Ancient Ruins Reclaimed by Nature Jungle Paludarium with DIY Waterfall Statue Face

A few months ago while exploring ideas, I decided to finally give an ancient ruins design a try. As I explored the concept, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. That was easier said than done, though. One thing led to another and I ended up using a lot of different techniques to create what I had imagined. I had a lot of setback and it took me awhile to pull it off, but it's finally complete!
I'm so excited to share this one with you all and I really hope you all enjoy the build. Let me know what you think about it down in the comments, like, and subscribe for more!
Note: I mentioned in the video that I would have changed a few things if I had more time. Originally I wanted the hands to create a second waterfall, but I had to raise the water above what I originally planned to maximize water volume. Additionally, I would have made the hardscape with smaller, more intricate details, to give a different sense of scale. I think it would look cool if the sculpture appear larger than it does in the current design. Regardless, I'm pleased with the result.
00:00 Intro
00:14 Sculpting a Statue Face
02:00 Wooden Form
02:15 Distressing the Clay
02:44 Casting a Silicone Mold
03:48 Sculpting the Hands
04:16 Creating the Form and Mold
05:12 Casting Resin Sculptures
07:25 Constructing the Aquarium
08:30 Accounting for the Sculpture
08:51 Scaping the Background
09:57 Addressing Filtration
10:43 Adding Terrestrial Plants
12:04 Extra Details
12:19 Finalizing the Hardscape
12:48 Adding Aquatic Plants
13:34 Snails and Fish
13:49 Completed Design
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#paludarium #aquaterrarium #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

I'm so excited to share this one with you! It's been in the works for a while and I really hope you all enjoy it. Let me know what you think and have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

[@forrestcrabbe]

Very nice. The sculpture looks great. That's a good technique for when I make deco for my snake tank. Y'all have a badass day 🤘🍻🤘 🤘🎃🤘no limits🤘🥞🤘

[@tensuavilli]

It's so cool!!!

[@poemes]

You did a amazing job as always

[@barrylay5692]

This is one of my favorites from you

[@wikrekkers1128]

Where did you get the music from? Beautiful creation btw👍

[@LKonstantina915]

The statue adds so much character to it, i love it when you include "man made" objects in your pieces.

[@SerpaDesign]

Thanks! I strayed away from it for awhile, but I've been trying to incorporate more of it these days.

[@LKonstantina915]

@@SerpaDesign Awesome! I think your skills are amazing! And not only with sculpting but with woodwork too! Just like with the ghost shrimp ship (rip), the cabin and the bamboo fountain. But honestly I think this one was my favourite as I really like this type of tribal culture and I think it fits very nicely with nature.

[@AquariumCoop]

This thing is awesome. Great work.

[@ItsBrianBABY]

Both of you are inspiring beyond words.

[@benjidoggo5405]

I think this build is amazing. it is so beautiful as well 😊.

[@ebenoid6643]

Another cool thing is he has a mold that he can use over and over again!

[@realchiknuggets]

I didn't expect to see you here, hey Cory

[@NatureInaJar]

If aquarium co op comments on your video you know you are doing things right

[@blurpacola512]

🗿 looks right at home. I bet 🗿 is very happy that he is included in this masterpiece you've made. 🗿 is very impressed, and 🗿 can now rest in his abode

[@hoofers11]

I hear the vine boom effect for every 🗿

[@Carolus-Rex]

​@@hoofers11fr

[@Zellesyt]

🗿 i know right?🗿 im just amazed🗿

[@selkie.strings]

🗿🗿

[@angrymanwithsillymoustasche]

🗿 looks majestic! Like a king!

[@papyrusthegreat457]

Since it’s a mold, doesn’t that mean hypothetically you could make more heads and hands, and therefore hypothetically sell them? Because I’d buy, no questions asked! This is one of your coolest creations yet!

[@user-kk5bh9pm9f]

I agree.

[@het10baugh78]

This Legends of the Hidden Temple reboot looks amazing

[@SerpaDesign]

LOL! I kept thinking about Olmec when I was making this as well.

[@corylcreates]

I know your style usually focuses on organic and natural elements, so you don't include many sculptures or manmade elements like this one. So I'm really pleased to see how this one turned out! Your builds inspire me a lot as an artist myself, and I always think "...and then I'd put a small sculpture in there for my own version." I think it's wonderful to try new things and be inspired to put our own spin on something. :)

[@kalekcenturian7667]

There are times I feel like I am hearing Mr. Rogers. You have a very calming voice. You are an artist, sir. Keep it up!

[@raptorhoundrune]

god this setup is soooo gorgeous!! that sculpting on the statue is so impressive! have you done stuff like that before?

