Perfecting the Low Tech Fish Tank in DIY IKEA Aquarium

Four years ago, I made one of my favorite aquariums to date, The Low Tech Nano Fish Aquascape ( • Building The NEW NANO ... ). There’s just something about it that I enjoyed, especially when it was in its prime. However, I imagined revisiting the concept for over a year when I started making the DIY IKEA Aquariums ( • Making The Best and Ea... ). I knew the 30 gallon footprint, combined with things I’ve learned over the years, would allow me to do something incredible. Join me as I revisit this concept and create something entirely new.
Learn More in my Blog
www.serpadesign.com/blog
Follow SerpaDesign
Instagram - / serpadesign
TikTok - / serpadesign
Second Channel - / tannerserpa
#lowtech #aquascape #serpadesign

Пікірлер: 302

  • @SerpaDesign
    @SerpaDesign6 ай бұрын

    I've been planning this build for well over a year now since I made the IKEA aquarium demo. I'm so excited to see how this one grows a develops over the years with the improved techniques I implemented. From here, I have one more IKEA aquarium that I need to finish from the original set - it's roughly a 24 gallon (91 liter) footprint. What do you think I should do with it? I have a few ideas, but I'm curious what you think! Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the. Have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

  • @alexandros.yiannis

    @alexandros.yiannis

    6 ай бұрын

    Sir, you are a very high caliber artist and an exceptional human being! Thank you for sharing all this beauty with us!

  • @Pats4Bunny

    @Pats4Bunny

    6 ай бұрын

    You should do a Fiddler Crab/mudskipper and guppy Paladarium! You are so talented and your videos make every week better.

  • @jamosmithlol

    @jamosmithlol

    6 ай бұрын

    do the other completely low budget (no cheating by reusing plants or finding “free” rocks in your garage lol) to be consistent with the low cost diy build.

  • @justingeddis5044

    @justingeddis5044

    6 ай бұрын

    You should make the old aquarium a crab and shrimp aquarium

  • @theoneandonlymrme

    @theoneandonlymrme

    6 ай бұрын

    You should add a salamander species, I have two tiger salamanders in a 75 gallon bog style tank.

  • @TheFirstAmendment
    @TheFirstAmendment6 ай бұрын

    During challenging times, your DIY tank build videos became a source of solace for me. They provided a sense of peace and anticipation upon returning home. Your videos beautifully encapsulated nature's essence within confined spaces, instilling a calmness akin to the serenity found in the outdoors. Your impeccable lighting and consistent, soothing tone, reminiscent of Bob Ross's explanations, further enhanced the tranquil atmosphere of your content. Your evident passion for our world shines through in every video, and I'm grateful for the time and dedication you've shared with the community in nurturing this hobby. Thank you for blessing us with your affection and commitment!

  • @TheFirstAmendment

    @TheFirstAmendment

    6 ай бұрын

    Happy 3+ years full time!

  • @user-cw8nq9ml8n

    @user-cw8nq9ml8n

    6 ай бұрын

    This is an entirely ai generated comment, I checked it using chatgpt plagarism checker.

  • @shroimpyyyyy

    @shroimpyyyyy

    5 ай бұрын

    Chatgpt ahh response

  • @TheFirstAmendment

    @TheFirstAmendment

    5 ай бұрын

    @@shroimpyyyyy That's rather disrespectful, haha. I constantly write in college. Plus, I'm not convinced that GPT can with KZread on a mobile device.

  • @toxiccity97

    @toxiccity97

    4 ай бұрын

    ⁠@@shroimpyyyyyuneducated "ahh"

  • @cynner2328
    @cynner23286 ай бұрын

    I would love to see a before and after video where you show how different projects have matured. Maybe an annual event.

  • @HachikoTanuki

    @HachikoTanuki

    5 ай бұрын

    If you are into this there are several "X time later" type of videos in this channel between 12 and 6 months ago.

  • @briannahill9204
    @briannahill92045 ай бұрын

    Who has been watching Tanner for years?

