Definitive Guide to Growing Houseplants in an Aquarium

For many years, I've been utilizing tropical houseplants as an essential element within my aquariums, paludariums, and ripariums. Doing so has allowed me to streamline my process and maintain these setups more easily. That’s because of the many benefits that plants provide. They make it possible to spread out maintenance sessions significantly.
Believe it or not, it’s straightforward to do with the correct information! I’ve experimented with various techniques and plants over the years, many of which I share in this video. I can confidently say that it’s easier to care for setups that have riparian houseplants. Riparian houseplants are also more manageable than their regular potted counterparts.
This guide thoroughly explains why these plants are beneficial, how the work in nature, and how you can incorporate them into your nature designs.
Riparian Plants List Guide
www.serpadesign.com/riparian-...
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00:00 Intro
00:22 Aquariums and Terrariums
00:53 What are Vivariums, Paludariums, and Riparium?
03:08 Why Houseplants are Helpful
05:20 Selecting Plants
07:05 Growing Plants with a Sloped Substrate
08:59 Using Hardscape to Elevate Plants
10:34 Utilizing Wicking Materials
11:35 Using Hang On Tank Planters
12:38 Alternative Solutions
13:39 Cleaning Plants for Use
14:32 Additional Information on Plant Selection
15:22 Implement Natural Processes
#houseplants #aquarium #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

I've been working on this one for months and am so excited to finally share it with you! I've been using plants in this way for years and it's been so helpful to me. I hope that this guide helps demystify the process for you. Have a great weekend SerpaSquad! Learn more about the plants: www.serpadesign.com/riparian-plants

[@claymantaylor]

Can you try doing sea monkeys

[@kavindudilshan7108]

Make a vampire crab paludarium

[@conm9891]

Thanks for the content. Your hard work is definitely appreciated. Keep it up!

[@jamescorrigan6063]

Honestly, you can grow 99% of "house" plants in a riparium set-up... It's basically hydroponics.

[@rgilroy1909]

min 3:41 graphic is the BEST description of each zone. PERFECTION

[@ellajohnson3276]

I am literally building a tank at the moment using your IKEA tank setup video as a guide with the intention of making it a riparium setup. This could not be more perfectly timed. Thank you Tanner! 🐸

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

I always love when things work out like that. Good luck on your project, Hope it turns out how you hope it to! Tanner has inspired me to do all sorts of stuff over the time I've been watching him. I found him from aquariums but he has sent me on an adventure learning and setting up all the other "ariums" and it's been great fun

[@danjt10edits]

I’m thinking about getting a neon tetra planted tank so it’s perfect for me too!

[@stoneysscapes7544]

​@@danjt10editsif you have a chance to get green neons instead of or even both of them that you should. IME through the years , health issues are hot the only reason green neons are my favorite ....they have better schooling tendencies, providing that you have 12 + but the minimum is 6 + !!! 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

[@danjt10edits]

@@stoneysscapes7544 ok, I was planning on getting like 15 or something since I have a 30 gallon so I will see if my pet store has those!

[@DestinRugers.S]

I just completed the Ikea tank. My glue job looks so ugly compared to his, but it's holding up really well!

[@karenlee3198]

The clearest explanation ever of the difference between all the terminology. This video was super helpful!!

[@valdemarjrgensen8072]

I'm just annoyed that he strictly speaking is following an incorrect (but often used) definition of vivarium. Using the wrong definition doesn't make it easier to understand when you then run into a situation where people does use the terms correctly.

[@barbkrienke8400]

It is so great that you added information about plant toxicity. I have cats, and it’s important to make sure that I use non-toxic plants. I’ve been using a variety of Calathea. Not sure if you are interested in adding additional information about hardiness (or if you have the same experience as I have). But I’ve found the rattlesnake calthea to be more hardy than others, and less likely to drop leaves into the water (where they melt). Great episode!!! I love that you included options for different “planting methods”! Thanks so much!!!

[@juliemill22]

What do you mean when you say the leaves "melt"? I noticed that was said in the video and my thought was that the leaves decay, but will that negatively affect the tank? Is it very bad for this to happen, or is it just something that would be good to avoid if you can? Thank you! :)

[@capuchinosofia4771]

@@juliemill22 the decaying leaves will rot (melt) in the water and leech all the "bad stuff" thats usually removed by plant or waterchanges. When a leaf or more melts, then, it leeches a lot of that bad stuff and the spike in those can be bad for the fishes in the tank

[@juliemill22]

@@capuchinosofia4771 oh ok, so it’s like it puts the bad stuff back in the water that the plants are meant to take out? That makes sense, thank you!