[@SerpaDesign]

Yeah I took sculpting classes in high school and learned about casting in college.

[@giovannicorraliza4393]

please be attentive in how one says G-d

[@raptorhoundrune]

@@giovannicorraliza4393 ...??? i'm not religious

[@jpsykes2011]

@@giovannicorraliza4393 please be attentive how much chocolate you eat, I'm on a diet.

[@homeratindhamhome4566]

Last week was the bamboo fountain and this week is this masterpiece! Great job, you are my inspiration. :)

[@SerpaDesign]

Thanks for the love! 💚

[@funky_radish]

you should make a giant african land snail enclosure! that would be super cool! great job on the tank!

[@CraigsOverijse]

think the music you added was perfect to show off your amazing scape

[@NoalFarstrider]

Dude, between this one and the crystal cave you've really leveled up your channel, and skills. From showing good ecosystems, to ecosystems that are pieces of art. Great job dude keep up the good work!

[@lorraineclark1838]

That waterfall coming out of the stone head is SO COOL! I'm going to have to rearrange my tank ASAP!

[@Isaac-px1jx]

You should have like 4 or 5 African dwarf frogs in, It would really add to the vibe

[@thejerseyherper5320]

Absolutely love the idea of the destroyed ruins! I've wanted to try and make a ruined wall or some pillars for a jungle species of lizard or snake

[@joevanne8556]

This is amazing Tanner. The intricacy of details of how it's made and the results of a realistic ancient ruin/jungle is just awesome. Keep it up. We're here to support you coz it's just worth it.🌱

[@SerpaDesign]

Thanks bro! Appreciate your continued support!

[@benjidoggo5405]

yeah thanks bro

[@Avocadomushroom]

I’m so obsessed with this channel and jealous of all his aquariums 😩

[@FucksGaleprofessionally69]

I don't know how I came across these types of videos but I'm so glad that I did. I've always loved tanks and eco systems it's just so impressive how nature can thrive wherever however and seeing people like you build these amazingly detailed tanks is so damn impressive definitely subscribing. Plus the tone of your voice is very calm and relaxing ive been binge watching your videos like crazy just cuz you can watch them while doing pretty much whatever

[@yazunakarmi3315]

This man is the real KING OF DIY! Thankyou Tanner for sharing your knowledge 🌿

[@SerpaDesign]

Idk about that, I just do my thing 😅

[@tavinprice2310]

You are an actual artist. You somehow turn tank building into art. I would love to see what the "abstract art" form of tanks would look like lol. Do you ever plan on doing a leopard gecko tank?

[@Tigeron1a]

I kinda get a Legends of the Hidden Temple vibe. LOVE IT!

[@julianpeppers1889]

what a gorgeous piece of art! the concept is so cool and the skill to make it is insane. its so peaceful and mysterious. a disney's atlantis themed scape would be so cool, with shrimp maybe since they fished those crustaceans in the movie

[@GoofyGaming1]

Sheesh, its so amazingly beautiful

[@GoofyGaming1]

I wish i could be as good as you!

[@amandajenkins2267]

This is crazy beautiful Tanner! Great job 👏

[@bjw8qsrmhgxn4wwk30]

Wow that head worked out way better than I expected. Great work.

[@ucNguyen-kr4gf]

Wish I have this on my desk. It must be very relax just to stare at it :)

[@lizzyanthus1]

What an amazing build this is! As you said, a lot of work, but so very worth it! It looks exactly what you said you wanted it to be. I loved watching the whole process, as it makes one appreciate it just that much more. As always, I love all your builds, but this one is very pleasing to my eye. Thank you so much for sharing what you do. Have an awesome day!

[@kennethgriffin9770]

Time well spent Tanner! This is by far one of my favorites of your builds! Really beautiful work!

[@editingmonkey3140]

This is for real one of the best video and tank I have ever seen

[@editingmonkey3140]

Pls make more like this

[@Seagypsy727]

This is my favorite of your pieces. You have inspired me. I was going yhru chemo when I discovered your videos. I watched everyone and anxiously awaited the next. I have a fascination with Easter Island. I have a concrete statue (very heavy) I have moved thousands of miles. Anyway you combine my two favorite hobbies, fish and plants. We moved from Indiana to Florida and I have the majority of the tropical plants. I am currently turning my aquarium into live plants only. I've surprised how much healthier my fish are now. It is also pleasing to view. I built an outdoor aquarium/ planter based off of a different video of yours. They are happy healthy and require very little attention. Doesnt freeze very often. A lot of words to say thank you and please know your videos are appreciated.

