Altum Angelfish Biotope Inspired Aquarium

A few years ago my friend Weston had the opportunity to explore the Amazon River and tributaries in Columbia. While there, he saw Cardinal Tetras and other "aquarium fish" in their natural environment. After this experience, he dreamed to one day replicate the things he had seen, in the form of a biotope inspired aquarium.
However, he didn't know where to start, so it never came to fruition until we met. He helped build one of my ponds last summer and since then, we've been planning this build. I installed the tank in July and returned earlier this week. This video takes you on the journey of this tank came to be. Enjoy!
Plants purchased from- dustinsfishtanks.com/
Hardscape purchased from- sraquaristik.com/
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#biotope #aquascape #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

Happy Saturday SerpaSquad! I hope you're all doing well. I'm really excited to finally have the video done for this. It's been in the works since July. I waited because I really wanted to show an established tank. I'm working on builds for other friends as well and hope to make it a common theme. Should fill the gaps for animals that you want to see builds for that I don't want in my personal collection. Anyway, let me know what you think of the build! Have a great weekend 🌿

[@willjaeger6776]

You too!

[@brandonsaquariumsandterrar8985]

Hey Tanner I need help, I have a 36 gallon corner palidarium (you can see it on my channel) I want to have dumpy tree frogs but my family wants fire belly toads. Please respond soon!

[@dejeanmendoza7888]

You need more subs these videos is the best edited and shot on youtube in my opinion

[@SerpaDesign]

Took a peek. I'd personally go with FBTs, but that's just me.

[@reubendaly827]

One of my cardinal tetras is kind of falling and then spinning in a circle upward in a jerky way with single movement of his tail, should I be worried or is this old age seeing as I bought him as an adult so dont know how old he is

[@Dustinsfishtanks]

Looks good brother- thanks for the biz and shout out

[@SerpaDesign]

Glad you liked it! Plants came in good.

[@vandanashenoy2859]

Dusti we miss ur wowo style tank.

[@notsure9802]

I ordered plants from Dustin twice and both times everything was beautiful and timely 💖

[@kathrynleavett-brown6597]

Hi Dustin, can you tell me what plants Tanner used in this scape? Would you ship to Canada?

[@JDs.Journey]

Just ordered some plants from ya, man. Getting good reviews, so I hope they work out for me!🌿

[@kajalsingh9554]

6-year old Tanner to his mom: "Can you take me to the pediatrician's office? I think that I really need to go get another measles shot."

[@azura4582]

"And get this!!! We both love moss!!" 😁 I love moss too, but i find that funny lol

[@SerpaDesign]

Haha, MossFam! We're both known for incorporating it in our work.

[@chhaganlalmundhada8662]

Nothing is complete without MOSS

[@Teeniebfable]

Who doesn’t love moss? Thankfully I’m in a wet and mild area and we have lots of moss. I’ve began cultivating my own with the aim of creating a Japanese style moss garden.

[@chhaganlalmundhada8662]

@@Teeniebfable I too want a moss garden like the Japanese ones. They are the best in the whole world and I guess Tanner too would love to have his own

[@fearguscasbolt2157]

I’m now going to re-scape my angelfish aquarium!!

[@SerpaDesign]

Go for it!

[@CountStarkey]

Same going to do it while watching the two hour vid

[@gizmo8453]

I want to shrink down to 3 inches, get some scuba gear, swim to the bottom of that tank, look up, and enjoy all it's glory😁

[@azura4582]

ME TOO THEY ARE AMAZING

[@lepredator1789]

and then GET EATEN

[@moonrilnonloso2709]

Unfortunately, I live far away from my beloved homeland and my favourite forest behind my parent's house. But thanks to you I managed to make two mini terrariums to keep with me and remind me of my home. :) Sometimes I open them to remind myself of all the beautiful smells of nature, it truly feels like I'm back home again!

[@SerpaDesign]

I'm glad that terrariums have been able to bring you back to that place. They really are a special thing!

[@GreenfirePhoenix]

"We both love moss!" That was completely adorable, and I say that in the best way possible! Friendship is so lovely to hear about!