[@pyleaquatics]

This is hands down, the most useful video about plants growing out of an aquarium that I have ever found! Thank you so much! I plan to get a couple of my aquarium setup with plants growing out of them.

[@sunriseeyes0]

I love the graphic showing where in the landscape the different vivarium types showcase. That is super helpful! 🌱💗🙏🏽

[@ratsika3]

3:41

[@plixplop]

That diagram a few minutes in is the best explanation of all the different -ariums, I never quite got it before

[@barrkorrd27]

A riparian plant list is so helpful, it's something I've googled/searched for so many times and was never able to find a clearly understandable list. Maybe it is my autism but I am glad to have some type of reference to look forward to in the future to easily see what I can try in my aquariums!

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

Lowes has started selling some of their house plants already growing in water. pretty awesome, the roots are already converted and you don't have to clean the potting soil off !

[@sandglowpets]

Oh wow, nice to know!

[@starr_ship]

Resources like that plant list that are Tanner-curated will help make a LOT of us feel more confident in our choices; thank you for that! Video is timely too; I have been keeping turtles and have been learning the hard way that you really can't use plants that don't grow vertically if you actually want to keep them. My plan B was an over-under bog filter in a separate bucket with the bottom stuffed with hornwort and pothos rooting down into it to keep the turts away from them, but the pothos is getting a bit much to manage and it's time to make some better decisions on plant stock.

[@squamsh122]

This was much needed content. There is a decent amount of info online, but nothing as thorough as this.

[@ramonsita625]

This is the most elaborate, easy to understand explanation video I never knew I needed. I’ve been following your channel for a couple years now and I just never get tired of watching them, I feel like I always learn something new. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@sandyloyst1811]

Tanner, very informative and enjoyable video. The editing and camera work were amazing. We all learnt a lot. Prayers and love from Ontario.

[@annepettit3855]

You read my mind-I’m about to set up a 75 gallon for a turtle and make his current enclosure an aquarium so this is the most helpful thing ever ❤. Thanks!😊

[@Glass_Half_Full]

I've been looking for a guide on which plants to use and I'm so thankful I found it. Big thanks!

[@shoretrader1]

Wonderful tutorial. You are a natural teacher. This should be pinned on top for future reference.

[@stanglemeirwb]

I've been wanting this exact video! Setting up a new tank soonish and definitely going to use this.

[@nataliayev]

This is an amazing video, I’ve been interested in this stuff for a long time but it’s hard to fully understand when it seems like all I can find is bits and pieces of information. This brings it all together. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, I know I will be using this for my tank!

[@nbox1234]

This is a great video for anyone thinking of setting up an aquarium. It can also save you money from acquiring expensive equipment.

[@thejerseyherper5320]

Awesome Video Tanner!!! Loving this new type of video explaining your tips and tricks in long form detailed videos!

[@MainlyMiniTanks]

Thank you for posting a new video on Saturdays. I am always excited to watch it!

[@synthraofficial5366]

The timing for this is perfect! I've been looking into something like this for the last few days! Thanks!

[@mattdamsel2176]

The timing of this video coming out is crazy, and the fact that it showed up in my algorithm is ever crazier, as I was literally researching this stuff just before finding this video. Thank you!

[@marikah6198]

Thank you for the info. This will be useful for planning my filmy fern tank.

[@user-nx5mr6jj9n]

Это лучшее видео для начинающих строить свой аквариум! Великолепно! Спасибо вам огромное за проделанную работу🙌

[@tabathatammaro9187]

FANTASTIC VIDEO! THANK YOU!

[@scottrini6889]

It's a great day to see a new video in the morning! Thank you, this is great!

[@LordMerji]

I gave up understanding the differences years ago, but this explains it perfectly.

[@fimpero994]

Literally exactly what I was looking for ! Thanks

[@SumanEXE]

Thank you for all you do! The fish keeping hobby will forever be better because of you and creators like you

[@rmn8818]

Thank you for making this video.

[@lilycat1547]

Love the video! Getting ready to build a paludarium!

[@drexdqueen]

THANK YOU!!! I'm just starting to experiment with houseplants and wished there was a guide! Thank you so much!!

[@malins4573]

Loved this! Plants is my main interest in tour videos. 😊

[@wittacism]

great video! I'm planning out a planted turtle tank and I'm glad to have this list as a resource!

[@JTrizzleFizzle]

I didn't realize how much I'd learn from this video. I really like seeing your designs, and these how-to/guide videos really help understand your thought process and decision making.