  • @Kayambo974

    @Kayambo974

    Ай бұрын

    You

  • @ryancalococci8389

    @ryancalococci8389

    9 күн бұрын

    Since 2018 lol. I got hooked by his jar terrarium videos.

  • @The_Mossy_Rock
    @The_Mossy_Rock6 ай бұрын

    Your builds are a work of art that really shows off the beauty of nature❤

  • @sharim
    @sharim5 ай бұрын

    It’s always a joy to watch anything Tanner does. He’s so skilled with his builds, his instructions, his soft and calm voice, and of course, the way the tank looks.

  • @TheFirstAmendment
    @TheFirstAmendment6 ай бұрын

    I’ve been subscribed since your 31/4 years full time man. Even when you were part time I was watching, gaining inspiration, being educated and passing time. Your uploads are even nice to just have in the background when you study. Overall your channel has remained a 10/10. Ty for keeping it real!

  • @PredictableEnigma
    @PredictableEnigma6 ай бұрын

    This has been my personal favorite build of yours for years. I love this thunbnail too! The dark colored background showcases the scapes better than the white

  • @Hunny.B.e.e

    @Hunny.B.e.e

    5 ай бұрын

    I agree love the drama of it - less sterile feeling. Not that they were ever “bad”, this is just more cozy IMO

  • @spiritink2393
    @spiritink23935 ай бұрын

    ive always struggled with live plants and lighting, would love to see a new video on how you keep your plants so healthy with appropriate light with what lighting options are available now!

  • @thechickenwizard8172
    @thechickenwizard81726 ай бұрын

    I've been building terrariums and aquariums for around 6 years now, and have been following your channel ever simce. I cannot stress enough how big of an inspiration youve been to me, and it's awesome to see how your techniques have evolved over the years. I'm not on your level of scaping; I dont think anyone else could be. But looking back to my earliest builds and seeing the improvements ive made over time, i cant help but marvel at how your channel encapsulates that kind of change, and the joy that comes from building off of past experiences. P.S I've been looking for gold ring danios ever since you released that initial low tech build, and finially found some online yesterday. In that sense its quite the coincidence that your update to that build came out now.

  • @sparrowsfish
    @sparrowsfish6 ай бұрын

    Wow! The growth of the improvements really took this to next level. It is inspiring because my tank is very similar to the OG but I see now how to really step it up. Gorgeous.

  • @patrickjohnson6916
    @patrickjohnson69166 ай бұрын

    Your designs and simple, yet thorough and highly effective way of teaching and explaining, are always so inspiring. I’m not in a place to house or maintain a tank I would fully enjoy at this stage in life, but I’m excited to get into this hobby-art form-lifestyle as my daughters get older and will learn and love it all with me. Thanks for all you share and do!

  • @rgilroy1909
    @rgilroy19096 ай бұрын

    It's like a "REDO WEEKEND" for Tanks-Giving. So many people are resetting their tanks, including me.

  • @bumbumlazyguy
    @bumbumlazyguy6 ай бұрын

    I'm gonna say it, that screen transition at 4:13 was BEAUTIFUL. Love the work you do an loving seeing your growth! Keep it up!

  • @yashtapase3821

    @yashtapase3821

    5 ай бұрын

    Yeah I also noticed that 😮

  • @Pibblepunk
    @Pibblepunk6 ай бұрын

    This is genuinely so fantastic. I am always so impressed by the designs you come up with, and would love to emulate at least some of that with my own aquariums

  • @gracedoeswhatshewants
    @gracedoeswhatshewants6 ай бұрын

    such a beautiful build! even though you make your content to be easily followed, the process of maintaining/ cleaning is so daunting :( would you consider making a whole video on how you maintain your various builds?

  • @shinygee8905
    @shinygee89056 ай бұрын

    Zen and the art of aquarium maintenance has gotta be the title of that book you have inside you! I highly recommend Robert M Pirsig if you haven't already read him.