[@kayanvalentine9083]

My mom & dad monitors this account, I'm only 2 years old. My dad has a chameleon, and a reptile tank and he is probably one of your biggest fans. He watches your videos daily. He wants me to be inspired and he watches it on my account so when I'm older, it pops up on my home page and I get to be inspired too by the beauty of nature and the passion of a human. Thank you. Dad: Yes, it's all true. Thanks Tanner. Cheers and thanks for the amazing videos. Its what I use for my relaxation and inspiration.

[@drewjohnson2536]

I just wanted to say your videos are so well shot and edited, any one of your vids could easily be a professional show on tv. great work!

[@SerpaDesign]

Haha I don't know about that, but thank you!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Absolutely agree

[@jaylynn8630]

What a coincidence! A big planted tank in my pediatrician's office also captivated me as a young child. It was full of angelfish, and I fell in love!

[@erisisthename]

I cannot wait for the day that I have space for a beautiful setup such as this. You’re really amazing, Tanner.

[@gagnydiallo4838]

Just finished my dart frog enclosure, thanks for the inspiration and knowledge

[@SerpaDesign]

Awesome! I hope it brings you a lot of joy.

[@JDavis4991]

I got into aquariums after my girlfriend rescued a little male Betta. Which eventually led to me getting a 10g with some female bettas and chinese algea eater (not the best choice). But now I have a 29g sorority and a 40g breeder for my algae eater. My daughter loves the hobby as well. She's helped pick out and name the fish, give input on what plants to get and where to plant them and has brought so many wonderful memories. Your channel played a big part in that and I thank you for always bringing such beautiful pieces of living art to us all.

[@norwegiannignog2470]

Can we all take some time to appreciate his clothing line though? The design on that hoodie, so sleek, so minimal, yet so organic and so flowy. I have to get one soon.

[@roytrudgian4786]

This hobby, is fantastic for anyone that suffers from any health conditions. It does extremely good in helping people to carm down and heal. No matter what there situation is in their life.

[@avidhossanmansur9830]

I have a hard time relating to songs but finally found a video that relates to me. 🥰

[@brettridings5594]

When he said he told him his son was always talking about him going to install the tank was super heart warming

[@MarinaLeeAnne]

I didn't know you built PCs! You should put a terrarium in a PC! 🤯

[@onenameddome9247]

or watercooling a pc with an Aquarium

[@Balls308]

Heating a tank with a pc

[@FranNoesse]

Sweet! My love of the hobby also stems from my pediatrician's office. You didn't get to see fish until they took you back to a room.

[@Bishbashboshboshbosh]

Great to see a fishroom full of nicely crafted aquascapes. Nothing more boring than fish collectors who don't even use substrate.

[@TMOR99]

A big, wall-mounted aquarium like that is one of my biggest dreams Im glad you could make his a reality!

[@eisvogel8099]

I spend more time in front of my aquarium than in front of my tv. Plus of course watching yt videos about the hobby..That tank looks amazing! Very natural as well. Great job.. again. This vid is already one of my favorites... Thanks a lot for sharing

[@edkruzel]

I've been a salt guy since 1976, reefs since 1986, but you've inspired me to start a 50gal cube planted freshwater. Thank you...

[@theinexperiencedfishkeeper7133]

The weekly SerpaDesign video is honestly something I look forward to. Saturday morning, cup of coffee, SerpaDesign, enjoyable every time.

[@robingagan6288]

Love the pond and love that barn look stand. Also loved hearing about the pediatrician's aquarium. I was raised by a single working mom in apartments in the city, with no car. A boyfriend of my mother's took us to his camp when I was a few years old. A girl there showed me salamanders outside. I remember saying " eww, yuck, no I dont want to touch it" . She convinced me to hold one and I've loved all creatures since

[@scooter041031]

The comment about only able to enjoy nature a few months out of the year struck a cord with me. We have become so accustomed to fair weather outdoors activities. No matter what you can get out there and do things in nature. 4ft of snow on the ground prepare and go snowshoeing or take a snow mobile out and just sit in the woods and watch. Some of the best times I've had in nature were when it was not so pleasant and most people wouldn't go out. Nature doesn't stop being nature when the weather turns it just adapts and keeps on going.

