DIY Arid Desert Bioactive Vivarium for Blue Beetles

It's been a while since I made a vivarium and nearly two years since I've done an arid or desert style design. I'm not sure why I don't do them more frequently, but that's likely to change soon. I had a ton of fun with this build and I've been thoroughly enjoying the beetles! They're very enjoyable, easy to care for, and fun to watch.
Let me know what you think of the project and what you want to see next!
Learn More in my Blog
www.serpadesign.com/blog
Follow SerpaDesign
Instagram - / serpadesign
TikTok - / serpadesign
Second Channel - / tannerserpa
#vivarium #terrarium #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

I had a lot of fun with this build and it makes me even more excited for some future projects that I hope to do in the next few months. Also, the beetles are so fun to have around and I’d highly recommend giving them a try if you ever come across them. Anyway, enjoy the video, have a great weekend, and let me know what you think of the project!

[@emilybitzel7242]

WONDERFUL!!

[@edwardbrown3551]

Do your other animals react when adding new ones to the room

[@robinwilssens4960]

Living in Phoenix... this is so awesome! Those beetles are also fantastic!!

[@housemami66]

I love dem critters :) Inspiring video, would like to build one myself.. any suggestions for interesting colorful beetles / insects??

[@christianschneider5603]

Absolutely incredible, and awe inspiring. In the future, would you be able to do more arid setups?

[@morganw.4711]

One of the things I love about Tanner is that he doesn’t consider any of the animals in his care as disposable. From the springtails all the way up to the biggest reptiles, every creature is given the best possible environment so that they don’t just survive, they thrive and are happy. It’s inspiring and beautiful

[@jennibennett9724]

Unlike a certain 'KingOfDIY' who dumps his fish after just a video or two.

[@jamiecollister2002]

Agreed! The blueberry comparison was unbearable. I love this video and am thankful to have him as a content creator in this hobby/lifestyle

[@jaygilliland3371]

True! =]

[@aph1dqueen]

​@@jennibennett9724 wait, seriously?? I haven't heard about this until now

[@zabirmhmahdi4203]

​@@jennibennett9724 where did you get that from? He returns fish that he doesn't feel the need to have, other than that he does sometimes over stock tanks while he manages space for the others.

[@helianthusphoton1178]

one thing that i'd love for sure is a quick bio on the animals you're working with at the beginning of each video. like their common and scientific names, their lifespan and size in the wild and in captivity, and anything else you'd feel is important to know about the animals. absolutely loved this one!

[@realfishtacoboy]

Love this idea!

[@ReginaRegenbogn]

Yes, please! General care (just a quick info) and especially the scientific names would be much appreciated. I love this build and have never heard of these beetles. Please keep us updated occasionally :) Maybe a roomtour every few months?

[@wmhfv992]

This is such a good idea! That would really help viewers understand whether or not they could realistically keep the same animal(s) based on their climate, budget, etc.

[@christianschneider5603]

Great idea!

[@xenaM22]

I was wondering about them too, and what do they eat? How long do they live and if they breed, do they lay eggs, or carry them.. etc. It goes without saying, that the enclosure is fantastic!

[@jacksonwilliams5399]

I find that the quality of someone’s character can often be determined by the care and compassion he puts into the smallest creatures. And my guy gave some beetles the most beautiful arid setup I’ve ever see.

[@semjart]

I agree. It also shows in his language around his animals. Truly wonderful ❤

[@mlml]

Beautifully put! I was going to say the same

[@inventiveowl395]

glances at the two plants on a shelf - yeaaah... Should probably water those.. Been a few weeks..

[@kampfgeist7703]

Agreed. I even try to give my feeder insects a great home. It's nothing like what he did as it's a bin but it has dirt moss, rocks and bark for the bugs to hide and thrive. I try to give them a natural home instead of just having them in a tiny critter keeper with Cartoon.

[@loganhicks3850]

i would love a video of just b-roll of all the critters in their habitats with soothing music over it!

[@jeremyfrost2636]

Seconded.

[@corbinbrooks7261]

Hey man I’m here to say that you have inspired me to become a biologist I’m 17 going into college this fall majoring in biology I appreciate you making these videos🙏🏻

[@teasorceryr3633]

Awesome! I’m sure you’ll do great!

[@e.walker]

Tanner is a great inspiration and his designs are top notch! Good luck with your studies and as a professional Biologist myself I welcome you to the field.