[@macwkabeast8334]

Can you try and do an ancient city scape design as well?

[@SerpaDesign]

Definitely at some point in the future!

[@jessepare2208]

Definitely one of my favorite builds you've made.

[@robestey5628]

Very nice. You deserve to be proud - lovely ancient Zen.

[@QKsilver58]

you never fail to wow me Tanner, incredible!

[@meghanmetcalf1069]

This is my absolute favorite of all your builds. Beautiful design and execution! I love how the fish add a little pop of rainbow as they swim around.

[@freyarobbins4201]

This is amazing! Definitely my favourite project you’ve made so far. Brilliant!

[@fblthpsizzlingsuffrokats2348]

The mouth filter return is an awesome idea!

[@asillyperson999]

Amazing, those fish are lucky to have such a cool tank

[@abjectidiot3061]

Love the ruined vibe, wish you did more amazing works like this!

[@dndndndndn419]

Wow - that really looks so much like stone! So well done, as always!

[@lyarnes]

This may be my favourite design of yours ever! Now I want one!

[@brianbloomfield334]

Everything you do is so hack handed but it produces such wonderful effects. Worst practical application, best outcome 👌

[@sirwilliams7762]

Looks great! I recently got into gardening and I love the combination of techniques you have in this video. Building a water feature outside this summer and will be drawing inspiration from you!

[@Wertboy999]

We can all agree that the build is kinda🗿

[@SOAP.150]

🗿🗿🗿🗿🗿🗿🗿🗿🗿🗿🗿🗿🗿

[@zsworld6609]

This is your best work yet. Your imagination astounds me

[@anthowarth801]

Insane amount of effort made here. Respect.

[@gabeyeah297]

i love how u customized so many parts so that you could get as close to your vision as possible it turned out as one of my favorites of all the builds you’ve done i’m so excited for the update on it alr cause i think it’ll look so much better once the plants have taken it over a bit more

[@beachdaddybravo6751]

This is my favorite build in a long time. I love the aesthetic of an old ruined statue and nature reclaiming it, even more so because there are some examples of this around the world and they’re all so old the stories behind them are lost to time. Super cool idea, and I’d love to see an even larger example at some point. Great job.

[@mandyminshull2351]

Looks awesome. The face looks amazing with the plants surrounding it

[@marcrademacher1197]

Duuude there are not enough likes in the world to show you how much i appreciate your work. 😅

[@cozmin1424]

one of my favourites! I wish to have one of your pieces on display in my home. Pure talent and incredible skill. Love your art!

[@TheKRae78]

With every single upload, I am so impressed and inspired by your work. I love how much character and story this setup has, even with a simple stock!

[@alaskanime]

By far my favorite one of your videos and the one that inspired me most to convert an old desktop fountain into a sunken planter for aquatic plants

[@christinamcbride9030]

Hands down one of my top favorites of your builds!! Would love to see more like this in the future with more sculptures!❤

[@turtleboy131313]

My inner child comes out watching these videos, that I just discovered yesterday. I love the larger back-story that you create for each of your environments. It helps to define every small detail you're creating, so you can step into each of these worlds. Great job!

[@parmerapps69]

First the Crystal Caves Paludarium, then the Shishi-Odoshi Fountain, and now this?! This video is a tribute to Tanner's vast repoitoire of skills he's accumulated over the years - a composite sythesis showcasing just how far he's come in his artistic talents. In my eyes, the distressed appearance of the ruins coupled with the fresh, vibrant pop of the plants makes this build a masterpiece; you've been killing it despite your finger Tanner! Keep up the good work! ✌

[@Sylkis89]

Probably one of the nicest bits you've done on your channel so far

[@ForLorNVuLgaR]

Holy crap dude all I wanted to see was a paludarium incorporating orchids but silicone molds!? That is something else!

[@copingwithcrazy]

This is phenomenal and it's awesome to see you always trying to push your abilities and make things with new materials. You're constantly growing as a scape artust

[@junebay5265]

That’s super awesome! Definitely would love to see you create more projects with the ancient ruins vibe!

[@thedirtprincess3293]

Found you recently and have been binge watching your channel. Several stand out, but this is my favorite so far (not counting the big outdoor pond)

[@Grandorax1]

Oh my my my. Your talent. It is overwhelming. You will do great work my friend. I see you doing stuff for disney and magical things. This was a magical episode PERIOD! Talented!

[@premramsita8354]

This is absolute amazing. It shows just how skilled you are and I like that you use common items us serpa squad can find. Great job tanner, keep doing what you do.