[@artificialintelligence2653]

Nicely developed biotope aquarium.

[@Darthbelal]

THIS would be the kind of aquarium I'd love to have. The low lighting, the live plants, the fish getting along peacefully with each other, the tannins tinting the water. The kind of tank where its residents are stress free and just doing their thing. It's also a tank where if one looks closely, they'll see something new. Here are some Corydoras, there a shrimp over there are some snails. Add in the quiet hum of the pumps and that soil smell such tanks produce and you've got a winner.

[@mntryjoseph1961]

Your friend's tank turned out really cool! I like that it was placed inside the wall. Tanner, you have a real knack in building realistic living scenes. It's very enjoyable and relaxing to watch you create something from start to finish.

[@martinlindgren4490]

Thank you for all your inspiring clips. I dont do aquariums or terrariums myself but I find it very relaxing to watch your videos after a hard days work. I will however try to make a simple terrarium when spring finally comes. Thanks again!

[@sahlahanifa8402]

i don't drop comments here very often but i gotta say, i love your channel! your works are amazing and i love that you explain each step in detail. this channel deserves more appreciation, good job man

[@thebeardedmother1535]

Only just discovered your channel after our family purchased our first aquarium. What a great joy it is to watch your videos. You have a beautiful, rare gift my friend - thank you for sharing what you do and clearly what you are passionate about! Very inspiring stuff. Love your designs. Merry Christmas. Blessings.

[@dealwolfstriked272]

You are so good at making planted freshwater look amazing!

[@jeanmaluzo6909]

Sharing our hobby is so Nice because its a way of Life ✌️

[@phildoctor2461]

A beautiful aquarium. And the black curtain is a great idea.

[@erikm8372]

Dude, your content should never change, I don’t know what you’re talking about… it’s beyond entertaining, it’s one of the few sources of soooo much vital information. You show the real ”BTS”, insider tips and tricks, which become more and more apparent as the years go by I guess… you also show the important details, which will show us that anyone can do it.

[@bunnyviperaquatics2108]

Hi Tanner! So beautiful, as always! I was thinking: maybe next time you do a dual-sided tank you could use a long mirror on one side to enable you to view it from the other. You’d obviously still have to run back & forth, but I bet a mirror would solve a lot of that for you. 😉👍💕😎

[@LorienInksong]

Always enjoy your videos, but this one really gave me the warm fuzzies. I'm an illustrator and hope I can make good friends in the community like you and Dustin. Being able to trade creative energy and make things for each other is what I want to do most.

[@themountain59]

Nice to see a wellthought angelfish tank for a change! Kudos👍

[@jamtea388]

You've definitely inspired. For one, I set up a native closed terrarium with an non-endangered native orchid feature. My wife said "it looks like our woods' which was exactly the goal. We are going to be moving away from the area we grew up and I wanted to take it with us. I've also decided to make a vivarium once I'm not moving for school so much. Possibly with geckos. I had no idea how enchanting they were.

[@cindymatsumoto5989]

Excellent Video Tanner! Even more excellent is the beautiful tank!! Thank you and yours for it!!!

[@REscapes]

Tanner you deserve so much you're such a good guy and I love your chanel and how much you love your animals

[@Shaden0040]

Aesome tank and scape. Great choice of fish, too.

[@Bweerts]

Every time I watch one of your videos, I get the itch to buy an aquarium or terrarium or paludarium, but I just don't have the room. If ever I do, I'll be sure to watch all of your videos again for inspiration! 🥰

[@anthonygiarrusso4312]

Very well done Tanner you matched the scape to his underwater footage remarkably well! I really admire your passion for the hobby and your outlook. I just set up my first fish tank last December that was inspired by your videos and the others you mentioned in this video. Unfortunately in march we had a house fire in my bedroom where my tank was. I had a pair of dwarf gourami's who were preparing to breed and a school of corydoras in a 20 gallon planted tank. I lost them in the fire and have been pretty depressed about the whole situation but this video has lifted my spirits and I cant wait to set up another tank! Thank you Tanner

[@shrimpkid7908]

Something about very natural fish tanks are just so soothing and relaxing

[@exit9b150]

I love these natural tanks. The others are pretty and all but they just have a fake feel to it. I am absolutely in love with this scape. Youve inspired me to do one like this in my 125 Gallon!

[@critterchamber]

Tanner on the way to 1M. He deserves it

[@Montino4Ever]

We love you Tanner!!!! And now to plan a full redesign on my 120 gal angelfish tank....

[@Sandman3136]

Man, that is one Awesome Tank. One of the Nicest I've seen. And I've seen lots of Tanks in the 26 Years I've been in the Hobby. Great Job. 👍

[@stevenwebb6874]

I love the tank but even more so I love how you shout out fellow hobbyists. I'm sure they don't necessarily need it for business but the deed in itself show what a humble and respectful person you are. We need more of this in our lives! Promoting friends and companies based on experience instead of endorsement. Keep up the great work!!!

[@SerpaDesign]

Thanks! I appreciate the kind words.

[@steve852011]

that tank is amazing, its tough doing a scape without a back but you more than pulled it off.

[@Beth_Amphetamine]

It’s really lucky you have long arms Tanner!! I’d need a snorkel and a wet suit to plant those plants at the bottom!

[@davidlawlor4317]

Amazing you got the inspiration from the paediatricians office. The doctors office had the first aquarium I remember and it was filled with neon tetras and angelfish. It was gorgeous I loved it.

[@broncocowboy9765]

Big hello from little New Zealand. Honestly have the exact same memories from the doctors office myself! I've been hugely interested in aqua-scaping (As soon as I found out about it which unfortunately has only been in the past 2 years or so) and also aquaponics as I come from a farming background and hugely interested in sustainable farming and striving towards being self sustained in the future. But just wanted to say I love your videos and they and others are my tools on my first aquascape over the next couple of months. So keep them coming!

[@q.a.terrace]

"we both love moss!" made me laugh :)

[@emilybitzel7242]

So so so so beautiful. Amazing. Gorgeous. Awesome.

[@sarahbelmonte8888]

I did not stop smiling throughout this entire video... and honestly a small tear because of your passion and honestly I can imagine the enjoyment you must have brought that young family and the everlasting effects that will have. I always want to build your scapes and paludarium especially. Health prevents me right know but I will!! Thank you Tanner

[@SerpaDesign]

Glad you liked it and I hope you get better soon! 💚

[@sarahbelmonte8888]

@@SerpaDesign tan a thank you. Watching your channel & others like yours has kept me going.

[@slamrock17]

I wanted to see the reaction from your friend to what he likes about the build

[@IMaqua]

Resembles nature, low tech, low maintenance, looks amazing. Cant get any better than this 👍

[@mikeemmons1079]

I decided to make an ecosphere with my grandson. I found your channel as a result of looking up the latest twists cuz it has been about 400 years since grade 3. Good stuff, I got a 2 litre jar with a hinge top. Shrimps and snails? Cheap as. "I need a few live plants" "Oh I am sorry, we dont carry those...". I have to go out of town for plants. I figure since I now have a few more projects I want to make, I should start propagating my own plants, and I can sell the excess online, or something. I have a 68 litre storage container I am gonna make it into a pond. I want to do some aquaculture stuff and dip into the moss landscapes I have seen yourself and others make.

[@redpandamurphy]

How is it possible that you only have 750k subs. You deserve at least a million with what we get to see

[@bng188]

Your black water set ups are amazing!

[@miekox5387]

Without you and your videos my terrarium wouldn't look nearly as nice, and i wouldn't have picked up the aquarium hobby again! You inspire me and I've learned so much from your videos. I can't wait to start my new aquarium with all my new knowledge i have from you! A big thank you and keep up the amazing work!!

[@attwooda4655]

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Thank you x

[@asmrfish7244]

That wall tank is a dream. Way to come to the rescue with the drill.

[@bananafloat27]

That aquarium is absolutely gorgeous, such an inspiration, thank you Tanner for bringing joy to people's lives

[@airodarkwind8719]

Nature indeed brings people together. 😘

[@ceciwolfcat7]

That's a stunner Tanner, I adore the fish, reminds me of my first tank many years ago.🐠🐟💚

[@TheCaphits]

What a COOL fish tank! Thanks for sharing!