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

Congrats on finding what you want to do, and good luck! Tanner is an inspiration to many, I'm always amazed with his work.

[@dappercoat249]

Congrats on getting in & good luck!

[@HeatherLikesArt]

That is wonderful. Congratulations! Also you yourself are inspiring to others too. To know what you want to do and get into college is inspiring. I wish you every success in your studies and in life. ❤

[@4705_will]

You should add living stones in some of your future desert style vivariums they are really cool and funky looking succulents. I have a few and I absolutely love them.

[@themallimalli]

Ugh, I hate them xD I never understood the hype for them... They look like ugly butts to me 😂

[@qualityegg]

Really cool Vivarium and such funky little critters! As someone else already mentioned, maybe you could include some more facts about the animal or leave a link to some information? Your channel really helps making people curious about animals and their habitats. At least for me the question of "could I keep an animal like this?" arrises from time to time. You providing some more facts about what keeping the animal entails would add to that

[@barb56]

Unfortunately most care information about these beetles is not the best but they're not hard to care for. Just make sure they have burrowable substrate (not just sand), keep them on a low sugar diet and keep them a little above room temp and they will be a lot happier than in a box of sand lol

[@matthewhale1572]

Its not hard to do your own research. Just type "blue death feigning beetles" into youtube or google.

[@esotericLobster]

I love the setup! As someone studying entomology it makes me so happy to see people giving insects the love and care they deserve. What adorable little creatures!

[@Natu_Visu]

I just had a random urge to look for desert-themed beetle terrariums, so I searched up "desert terrarium" and this is the first result I get! It's strange because it's exactly what I was looking for, and it was JUST uploaded 30 minutes ago!

[@jonithomas192]

It was meant to be! I found this channel a few years ago because of a diy pond video lol

[@Natu_Visu]

@@jonithomas192 Haha, must be! Nice, I have just subscribed today. :-)

[@trialbyfirepyrography321]

Love it! It's funny, those beetles are an accent to their own vivarium. That blue color really pops against the background scape. Beautiful job.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

this is a really cool setup. Those beetles are dope.

[@bennygambla3491]

Some of my favorite videos of yours are your non aquarium builds. Fish are awesome, but seeing some less common species like these beetles or spiders and praying mantis (as you’ve done in the past) is very cool to see. Great work as always, you are the gold standard with scaping and animal care!

[@grackleaudit]

The desert look is really cool, I love the use of succulents in this one. Amazing job!

[@hanagenefreecs4667]

Djdnwhvahatwge

[@DippedInInk]

IDK why but i love watching these videos. It takes a lot of research and dedication to do this. Also patience.

[@aralynrivers7162]

I work at a natural science museum, and we have some of these on display in the insects exhibit. I really fell in love with them and now I want to get some of my own and build them a beautiful home like this

[@jackpacker6960]

Recently been trying to think of ways to enhance my leopard gecko enclosure and this has really helped. Such a beautiful Terrarium!

[@SLAPMYGORILLA]

The vivarium looks great, but those beetles are just gorgeous

[@janinebean4276]

Wow I love the red/orange sand against the blue beetles, it really makes them pop!

[@aureasmortem]

As someone that lives in dry hot Arizona, this set up looks amazing! The reddish sand really brings the right feel. And while it's true that the plants would usually be more spaced out (or under a tree to leech water and get protective shade) the fun part about having an Inspired-By set up is that you have artistic liberty to spice things up how you see fit. I think the amount of plants is perfect, it's like a condensed section of desert.

[@S1gilByte]

When doctor plants and serpa make arid vivariums with the same species on the same day, it’s a good day.

[@TimoAgain]

Plot twist: dr plant is serpa designs alter ego

[@S1gilByte]

@@TimoAgain he hasn’t done a face reveal, this conspiracy may hold some weight

[@CaptainCudds]

I've had my beetles for almost a year now, and I love them. I'm glad to see them get some recognition since they are very easy to care for and are very fun to watch and hold. Would love to move them into a setup like this one day

[@olivereisenbarth5476]

I never thought I'd be interested in terrariums, but this beetle really looks great and interesting. Like a mini tanker bug from starship troopers.😂

[@jurassic_hobbyonmyaltaccou3878]

I’m still amazed by the amount of ideas and time you dedicate to these videos, we love you and the animals Tanner keep it up❤

[@stampinturtles]

That one rock looks like a mountain lion face. Such a cool Terrarium and those beetles are fun to watch. ❤

[@glassyGREEN_]

Awesome built as always. You always find such interesting animals. These beetles are so cute 😊

[@spazza7260]

I would love if this setup was on live cam with some relaxing lo-fi playing…..I would watch that for hours 😊 these beetles are so interesting

[@AnubiteOnline]

Honestly one of the most interesting scapes you've done so far! Arid and non tropical enviroments require such a different type of scaping and this one for some good beetles is worth it!

