Via iStockphoto / @sillydeetv TikTok
A content creator posted a video of what the Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel's aquarium was like five years ago. Here's what it's like today.
The Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino sports one of the biggest shark tanks in the world—a kind of spectacle that thrives in Las Vegas. But according to one visitor, the tank is empty in 2026.
A content creator who goes by the username @sillydeetv posted a video that received more than 1.5 million views. In it, she highlights what the Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino’s pool looked like five years ago. Sharks were swimming across the blue, picturesque tank, capturing the very essence of Las Vegas.
Then she says something that was shocking for many of her commenters. “Right now it has no water at all,” she adds.
So where has the water inside the tank apparently gone?
What Is The Golden Nugget Aquarium?
The Golden Nugget aquarium isn’t necessarily a traditional “aquarium” in the usual sense. Instead, it refers to “The Tank” aquarium located in the Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.
The hotel is well known for its sprawling pool complex, which has a 200,000-gallon shark tank in the middle of it. For decades, The Tank was part of a unique, all-in-one pool complex with slides, hot tubs, bars, and poolside gambling.
The pool complex, alongside the hotel’s prime location on Fremont Street, proved popular with travelers.
Is The Pool Open?
Despite the pool adding to the hotel’s appeal, it appears as though it won’t be at its full glory for the foreseeable future.
Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino states that, “Due to [unforeseen] maintenance, repairs are underway to The Tank aquarium. Some of the sharks have been moved to Mandalay Bay, and the slide is closed for the season. All other Pool areas and Bars remain open.”
The Las Vegas Advisor reports that the aquarium had an “emergency shutdown” after the shark tank sprang a leak.
Viewers in the comment section said that the loss of the aquarium has made a big difference in the pool’s appearance.
“This was last September, it was so beautiful and my first time seeing it. its a shame that its empty now but im glad it will be repaired!” one commenter said, while posting a photo of themself by the pool before the aquarium was emptied.
Another commenter posted an “after” picture. “This is what it looks like now,” they said, adding an image of the now defunct pool area. “Crusty and no water in the actual aquarium. I heard it’s just for repairs though.”
@sillydeetv Right now it has no water at all #goldennugget #lasvegas
How Does It Affect Guests?
Online reviews have also said that the loss of the aquarium has changed the experience for guests.
One reviewer on Yelp said, “Our tower lost its hot water! Called the front desk and they simply could not care less. Never did get hot water till morning. And don’t get me started on the BS ‘Resort Fee’ for the pool that was closed. I’ll never be back.”
Another reviewer said, “My favorite part of the Golden Nugget is their shark tank pool, but sadly the tank has a crack, so most of the sharks and fish have been removed, but the pool is still open. Their pool is small and only gets sun from about 10am until 3pm because of their new tower.”
It’s unclear when the Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino will finish its tank repairs. For now, it appears that The Tank and the pool slide will be closed at least until the end of the year.
BroBible reached out to @sillydeetv via TikTok direct message and to the Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino via email for comment.