40,000

This smaller tank makes ATM ownership attainable for many.

Immense 500+ Gallon Custom Saltwater Reef Tank

• Extra Thick Acrylic or Curved Glass Build – $30,000 to $60,000
• High-End Commercial Gear – $10,000 to $20,000
• Rare Tropical Corals and Fish – $10,000 to $30,000
• Highly Complex Scene Design – $30,000 to $100,000+
• Crane Delivery and Installation – $15,000 to $30,000
• Total Project Investment – $150,000 to $300,000+

The Reef Central forum discusses ATM tank costs, with one user suggesting that a basic tank without equipment or inserts might cost between $10,000 and $20,000, with additional inserts potentially adding another $10,000 to the price.

TheColdWire.com provides a slightly lower estimate, stating that some of the smaller designs featured on the TV show “Tanked” could cost between $6,000 and $10,000, while larger and more complex tanks could be significantly more expensive.

Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine offers an example of an extremely high-end installation, describing a 32-foot tall, 11-foot diameter tank that cost $1.6 million. This particular aquarium was built for a private home in Scotland and included a variety of marine life such as sharks, rays, triggers, and angelfish.

The Appeal of ATM Fish Tanks

Several attributes explain the rising desirability of ATM fish tanks:

• Fully customized and unique tank designs crafted by creative aquarium artisan builders allow realizing almost any imaginable concept. No two tanks ever turn out exactly the same.
• Myriad options exist for creating freshwater, saltwater, or reef aquatic environments simulated from across the world’s oceans and waterways. Any ecosystem can be recreated in microcosm.
• Exotic, rare fish species options including vibrant tropical freshwater species or ornate saltwater specimens like tangs or angelfish enable stocks limited only by your imagination and budget.
• Automated features allow for self-regulating conveniences like timed lighting, hands-off filter cleaning, temperature control, and water conditioning. Tanks can practically run themselves.
• Visually mesmerizing displays become functional living art transforming any space into a relaxing oasis for humans while maintaining ideal fish habitats.

Taking time to carefully plan and wisely invest enables making the most of the limitless potential fish tanks creatively built specifically for you provide.

Factors Affecting the Cost of ATM Fish Tanks

Several pivotal considerations significantly sway pricing in either direction:

• Sheer Aquarium Size– Custom tanks under 300 gallons start around $30,000. Costs increase exponentially with larger volumes exceeding 500 gallons, when projects can begin at $100,000. The amount of custom acrylic or glass materials and expert assembly required greatly impacts budget.
• Saltwater Reef Tanks– These intricate biospheres cost substantially more than freshwater thanks to all the mandatory specialized filtration gear, protein skimmers, water supplements, and saline aquatic environments marine fish and coral depend on to thrive. Reef species also tend to be rarer and more expensive.
• Acrylic versus Glass– Optically pristine acrylic provides unparalleled clarity and customization options for seamless curved tanks, but generally costs 50% or more than glass. Factor in thicker acrylic costs exponentially more but increases long-term durability substantially.
• Design Complexity and Degree of Customization– Elaborate 3D aquascapes, meticulously themed environments, multiple integrated waterfalls, secret compartments, and other bespoke features can quickly multiply costs far beyond baseline tank fabrication and life support system expenses. Simple tanks start around $20,000. Highly elaborate custom builds with complex themes can exceed $250,000. Let creativity run wild if budget allows.
• Filtration Systems and Hi-Tech Equipment– Top-tier protein skimmers, reactors, chillers, controllers and other accessories enabling fully automated, crystal clear water and hands-off monitoring can easily add $10,000+ to costs but are well worth the investment long-term for carefree aquarium enjoyment and healthy marine life. Don’t cut corners here.

Carefully balancing these critical elements enables crafting a world-class ATM tank aligned with your budget ceiling and maintenance abilities. Never compromise on life support systems.

You might also like our articles about the cost of pet seahorses, pufferfish, or a wedding at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Ongoing Ownership Costs

Regular required maintenance and operating expenses include:

• Specialty Fish Food and Supplements – $100 to $500+ Monthly
• Protein Skimmer Cup and Filter Media Replacements – $250 to $1,000 Monthly
• Full Tank Cleaning Services – $200 to $600 Monthly
• Testing Water Chemistry and Dosing Supplements – $50 to $200 Monthly
• Repairs of Acrylic, Sealant or Silicon – $1,000 to $5,000 Periodically
• Replacement of Broken Equipment – $500 to $5,000+ When Needed

You’re caring for living creatures and highly advanced gear in a simulated ecosystem. Proper upkeep is essential and requires an ongoing investment of time and money.

Making Your Dream Tank Affordable

• Have crystal clear goals and a maximum budget in mind before ever meeting with builders. Identify your must-have features versus nice-to-haves upfront.
• Obtain quotes from multiple top builders in your region to compare pricing. Ask for completely itemized breakdowns of all costs.
• For more budget-friendly tanks in the hundreds of gallons, opt for simple yet classic designs over highly ornate and complex options costing far more.
• Select rugged, hardy freshwater fish species that won’t require specialized care or expensive imported foods driving up long-term costs.
• Do as much routine maintenance yourself as possible rather than outsourcing all tank duties to save on recurring fees.

Getting creative with smart compromises and diligent deal hunting gives anyone the ability to enjoy a fully custom ATM living art installation matching their vision and budget long into the future.

Hidden Costs

• Increased energy and electrical bills from pumps, lights and gear running continually. Higher for reef tanks.
• Structural reinforcements like foundations or supports needed to withstand thousands of pounds of water weight.
• Ongoing costs for cleaning supplies, nets, test kits and incidentals. Expenses add up.
• Modifications to home layouts or renovations to fit the tank footprint appropriately.
• Service fees for catching and removing livestock if the tank needs to be relocated or rebuilt.
• Appraisal and permitting costs if seeking insurance coverage for the tank as a valuable asset.

Avoid financial surprises by planning for both obvious and hidden ancillary expenses before committing.

Final Words

While premium ATM fish tanks carry substantial base price tags starting at $30,000 and frequently exceeding $250,000 for larger custom reef installations, understanding all the influencing cost factors, setting realistic expectations, and budgeting accordingly helps buyers successfully plan this major yet rewarding investment.

A thoughtfully crafted and maintained aquarium provides a beautiful relaxing oasis and decades of aquatic enjoyment that only grows more impressive as displays mature over time. The upkeep is well worth the daily dividends.

Answers to Common Questions

How long does it take for an ATM colony to work?

Typical nitrogen cycle times average 4-6 weeks for completing the stages of establishing beneficial bacteria in the tank substrate and filters that make the water safe for fish to be introduced gradually. Water testing regularly monitors the cycle.

Do I need to leave my fish tank filter on all the time?

Yes, the filters must remain on continuously 24/7 to maintain proper water chemistry and clarity. Turning filters off overnight can quickly kill beneficial bacteria and lead to dangerous ammonia/nitrite spikes harming fish. Proper filtration is essential.

Do you have to wait 24 hours to put fish in the tank?

While impatient, it’s highly recommended to wait at least 24 hours, monitoring for any pH or water parameter fluctuations, before gradually acclimating fish over several days. This ensures stability and prevents inadvertently exposing fish to toxic conditions.