[@theJBJ]

Even though it wasn’t a build video, this is one of my favorite vids in recent memory! Thanks T

[@corvus6779]

This video has been a blessing, honestly. I got a lovely white fantail goldfish (hes about the size of a house key, fins included) maybe a month ago and he's been growing up in a 10 gal with two mystery snails while I set up his new home, a 29 gal complete with driftwood, river stones, and the dirt-in-mesh idea you've shown in previous videos to avoid messy substrate. I have a ton of plants too, both aquatic and above water that I'm so excited to use. And today I got my beloved fish a new buddy, a gorgeous black oranda goldfish. He's setup in a bucket right now, but in about 2-4 weeks the two of them will be introduced to their new aquarium to thrive for the next few years.

[@pandugofast]

I'm really looking forward to the Penguinarium

[@Psychoclaw]

I have been wanting something like this so badly and your timing is perfect! I'll be moving from my tiny apartment into a house soon, and want to get a 55 gallon riparian tank with harlequin rasboras going. And thank you for including pet safe options. I have five cats that will appreciate it.

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

if you're using the hang on planters, instead of using lava rock or sponge , use marbles. this will hold the plant up where you want it and if you wish to remove the plant, the roots slide easily out of the marbles...unlike lava or sponge.

[@brianwbid]

Honestly, I've been watching for a few years now, and this is exactly the video I've needed. Thanks for all your hard work making these videos and an extra thanks for the plant list.

[@AlextheguitarFreak]

This was an extremely helpful video, thank you!

[@Eightbyte]

This channel has inspired me so much, I'm planning on making my first waterfall setup soon. So so grateful to have found this channel, and thank you so much for continuing to make such amazing builds!

[@blondeshort906]

I absolutely love the description of the different forms in the beginning of the video. Thank you!! You’re one of the only channels of this type I follow and I never fully understood the different terms so this was super helpful. Great video as always.

[@Onlymvrco]

Thank you for the advice and information!

[@loribell6453]

Definitely one of the questions that has come to mind frequently as I have been watching your videos. Thank you for the list and other details! 🙏😊👍

[@michaelboulos3272]

Possibly the best timed video on yt as I'm currently setting up a turtle tank 😊

[@sillyjellyfish2421]

Thank you for this infodump! It's nice to get all kinds of informations about different setups and techniques used in them in a single video!

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

A fantastic beginners guide! Thanks for sharing.

[@wispyspirits2158]

Heck yeah! I’ve been so hyped for this video, and boy was it helpful! Thanks for sharing your planty knowledge with us!

[@hadiDAYIhadi]

that was one of the best videos I've watched. covered everything in a very clear and simple manner. full of infos and also never boring. Great work. so sad I've seen it so late!

[@axenlika]

wake up babe new serpadesign upload just dropped

[@_Myriad_]

What perfect timing! Im building a setup with my dad and while weve both kept fish all my life ive never ventured into riparian style setups, so this is very well researched and well presented information to help us finish that project! Having a list of plant types that work is so handy, ive googled before but ive found myself overwhelmed quickly 😅 grateful for this video tanner good work!

[@ImHavingaCoronary]

Great presentation Serpa. Thanks :)

[@undertamssubjective]

I always enjoy watching Ur videos

[@carolebraswell982]

This was the best, most informational video I have ever seen! Thank you so much for making it!

[@sallyweiner4180]

So informative, thank you!

[@ImRyanFrank]

I think this may be the most useful video you've ever made. At least in the top 10.

[@amasenak]

This was super helpful, thank you! You have inspired me for years, and I'm finally going to make a riparium. I've learnt most of my knowledge just watching your videos, your content is great. Not many things can hold my attention fully, while teaching me , entertaining me and inspiring me at the same time.

[@sharim]

I’ve been away from your channel for far too long, and I’d forgotten how great your videos are! Informative and educational content, spectacular builds, narrated by your soothing voice, now shown in your amazing new presentation area. Your production value and seamless editing have increased tenfold. This Serpa Squadder is back for good, no more straying for me!

[@caughtafaygo]

yall save this video because what a great learning tool. awesome vid Tanner and thank you sir!

[@IRISnGEN]

The Salamanders can't wait to see what selection of plants you choose for their new home.

[@HolyCanolei]

This guide is awesome! I’d love to see more like it in the future. It’s so helpful to hear you break down the different concepts for newbies like me!

[@namyac88]

started doing this 5 years ago when i found your channel! me and my wife have been obsessed ever since and have covered two of our living room walls!

[@jorie42]

Thank you for this!! The timing is perfect because I've been thinking about setting my aquariums up with some riparian plants to help with filtration, and now I know exactly where to start.

[@jasonacevedo5629]

Awesome video Tanner and an invaluable link !!! I already use plants this way but there is still so much I can get from this video, and an amazing benefit for hobbyists new to the hobby ! Thank you

[@veronica5896]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us! Greatly appreciated!