[@leannmarshall28]

Absolutely wonderful--a beautiful, natural art piece. All the hard work you did literally brought your vision to life!

[@cbvickers4044]

Wow Tanner....this is one of my favorites of all your creations.

[@marcuswhitmore6622]

Absolutely love this. Looks amazing.

[@parisdaddy2043]

You sculpt too? wow Tanner...what can't you do?

[@SerpaDesign]

A LOT 🤣

[@hadekhazma8512]

Very nice 🗿

[@knowbahd7467]

This young man is a mad genius

[@johnnysoso2]

I love your style Sir! You are multi-talented. Much respect.

[@halotheprotogen6364]

First!

[@Vitroid]

🗿

[@PNWZombieWatch]

You should release a hour long video of just the front of the statue with the sound of the water so we can sit and watch the fish and relax :)

[@dillondzubay7558]

This is so amazing tanner thank you for sharing this with us. I love seeing so many of your skills in one project. You are a true inspiration

[@pedroalmeida2199]

🗿🗿🗿

[@cheeseballs3825]

I think this is my new favorite setup you've done. The face and hands are cool!

[@brianlangshof-christiansen5211]

I think it is one of the nicest palidariums you have ever made. The statue really do something and great idear with the water out of the mouth. I want one!

[@theblindfishkeeper]

Although I can’t see it, this one sounds like my favorite one so far! You combine everything that I used to do as a sighted person into these master fleet created projects! Way to go Tanner.🐠🦯

[@jovoncooper6116]

So are you trying say your blind if so can I ask how you typed that im genuinely curious

[@ToniTerrier]

This is such a great peace of art. The work that went into every aspect is impressive, well done!

[@Asteldoth]

I love these more fantastical builds you’ve done lately. The artistry shown here is stunning!

[@t_s4500]

First 😊

[@AannshaJones]

This is stunning! I also hope your finger heals quickly and completely.

[@JBoo-dr6gd]

Immediately thought of legends of the hidden temple lol, love this! It looks amazing.

[@macaroniandplease8894]

I bet every one of your animals feel so at home ❤️

[@marinmarinov1020]

I can wait to see this aquarium after 1 year. It will look amaizing.

[@matthewbradbury2259]

Hey just wanted to say I love the channel. The projects you do are so pleasing to watch to the point where I'm eyeing up my youngest sons gold fish tank for a project once it residents are no longer with us. Look forward to more video's.

[@bernardocarrulo108]

The status face looks Very angry and i love it11/10

[@Wolfishhippo1]

This design turned out so awesome

[@irisravenhild9060]

This one was so inspiring that I want to copy it and put my favorite fish in it.

[@IrisCorven]

Wow. That face came out fantastic. You are really hitting a stride, with some of these. Your work was already great, but this is really taking it over the edge.

[@rachelmottram4682]

Setting up my first paludarium soon. Your videos are such an inspiration to me! Amazing work.

[@curvingfyre6810]

Nature overrunning human creations is one of my favorite themes. My first real tank was modeled after a ruined canal. I was in philly at the time, and the area around my dorm was full of discarded rough-hewed stone bricks of what I believe to be white granite or something similar. I had a 5 gallon with cut off front corners, and the bricks fit perfectly in the back corners, so I stacked up 2 for each side, sloped up the substrate hard for extra depth, and but some branches leaning down between them to simulate large roots in the distance. The top bricks on each side just barely sutck out of the water, and the stone texture whicked water up to the top, so I placed pads of moss on each, and used that as a planting substrate for a variety of plants. It turned in to a pretty nice paludarium, especially with emergent plants and floaters adding to the surface. I even changed the substrate composition in the area that was supposed to be the canal, by giving it a cap of pea pebbles on top of the black river sand. the effect was really convincing, and I understocked it with amphipods and aquatic isopods, no overbred decorative fish or shrimp. it was a REALLY nice tank. Unfortunately, I got flat worms as hitchikers on a watercress plant, and after a year, they destroyed every form of life other than themselves and diatom slime.

[@pegkitcher6084]

I've got COVID and I feel awful and this content is just what I need to feel better

[@KailashCiaran]

This is one of my favorite builds i love the ruins in the jungle look

[@thena_ditey]

I've been enjoying your content for a while now and I think this might be my favorite of your builds. Thank you for making wonderful things and showing us how to do it ourselves.

[@adithsreekanth3804]

The amount of work you did for the statue was soo much but turned out awesome i wish i could create something like this

[@pmac7641]

Tanner, you make my days so much better when I get to watch you create something amazing... thank you.

[@alexanderballance2996]

Loving these builds recently with man-made features in them!

[@jamietucker4568]

This one is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing.