The hit reality TV show Tanked made a splash in more ways than one when it debuted on Animal Planet in 2011. The show, which focused on the operations of Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM), a Las Vegas-based company that creates custom aquariums, quickly became a fan favorite. With its colorful cast of characters and jaw-dropping aquarium builds, Tanked offered viewers a mix of humor, ingenuity, and underwater wonders. Among the most memorable characters from Tanked was Wade King, commonly referred to as “Redneck.” His laid-back demeanor and Southern charm captured the hearts of viewers, making him one of the show’s most beloved personalities. But after Tanked came to an end in 2018, many fans have been left wondering: What is Redneck from Tanked doing now?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into Wade King’s life after Tanked, exploring his current endeavors, his ongoing connection to aquarium-building, and his personal journey since leaving the small screen.
The Rise of Wade King (Redneck) on Tanked
Before we get into what Redneck is doing now, it’s worth looking back at his journey on Tanked and how he became such a beloved figure in the reality TV world.
Wade King was born and raised in Long Island, New York, where his fascination with aquariums began at a young age. He spent years working in various aspects of the aquarium industry, including maintenance, design, and installation. Together with his brother-in-law Brett Raymer, Wade co-founded Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM) in 1997. The two grew the business into one of the world’s largest custom aquarium companies.
The success of ATM eventually caught the attention of Animal Planet, leading to the creation of Tanked. The show featured Wade and Brett, along with a team of quirky employees, as they tackled increasingly complex and impressive aquarium builds for clients around the globe. From celebrities to theme parks, the ATM crew created some of the most elaborate aquariums imaginable.
But it wasn’t just the fish tanks that kept viewers coming back for more – it was the personalities behind them. Wade, affectionately known as “Redneck” due to his easygoing personality and country mannerisms, became an instant fan favorite. His down-to-earth humor and practical jokes, combined with his undeniable skill as an aquarium designer, made him a standout on the show.
The End of Tanked: Why Did the Show Stop?
In 2018, after 15 seasons and more than 150 episodes, Tanked was unexpectedly canceled. The news came as a shock to both fans and the cast, who had grown used to their roles as TV personalities. While Animal Planet never gave an official reason for the cancellation, there were several factors that likely contributed to the decision.
One of the main reasons for the show’s end could have been declining viewership. Like many long-running reality TV shows, Tanked saw its ratings drop as the years went by. Additionally, there were reports of internal drama within the cast, including a brief legal dispute between Wade King and his wife, Heather. While the couple reconciled and remained together, the media attention surrounding their issues may have impacted the show’s future.
Another potential reason for the cancellation was the changing landscape of television. With the rise of streaming platforms and on-demand content, traditional reality TV shows have faced increased competition for viewership. It’s possible that Tanked simply didn’t fit into Animal Planet’s evolving programming strategy.
What Is Redneck from Tanked Doing Now?
After the cancellation of Tanked, Wade King (Redneck) found himself at a crossroads. With his time as a reality TV star behind him, Wade had to decide what direction to take his career in. Fortunately for him, his skills and passion for aquariums gave him plenty of options.
1. Continuing Work in the Aquarium Industry
Despite Tanked ending, Wade King hasn’t left the aquarium business behind. He continues to work with ATM, the company he co-founded. ATM remains one of the leading custom aquarium manufacturers in the world, and Wade plays a key role in designing and overseeing many of the company’s high-profile projects.
While he may no longer be on TV, Wade’s work is still just as impressive. ATM continues to build custom aquariums for a variety of clients, including private homeowners, businesses, and even celebrities. The company’s ability to create aquariums that are both functional and visually stunning has kept it at the forefront of the industry, and Wade is still very much involved in that process.
2. Expanding His Brand
Since the end of Tanked, Wade King has also worked on expanding his brand. Recognizing the popularity he gained from the show, Wade has ventured into new business opportunities, leveraging his celebrity status to launch various products and services.
One of Wade’s main ventures has been his line of aquarium products. He’s collaborated with several manufacturers to develop a range of high-quality aquarium equipment, including tanks, filtration systems, and accessories. His products are designed to meet the needs of both professional aquarium builders and hobbyists, making them accessible to a wide audience.
In addition to his aquarium-related ventures, Wade has also become involved in motivational speaking and public appearances. He often attends aquarium conventions and industry events, where he shares his expertise and insights on aquarium design. Fans of Tanked still flock to see him in person, proving that his popularity hasn’t waned even though the show has ended.
3. Personal Life and Family
Outside of his professional endeavors, Wade King has been focused on his personal life and family since Tanked ended. He remains married to his wife Heather, who also appeared on the show, and the couple has continued to raise their two children together.
In interviews and social media posts, Wade has spoken about the importance of balancing his career with his family life. After years of being in the public eye, Wade has taken the opportunity to spend more time with his loved ones and enjoy a more low-key lifestyle. While he’s still actively working, he’s made it clear that family comes first.
4. Online Presence and Social Media
Like many other reality TV stars, Wade King has maintained an active presence on social media. He frequently posts updates about his work, family, and personal life on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. His social media accounts give fans a glimpse into his day-to-day activities, and he often interacts with his followers, answering questions and sharing behind-the-scenes content from his aquarium projects.
Through social media, Wade has also continued to promote his various business ventures. Whether it’s showcasing a new aquarium build or promoting his line of products, Wade uses his online platforms to stay connected with his fan base and the aquarium community.
5. Returning to TV? Future Possibilities
While there has been no official word on whether Wade King will return to television, many fans are hopeful that he will. With the rise of streaming services and platforms like YouTube, there are more opportunities than ever for niche reality shows and content creators to find an audience.
Some have speculated that Wade could launch his web series or YouTube channel focused on aquarium building. This would allow him to continue sharing his passion for aquariums with fans, even if it’s not on a major network like Animal Planet. Given his expertise and charismatic personality, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Wade make a return to the screen in some capacity.
Conclusion: Wade King’s Ongoing Legacy
Although Tanked may be over, Wade King’s (Redneck’s) influence in the aquarium industry and pop culture remains strong. He continues to work with Acrylic Tank Manufacturing, builds custom aquariums for high-profile clients, and expands his brand through product lines and public appearances. Wade has also embraced a more balanced lifestyle, focusing on his family and personal well-being.
For fans who have been wondering, “What is Redneck from Tanked doing now?” the answer is clear: He’s still living out his passion for aquariums, thriving in his career, and enjoying life away from the spotlight. While we may not see him on TV every week, Wade King’s legacy as a master aquarium builder and beloved TV personality is far from over.