[@t_s4500]

I’ve always wanted you to do something like this. It looks beautiful and I already can’t wait for the next video.

[@thegreatkeljb]

Can you do a feeding video for all of your animals? That will be great

[@Kai_Crashh]

This terrarium turned out very cool, but what do you feed the bugs???

[@zillamir8624]

I was wondering the same thing 😊🌱

[@kody_dryden-conway]

I know that some people feed them like beetle jelly but I don't know for sure what he feeds

[@michaelajaros807]

Cool! Love the desert look!

[@IronArk65]

I never knew I would love beetles, they look awesome I have to get some.

[@6kang971]

These little blue beetle are some of my favorite animals ever. Loved the whole build and can't wait for your next desert style build!

[@mntryjoseph1961]

Cool! I had never heard of Blue fainting death beetles before this build. Thank you!

[@brendalloyd1903]

and those blue beetles are really lovely!

[@Heidileh500]

Really interesting to see a setup that is so different than the ones you usually do. Looks awesome!

[@LilaElizabethD]

Way to capture the minimalistic but stunning beauty of a desert landscape! As someone who has lived most of their life in a desert, it is so fun to see you bring a desert’s unique beauty to life in your scape! Thanks for sharing!!

[@neilv.4237]

This is freaking awesome. Those blue beetles a very cool looking.

[@Kowinaida]

Looks fantastic. I suspect the beetles are very happy.

[@Aghul]

This enclosure looks so stunning! You really outdid yourself here!

[@TL13579]

One of your bests! Love the concept of a desert vivarium.

[@gentchnelson2632]

Thank you so much! I’ve been looking at these guys recently and not a ton of new videos are out about them so this is great

[@starbyray7828]

WOW I really like that setup especially the overall orange colour compliments the dusty blue beetles and makes them pop!

[@kjirstenboucher9682]

Being that I was raised in a desert environment, and that I was always a wildlife nut,...this reminded me of my childhood. What a beautiful setup!

[@CrunchyFern]

Yooooo blue berry beetles let’s gooooo hahah

[@LittleSpaceCase]

I LOVE arid vivariums and cant wait to see more

[@realfishtacoboy]

It looks amazing!! Also, i would really like to see what the finished product looks like in the animal room as a whole. A little zoom out would look so cool imo

[@McPilch]

OMG YES we are getting ever closer to a TARANTULA HOME!!!!! 😁 Saw these blue beetles on Aquarimax Pets the other day.. they the new craze? I understand why!! Anyway, back to the video! 😅 Okay, what a fantastic home you've given these guys! Rus from Aquarimax Pets will be super jealous haha! Kudos for dipping your hands into different types of biomes and flora/fauna.. excited to see what you've got coming up!!

[@RomnysGonzalez]

This has to be my favorite thing you ever did. This is just perfect top to bottom is the most beautiful inclose project

[@AleeshaSattva]

This is my favourite setup you've ever done!!!

[@tavinprice2310]

Are you considering doing leopard gecko or hognose snake? They both allow for very creative and versatile arid tanks

[@ashlynhenning18]

I love these guys! I used to take care of a group of them and they’re so fun! I’d love to see more inverts. Under appreciated for sure! Halloween moon crabs….? Thank you for sharing!

[@redjulia9655]

What do they eat?

[@greatPretender79]

Wow, this thing is somehow *exceptionally* beautiful!!

[@janzetstra7915]

It looks lovely my man. Have you ever thought about keeping ant especially in a setup similar to this?

[@jmahonatam]

These little beetles are so cute!

[@azzikko2688]

Beetles with succulents is such a good idea... they look perfect together! So cute!

[@dragonslayer19695]

Love the Desert theme.

[@frankieg999]

WOWOWOWOW! This is a stunning setup.