[@YSHRHAKING]

I've wanted this type of video for years now from this channel! Thank you!

[@MelannJur]

You are such a great resource and so kind to share!! Thank you :) Perfect timing too. This project was on my list.

[@bethfoort]

This was so helpful. Thank you for putting this information together in such a clear format.

[@LaBeLsDistracted]

This was great! Thanks for creating this! So often we have debated these. You have put together a great overview of all in this edition! Thanks again! 🌱

[@rsbrie]

Gonna tell all my customers to watch this when i sell tanks and fish!!! Love it!!

[@user-mx4fg7cb4e]

I'm just getting into setups like this so this video couldn't have come at a more perfect time. Thank you!

[@BobyChanMan]

These care guides are some of my favorite videos that you put out!

[@mishao3215]

How informative and clearly produced. You always make it easy to follow and the learning about different setups and the other plants to use is very helpful. I have a tank presently that I wanted to add plants as I didn't want an added expense of a filter device. Can't say thank you enough. Keep up the good work. I appreciate all the hard work, time and effort into making these videos. ♥

[@ForLorNVuLgaR]

I loved this type of instructional video, you are great at explaining complex things making them easy to understand. Please do more of this type of videos.

[@mellfraze8112]

I recently picked up a couple large tanks because they were free & I've been wanting to try some kind of terrarium or paludarium design for a while. I've learned a lot from your design videos over the years & I really appreciate you took the time to make a simple explanation of the basics so I can just reference one video.

[@duaneepps7346]

I am loving the unique style of this video thank you so much for sharing

[@sandglowpets]

Great comprehensive explanation about the habitats! And nice summary of plants, too, for those new to using plants in tanks. As always, great job, Tanner!

[@Riane1313]

I love this guide and your channel. I learned a lot about terrariums from this video. I am grateful for the info you shared. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for this project.

[@itemthirteen]

Awesome video Tanner, as usual. Thank you for all the great information and inspiration!

[@candysworld4u]

Thank you for this great informative video! This is exactly the kind of information I’ve been looking for, but piecing together here and there. This is so helpful!

[@Dedicatedfollower467]

Oooooh this is so helpful, especially the species list with the toxic/non-toxic guide. Thank you so much Tanner!

[@thedirtprincess3293]

Ive been binging your videos for a couple of weeks now, and this is THE. BEST. VIDEO! More like this are always welcome from my point of view. I know very experienced people may know all this, but its a wonderful overview and explanation where every other creator has only given bits and pieces, but not put the whole thing together. The graphic for terrarium to aquarium was Out. Standing! If any of the OG Serpa Squad knows of a Serpa video that talks about water quality management and different options, including for us poor newbies, I would love a link. ❤❤❤

[@myeklecticlife5788]

This is freaking awesome that you broke everything down like this! Love it! Thank you so much!

[@goobster6257]

I always knew my love for houseplant was gonna help me make the move to building enclosure, a set-up. I never knew when though! That video is definitely my pivoting point !

[@MsLeenite]

Thank you, Tanner. That was an excellent and very useful video. You did a great job explaining the different kinds of environments. And the photography was first-rate!

[@suzannebrownbill9232]

Thank you for the clear definitions at the beginning. It was really helpful information

[@phindlovu8321]

This was so informative. This will definitely come in handy when planning out what kind of environment I'd like to build.

[@captainlovebug]

Your filter sponge sandwich was such a good idea. My Monstera Obliqua is THRIVING with this method

[@JVSfit23]

Finally..this is the exact video ive been wanting for over a year. One the different types of ariums and what kind and how to use plants in said exhibits

[@AwkwardBirb]

I feel like this video has given me a college level course in this hobby! This is really amazing, thank you for sharing ❤

[@RicGrylls]

I just set up my first aquarium and was looking to get into growing plants out of the top. This video is perfect thankyou

[@ozonejamnerd]

This is information GOLD!!! Thanks for a clear and informative explanation! ❤

[@Beth_Amphetamine]

All of your videos make me happy!

[@lafawnscott-me1ff]

Thank you for this. When I had to research this, it took forever and wasn’t as extensive a list!

[@catpax6075]

Loved and appreciated this guide 🙏

[@Mofdarts]

Not only the Information given are great. I´d like to point out the amazing Video Production. Absolutely fantastic Video!!

[@ephemeralanomaly8456]

Oh my gosh, thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been wanting to include plants like this to my tanks, but already had them set up and didn't want to dismantle them. I like the setups I have, aquascaping-wise, but hadn't thought to incorporate hardscape to account for riparian plant growth at the time. I am so glad that I kept the little pots my aquarium plants came in. I'm definitely going to use this method.