  • @pauldeisssmithii6617
    @pauldeisssmithii66175 ай бұрын

    Soo cool to hear your humble growth and generous sharing of your knowledge, Tanner. Grateful for that. Your techniques and vision are unparalleled!

  • @flappy6435
    @flappy64356 ай бұрын

    Proud to have been subscribed to you for as many years as I have. I remember the original build and the improvements you’ve made are phenomenal. Keep it up Tanner ❤

  • @assiahinarkansas
    @assiahinarkansas6 ай бұрын

    Beautiful natural style build. ❤. Thanks for sharing, Tanner

  • @BobbyHikes928
    @BobbyHikes9286 ай бұрын

    I have been enjoying your videos since almost the beginning and this is my favorite video so far because it really shows how far you've come and how much you've learned, it makes me enjoy this hobby even more.

  • @christopherhunt1887
    @christopherhunt18873 ай бұрын

    I'm glad I've been able to enjoy your builds, and watch your tank evolve over the years. THANKS FOR SHARING!

  • @ArcticAirUltraPro
    @ArcticAirUltraPro5 ай бұрын

    I LOOOOVE your narration, you really have it well written and just flows so well. You offer so many tips along the way with describing what you are doing. It’s just chefs kiss!

  • @mynameisjim999
    @mynameisjim9996 ай бұрын

    Beautiful, thanks for sharing Tanner!!

  • @julieb3996
    @julieb39965 ай бұрын

    I'm currently planting a tank, it will be without fish for awhile, so I'm browsing aquascapes for inspiration. It's great to see the knowledge about aquariums and the hobby of keeping fish continues to grow and improve.

  • @DokterIkanAquascape
    @DokterIkanAquascape5 ай бұрын

    Love the simple scaping. Easy to follow

  • @fruitsnick
    @fruitsnick5 ай бұрын

    What a gorgeous build! I’ve watched this channel for years, You have truly perfected your craft and inspired me to get deeper into this hobby. I dream of the day in the distant future when I grow old and retire, among a vast collection of my living art pieces, each one a milestone from my beautiful life. Growing and changing together until we both return to soil.

  • @Fatmagic
    @Fatmagic6 ай бұрын

    Been a big fan of your builds for years now. I am excited to attempt a small tank soon using the knowledge I gained from your videos. Keep up the great work!

  • @ewakraft5770
    @ewakraft57705 ай бұрын

    Stunning a work of natural Art! 😮

  • @dukem8774
    @dukem87743 ай бұрын

    Amazing work! I can't wait for a part 2 on this in a (few?) month(s) or so. One of my favorite things about seeing settups like this is seeing how they shift and change as time goes on, so i'm excited to see this one as you work on it!

  • @jmarshal
    @jmarshal2 ай бұрын

    I’d love to see you redo a really old design. Either something you weren’t happy with, or just something you think you could achieve better results with today! I’ve been watching your videos for years now and am so grateful for your knowledge and experience. It’s great to see that even the “masters” are always still learning.

  • @ten-tonnetongue
    @ten-tonnetongue6 ай бұрын

    I love seeing a chunk of nature inside.

  • @gregbradshaw9415
    @gregbradshaw94156 ай бұрын

    This build looks incredible! Can’t wait for a video to revisit in the future!

  • @ttoctam3
    @ttoctam36 ай бұрын

    Great looking tank dude. Genuinely beautiful, as always. Also, I really appreciated the update on how the old tank was going, and the cameo from the frgs. I hope you have an update vid(s) coming up in Jan. I'd even watch like 5min vlogs on a second channel of just weekly/monthly/erratic walk throughs of the animal room, or single tank foci, with waay smaller dotpoint updates.

  • @jaepanda686
    @jaepanda6865 ай бұрын

    Build is so awesome! So much build inspiration as always. Love the look of the desks in the back in the new room too!

  • @michaels5705
    @michaels57056 ай бұрын

    I loved the first tank, but acknowledge the overgrowth issues. I really like the new technique with the terrestrial plants. So many of the techniques I use with my tanks I learned to do from you and not to from your missteps (Coco Coir Fiber Liner Roll as a background especially under water). I'm glad you've been able to make this your 'real' job.

  • @debrabolton9372
    @debrabolton93726 ай бұрын

    You are gifted! Your terrariums and aquariums are beautifully done.

  • @jordangalli8986
    @jordangalli89866 ай бұрын

    This is an excellent concept, I loved it ! The improvement list is very well thought, shown and explained! Bravo !

  • @lionessoftor4139
    @lionessoftor41395 ай бұрын

    I love seeing your growth as a creator, and youtuber. These are so helpful to others (like myself) who want to create tanks like these. When I get my proper house I hope to make one similar to this. Thanks for all your hard work.

  • @Sirspeedystevie
    @Sirspeedystevie5 ай бұрын

    Absolutely stunning.. I cannot love your work enough. 😍🤌🏼

  • @danasmith8557
    @danasmith85575 ай бұрын

    Beautiful tanner !!!❤ love it !!

  • @judymckerrow6720
    @judymckerrow67206 ай бұрын

    Thank you Tanner, stunning as usual ! 🌲💚🙃

  • @ZacKenny
    @ZacKenny3 ай бұрын

    Wow, really beautiful work.

  • @user-ys7me8qx8z
    @user-ys7me8qx8z6 ай бұрын

    These projects are always super cool, keep it up

  • @littlemidwestrebornsdolls
    @littlemidwestrebornsdolls6 ай бұрын

    Hi Tanner, I just set up a new 20 gallon. I'm very unhappy with how my aquascape turned out. I'm going to redo it. Thanks for the inspiration. 😊 Gina

  • @garthantash
    @garthantash6 ай бұрын

    Once again I wish IKEA would sell the shelf size you use for the tank ends here in Australia. I would love to give this tank idea a try!

  • @sparkymark68
    @sparkymark682 ай бұрын

    I'm really enjoying your videos. Thank you.

  • @michelangelogoldmann881
    @michelangelogoldmann8816 ай бұрын

    Congratulations man! You work inspires me! I love the way you take care off all this animals, plants and tiny ecosystems. I wish I could do something like that around here in Brazil.

  • @stiches2690
    @stiches2690Ай бұрын

    I got to confess your one of the channels that got me back into keeping an aquarium. Im currently in the process of setting one up just need to wait till i can turn on the faucets outside so i can use a hose

  • @polkop90
    @polkop905 ай бұрын

    So glad I gave you a chance a couple years back truly inspiring thank you for existing.

  • @EODE556
    @EODE5566 ай бұрын

    Amazing build tanner!

  • @GMule12
    @GMule125 ай бұрын

    I would love to see a video where you show how your techniques and preferences have changed over the years- like the part where you no longer like to paint tanks because it peels in the future. That would be great info for us beginners!!! Thank you!

  • @vildhallon4709
    @vildhallon47096 ай бұрын

    Aw man I wish I had thought of putting the dirt in mesh bags when I set up my first tank 3 weeks ago. Happy aquarium keeping the tank looks beautiful

  • @astrocat229
    @astrocat2295 ай бұрын

    Aw man, I watched that old aquariums video the day it came out, it got me into aqua scaping and your channel. I was in 9th grade atp. Im in college now, and still love aqua scapeing and your channel

  • @Hunny.B.e.e
    @Hunny.B.e.e5 ай бұрын

    Wow how was that only 13 minutes! I felt like I went on a whole journey through a 30 min episode - and I mean that in the best way possible! You’re such a talented film maker and creator and I have been loving your videos for atleast 6 years now! This is another amazing piece. Thanks for your hard work and effort always love seeing what you come up with!

  • @sallyweiner4180
    @sallyweiner41806 ай бұрын

    Wow beautiful!!!