[@michellejarvis7878]

Wow. The desert inspiration was gorgeous and you got it so close. The succulents were the right touch. Your creativity and design sense are amazing. The videos are so calming as well. Thank you.

[@nickelkeep]

My little succulent-loving heart is all about this Vivarium! Thank you for taking the time to make this video and share it with us!

[@peachiibabs]

the thing that really stands out is the use of texture! i see way to many arid environments be considered just dunes when theres so much more!!

[@nonfb]

it looks great, the beetles fit in so well

[@davidrobertson4184]

An absolutely lovely departure from ur normal, lush content. Beautiful.

[@PresumablyTunes]

love the plant life in this one

[@beejls]

OMG are they adorable! Walking blueberries that play dead. Another beautiful job. I would be proud to have that in my home

[@alpoh]

This is just STUNNING! There's something about arid enclosures that just draw me in more. They're less common in the hobby, but they're all so unique and detailed.

[@Hamishtarah]

It is a really aesthetic and captivating set up you made here.

[@craftyz7915]

this has to be one of the coolest ones yet

[@emilybitzel7242]

(I miss your old studio.) Thrilled for your new beginning though! Love to you and your fam and Thank you for the great inspiration.

[@puppycolin]

I love how you narrate your videos, very good command of language and soothing to listen to.

[@okashi3806]

This is really one of the most beautifully designed terrarium I have ever seen! With so many details, I'm in love with this design! It gave me inspiration to try something similar for my future tank. Thanks!

[@palatina6626]

This is one of my favorites so far! Well done. I love beetles and their habitat looks awesome!

[@willowmarie218]

These beetles are so cool! I love how you always recreate the animal's natural environment and do it so beautifully

[@kouprey1]

Clearly explained. All aspects of the build covered. Nice pacing. Bravo!

[@MainelyFlies]

I never realized how cool arid setups could be until I watched this. Well done!

[@9The0Unknown7]

Those beetles seem neat, something I would consider keeping if I kept my home warmer. Thank you for the detailed build!

[@mandimilkshakes3328]

Really liked this build. I've been struggling with making arid bioactive set ups and would love to see more desert/scrubland builds. Proper substrate and keeping plants alive have been the most difficult for me. Your videos have helped me so much with my tropical vivarium. I hope you do more like this too.

[@cernunos8153]

One of the best videos yet. Such a cool enclosure

[@stephanier.680]

Deserts are one of my favorite biotopes. So glad you've made one, and with an interesting occupant as well!

[@Troglobitten]

It's good to see a vivarium build again. The aquariums are cool, but I love vivariums just a tad more

[@Vibing_Colors]

I love how you expanded your style! Its really cool!

[@brendalloyd1903]

you are amazing in what you do and the creatures look so comfortable too

[@corrina-leighforster8886]

absolutely love it!!!!!! the colouring of the beetles is beautiful!

[@zoku5896]

Great job man

[@denofsouls9564]

Love these beetles, I’ve had my group of 3 for two years now, and they’ve always been some of my favourite inverts

[@shawnmurphy3504]

Thanks! That turned out great, just fantastic Tanner!

[@teasorceryr3633]

LOVE the arid landscape and those beautiful blue beetles!

[@cb_moments86]

A beautiful Vivarium and a gorgeous beetle. Wonderful video thank you for sharing.

[@ajd8558]

This is one of my favourites that you've made!

[@Plants-and-Ts]

Awesome! I love these little guys, they are lots of fun to keep

[@wolfloverboy1176]

i am a 12 year old boy, and you have inspired me to make little ecosystems in jars, thank you and good luck with the beetles

[@ghomerhust]

omg they are so cute!! the tank is beautiful, they'll be living the high life

[@kaanDAninja]

This is by far hands down my fav build of yours it looks sooo cooolll!!!

[@llamedosr7843]

You've nailed it again. Outstanding

[@linden_e]

I wish you would design for every zoo in the world!!! I LOVED THIS ONE! The music was amazing too... That guitar at the end...

[@rowandavandenheuvel7672]

Its beautiful! It really looks like a desert. I love it! Ty for sharing 😊

[@thetwinbros5185]

Thats so cool. Im glad you decided to do something different and it turned out really well!

[@sargenator1]

It looks terrific! Good on you.

[@fluroflash2803]

I think this is one of your best so far. Certainly my favourite. Good job