[@UKFishCam]

All the scapes are so natural

[@thelmahall2593]

Wow what a beautiful tank that you made!! And, I really enjoy the video and how you explain everything! I, too, had a parent that loved fish and he had many tanks I loved just going in the fish room and watching the fish

[@T3rradonStudios]

11:42 for a second I was just like "bruh why do u have a dead fish lying around" then I realized

[@Tser]

Oh that curtain is SO clever. I have a tank between my dining room and kitchen. I don't know why I never thought of that or saw it on other builds, but sometimes the cleverest, simplest ideas just don't come to mind. Well now I know what I'm adding over the holiday break! This is an absolutely beautiful build. I'm really all about temperate tanks, but I really love Amazonian biotopes, especially with masses of cardinals.

[@clydesdale1775]

I am so thankful for your ultra informative videos! No one else on KZbin provides such rich commentary on what they do or do anything quite so amazing. Honestly, you are the best out there!

[@alisonmaczka7359]

Perfect timing. I'm searching for inspiration for a new tank I just picked up.

[@CuriousInsanity413]

I love how this has come full circle with helping each other out with these overlapping hobbies ^^

[@athela2023]

Wow, really awesome job. Thanks for sharing all that you do 🐸🐠

[@joethompson11]

I started a Terrarium business because of your inspiration :) I've also scaped a tank and am making a palladarium in the new year. Wouldn't be here without you and really feeling so fulfilled because of all this. Thank you Tanner ✌️

[@lotnaula]

Jaw dropping aquarium !!!! Stunning ❤️❤️❤️

[@sallybaltazar1125]

Great video. My favorite is still from the early Days. You finding a fluval tank on the sidewalk. I was hooked from there on. I love the ranges you show. Makes this hobby friendly for everyone. Thanks again for sharing and taking the time to put these together for us.

[@luclin92]

I love that i can easily put on your channel and it has a calming effect for most people i know.

[@aquadudeh2o306]

Great Bitop-Tank👏🏻👍🏼 Your are so right. AQUARISTIK is the best Hobby in the world and Connects People all over the world World, if it helps to get a better understanding of Nature = what more can you think of. Greetings from Germany / Bavaria 🤙

[@MichaelDouglas-24]

Watching your videos has really helped me further my interest in this hobby! I plan to build another tank asap

[@HeRo-qd6tk]

STUNNING just wow....i have to save that video.

[@williamj.rieger8965]

Rea beautiful set up. Thanks so much, Bill

[@beaka63]

Wow. Great job! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@minicat3640]

Thanks so much for sharing!!! I was really into the planted aquarium hobby from 10 years old. When I got a full time job/ career though it became much too overwhelming to care for them, and after the last of my fish aged out I switched to orchids and houseplants and a few cats 🤣. I watch your channel because I get to live vicariously through you! Keep on keeping on!

[@harashamadumal8757]

My favorite chanel in you tube Well done bro I am from Sri lanka

[@jennym.2268]

That was great! Love how it matured!

[@davide8364]

They are my favourite fishes

[@sheilacasper2030]

Lovely tank. Angel fish are my favorite. I could watch them forever...

[@stevensargent2555]

Beautiful tank and those angels!!!

[@glensexton2280]

I have been in this hobby since I was 10 years old and I love it great video

[@Aspartic]

What a great story behind this one!

[@foreverautumn2315]

What a wonderful setup! As a child, I always went fishing with my father and loved the fish we'd catch... but it was the tank in the office of my childhood dentist which always stuck with me... and eventually led to my getting into the hobby. I'm just regretful that it took me so long - many people had told me how hard it was to keep aquariums, almost impossible. Now with 14 planted tanks and a patio pond, I still don't understand why others thought it so difficult a hobby... :-\ To me the whole process is relaxing and a joy... :)

[@DeepOnes420]

Great video! I always feel like I want to start on a new aquarium when I watch you. Thanks for the great content!

[@ARod-br2ui]

You definitely made a friend today! 😆

[@alexamorales2821]

Always a joy watching your videos!