  • @TerrariumCartel
    @TerrariumCartel5 ай бұрын

    I can’t wait to see updates! It looks sooo good.

  • @roryleo5629
    @roryleo56295 ай бұрын

    This is one of the best setups you have done. Great job!

  • @georgeattig8088
    @georgeattig80885 ай бұрын

    Love your work and respect your immense talent. Would you consider doing an episode on scaping bare bottom tanks? Your ideas and advice will be greatly appreciated.

  • @susanfarish7451
    @susanfarish74515 ай бұрын

    Absolutely love this, your artistic mind is genius xx

  • @ghostdragonzw5241
    @ghostdragonzw52416 ай бұрын

    love your channel, you always give me so much more ideas for my tanks...

  • @philcarlino6942
    @philcarlino69426 ай бұрын

    Wonderful setup, Tanner. The original low tech tank is one of my absolute favorites on youtube. I can't wait to see how this one grows in. Low tech naturalistic style is my favorite. Keep up the great work. Take care and peace.

  • @canwelearn2290

    @canwelearn2290

    6 ай бұрын

    I like the peaceful music at the end of the video, however I miss the “take care and peace”.

  • @charlie_moorcroft

    @charlie_moorcroft

    6 ай бұрын

    @@canwelearn2290same

  • @BaconPancakes11
    @BaconPancakes116 ай бұрын

    Love your vids, beautiful builds, and the videography is a work of art itself, I could watch your chanel for hours! I'm planning to build my own terrariums and ripariums, and your channel has inspired it all. 😊 Awesome content👍 🪴🌿

  • @chrisreilly1290
    @chrisreilly12906 ай бұрын

    Looks amazing

  • @psystealth
    @psystealth2 ай бұрын

    very nice good idea with the bags!

  • @michaelfarmer537
    @michaelfarmer5376 ай бұрын

    Really great tank! I loved watching the build. My favorite shot of the video was @ 6:33. It captures the joy of the hobby quite well. Very inspirational! Please make more. One suggestion would be a small earth tone mixed gravel along the bottom of the hardscape. It helps naturally blend the two areas together. ❤

  • @myself0883
    @myself08835 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing!

  • @SC-gp7kt
    @SC-gp7kt5 ай бұрын

    These are works of art you create......beautiful! 👏👏👏💙💙💙

  • @jbunchbball
    @jbunchbball21 күн бұрын

    Looking at building a ton of tanks for a breeding operation. Still just a hobby at this point but I love your videos and you’re very inspiring. Keep up the good work!

  • @se5908
    @se59086 ай бұрын

    strong built, very impressive!

  • @chrisgeurtsen7047
    @chrisgeurtsen70475 ай бұрын

    Breath taking.

  • @throughtheeyesofnature3037
    @throughtheeyesofnature30376 ай бұрын

    Crazy nice Tank!!

  • @dennisfeldmann7399
    @dennisfeldmann73995 ай бұрын

    Awesome video and project.

  • @shimesu443
    @shimesu4435 ай бұрын

    As a keeper of two blackwater aquariums, I must say that the tank looked stunning with the darker water, though I get that not everyone likes that look. All the plants probably wouldn't appreciate the lower light levels either. And you did the substrate bags in another vid, and I want to thank you for the idea. I used it when I rescaped my 36 gallon, and it's perfect for keeping the aqua soil contained under all the sand. My plants are already rooting themselves into it quite nicely.

  • @INTERpEST
    @INTERpEST5 ай бұрын

    Gorgeous tank 🌳

  • @scrubtaco3194
    @scrubtaco31946 ай бұрын

    I've been watching your videos since 2020 when i got my first reptile. Always love the videos and they just keep getting better :)

  • @joenagel6644
    @joenagel66445 ай бұрын

    I've recently done an aquarium using black window tint as a background. Creates a kind of depth but is also dark so it makes the fish/plants pop

  • @FL910
    @FL9105 ай бұрын

    It's inspiring how even an experienced scaper like you can improve over time. Keep up the great work!

