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'There's nothing in the US like the two tanks we saw while we were in Dubai'

DID YOU KNOW that Wayde King and Brett Raymer from the famous American reality TV series Tanked that airs on Animal Planet were in Dubai recently? They came down to Dubai Aquarium to shoot a special stunt for the reality show.
These guys travel across America exploring tanks that are all filled with the most exotic, unusual, colourful and dangerous fish in the world. Here's an excerpt from our conversation with the duo.

How did the Dubai Aquarium plan come about?
Wayde: There's nothing in the US like the two tanks we saw while we were in Dubai. We're always looking to improve our business, so when we had the opportunity to go behind the scenes of a tank that's over 2.5 million gallons, and actually dive inside with thousands of creatures - that was a no-brainer. That's a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Brett: It takes a lot of people to maintain an environment that size. So when we found out that they had a robot that cleaned the acrylic, I wanted to put it to the test.

How was the experience of getting inside Dubai's fish tank?
Wayde: The staff is very well educated. The educational program that they have is very exciting and to see they're taking steps to help the environment is great. We got to participate in an artificial insemination for the tiger sharks, and diving and hugging a shark is the most intense thing I've ever done in my life.
Brett: It was an amazing experience to have that many fish around you in one area. It's unlike the ocean because they're all contained in one place.

You have been inside tanks across the world, how different is the Dubai tank from others?
Brett: Just the sheer size of it. It feels like you're literally in the ocean.
Wayde: Most aquariums aren't nearly as deep. I was impressed by the traction of the bikes underwater, the state of the art equipment, and all the different options they have were intense. Seeing the King Croc at the Underwater Zoo was also incredible, he was huge. The leafy sea dragons they have in the tank are so rare, you don't see them much. I loved the octopus, it was insane.The octopus coming down on your arm is incredible. That's my favourite animal, the octopus.

What's the most challenging aspect of your profession?
Wayde: The most challenging aspect of my profession is managing employees. It's the hardest part about business. A lot of people think you owe them and that they work harder than they do. I think if a lot of them actually worked as hard as they say they do they'd be more successful. And believe me, I know, I'm here working the hardest. We have a TV show, we travel, we film and we have a business, it's a challenge. Especially making the family happy at the same time. Another challenge is we get so many emails per day, to physically take care of everyone and their dream is a challenge. We get a lot of e-mails. Hundreds and hundreds of them!
Brett: Dealing with the livestock is one of the most challenging aspects for me. Having to deal with making sure that they have the proper housing, water levels, proper food and compatible companions. Everything dealing with their environment. It's important that it's all maintained properly so that the animals thrive and are happy.
 
Behind-the-scenes of dubai's tanked shoot
The underwater cameras have a special housing to prevent the cameras from getting damaged. Sometimes their guides wore small go-pro cameras attached to their heads when they were inside the tanks. "We had several cameras with us at any given time to capture the experience. For the cleaning competition with the robot at Dubai Mall, we had three cameras surrounding the outside the tank, and two underwater cameramen actually inside the tank with us," said Wayde.
'The scariest was definitely holding the tiger shark in Dubai"
When  you go underwater, the best experience is when you physically swim with the fish according to the Tanked guys. 'The scariest was definitely holding the tiger shark in the Dubai Mall Aquarium. So intense. It was about twice the size of me. I can't believe I did that,' recalled Wayde. For Brett, Atlantis and Dubai Mall turned out to be his favourites, "When we dove in Atlantis the Palm, I had about 6 sting rays surrounding me sucking on my arms. It was incredible to see all of the different species in one place. The scariest is easy. Wrestling the tiger shark inside the [Dubai Mall Aquarium] tank. Being in its space and having it come up to you and swim toward you, it's huge. It's just really intense."
They cleaned the Dubai Aquarium as well
Wayde: The most beautiful experience is hard to say. Inside of a tank, I'd have to say the Dubai Mall Aquarium was one of the best tanks I've ever been in. Winning against the robot in the tank cleaning challenge, that was a great moment.
arti@khaleejtimes.com