  • @Foogle..
    @Foogle..5 ай бұрын

    Amazing looking tank and scape. Can't wait to see it when it's more established and with the critters transported 🙂

  • @NinoMarcantonio-ry6mh
    @NinoMarcantonio-ry6mh4 ай бұрын

    You made a beautiful tank I liked the way you used the driftwood and stone.

  • @benjaminmellingen5340
    @benjaminmellingen53406 ай бұрын

    that might be one of my favorite tanks you've done!

  • @bobbykarlin9674
    @bobbykarlin96746 ай бұрын

    I always love your content mate!

  • @sandyloyst1811
    @sandyloyst18116 ай бұрын

    Tanner, Its beautiful. You are so artistic. Love your thoughts and the process. Those dang frogs looking for attention again. Love from Ontario Canada

  • @adam6260
    @adam62606 ай бұрын

    It's beautiful

  • @PSWhitsel
    @PSWhitsel5 ай бұрын

    working a full time job plus working on my novel makes finding time for KZread tough, and I'm subscribed to so many content creators these days it's hard to figure out who to make time for, but anytime I see a SerpaDesign video pop up you guarantee I'm making time! Keep up the great work Tanner, love all that you do!

  • @trogie
    @trogie5 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the IKEA diy! I have mine running too since 1 year!

  • @E.M.25
    @E.M.256 ай бұрын

    That was a great video, I loved how long it was it wasn't short like the ones recently, but regardless I love all your videos

  • @caspenbee
    @caspenbee3 ай бұрын

    It's so funny to hear your dwarf frogs are so perceptive. Mine could barely grab food when I wriggled it right in front of their faces. I had a canister filter so noise/vibration wasn't the issue; I think mine were just kinda loopy lol.

  • @KofiBeanie
    @KofiBeanie6 ай бұрын

    I’ve been wondering for a while.. if you haven’t already, have you thought about using a mist maker for a misty pond aquarium? I don’t know how it’d work or if it could, but I think it’d be beautiful with the mist floating on the water. Anyway, your builds are always incredible and I look forward to seeing more 💜

  • @personalaccount342
    @personalaccount3425 ай бұрын

    love it thankyou

  • @gladesucks7907
    @gladesucks79075 ай бұрын

    I’ll definitely need a 6 month/1 year update on this. I’m super interested to see how it looks once all the plants start thriving

  • @IRISnGEN
    @IRISnGEN6 ай бұрын

    The Salamanders like when you go back and improve setups; and can't wait to have one of their own.

  • @nathandwire2103
    @nathandwire21035 ай бұрын

    Hey! I love watching your videos! I'd love to get into building things like this eventually, but I feel like there's so much I still don't know. Have you ever considered making a course of some sort? Or maybe just something with info about all the plants you use and how best to utilize them in setups? Keep up the great work!

  • @randomletter-5i4
    @randomletter-5i46 ай бұрын

    another incredible work of art. Love this one. I tried doing this but always got hair algae. I really love these lights. Perhaps my lights were too powerful.

  • @feathermanloft
    @feathermanloft5 ай бұрын

    i wish i could surround myself with all these aquaruims and terrariums so i could live like a human being who belongs to the nature,earth itself.

  • @Chhexxy
    @Chhexxy3 ай бұрын

    So cool ❤

  • @HMP275
    @HMP2755 ай бұрын

    Its unbelivabel how you are designing an Aquarium!! 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 Greetings from Germany

  • @regallax137
    @regallax1373 ай бұрын

    Wow mate you to good! Way above my IQ ha-ha in taking care of the tank and fish, but thanks so much! for this awesome vid mate. Totally thankful. Great Inspiration and ideas.

  • @broman6662
    @broman66625 ай бұрын

    Great build and scape as always! BUT WE NEED A POND UPDATE!!!!!

  • @nancycornett9949
    @nancycornett99496 ай бұрын

    Thank you

Келесі