DIY Budget Ecosystem Pond - Solo Build in 5 Days by Hand

Two years ago, I made an ecosystem pond for my parents using a kit. That pond was fine, but it was quite small. Especially once they got goldfish. Even then, I knew I wanted to redo the entire thing to go larger.
This time, I took a DIY approach in hopes to create a beautiful pond on a budget. All things considered, I believe I did exactly that. Even so, there are additional ways to save as I explain in the video.
Anyway, join me as begin Pond Season 2023!
Learn More in my Blog
www.serpadesign.com/blog
Follow SerpaDesign
Instagram - / serpadesign
TikTok - / serpadesign
Second Channel - / tannerserpa
#pond #ecosystem #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

Starting off pond season right with a proper DIY pond! I’ve been working on this when I could for the past two weeks and I’m so happy to finally have it done. It doesn’t come across on video, but first it was hot, then cold, then it rained, snowed, hailed, etc. I nearly experienced every season in only 5 days lol! Anyway, you definitely can see a huge difference on video, but the in-person view is incomparable from the original. I’m so pleased with how it turned out, but I especially like the waterfall. What’s your favorite part? I can’t wait to see it grow with the fish swimming around in the water. I’ll share that in a future video of course. Until then, enjoy this one and have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

[@MelloBellow]

I LOVE YOU

[@victor_TH]

I love ponds more than anything else in the garden. I have a small one without fish and thinking of making a bigger one. However I am thinking of not using a plastic liner but rather use clay. Do you have any experience with such approach? Also, any trick to prevent snakes from living there? I am in subtropical SEA and I can't keep the snakes out of the pond, nothing against them but this is a well established breeding spot for frogs and toads and the snakes keep eating the tadpoles 😞 I definitely prefer the toads 😛

[@Micahmancer]

lol are you in the midwest of the US? i feel like that's been our weather lately!

[@20Aleksa08]

How cold does it get there during the winter? Would be useful to know if some of us plan on making a pond and don't know what plants and fish we can have

[@SerpaDesign]

@20Aleksa08 Sometimes as low as -20F. If you have fish that can overwinter in a pond, you just have to dig below the frostline in your area; in my case 18". For plants, simply look up your hardiness zone and select plants accordingly.

[@blackpepper8430]

This is the best ‘budget’ pond video I’ve seen. No recommending the top tier overpriced pond equipment, no commerical equipment to dig and move rocks. This is how a normal person could build a pond. And you are the first person to tell me that the regular can of foam is the same as the expensive black pond type. Bless you 👍🏼. This is how I built my pond and five years later it’s going strong.

[@briansaccomanno6225]

The expanding foam question right here. My work has cans of it for $1.50. Gonna get a few now.

[@AtlasPro1]

Ever since I bought my house last year, I've wanted to dig a pond!

[@cookiesupreme]

Who doesn't want to build a pond with thriving wildlife?

[@t_s4500]

I made one, it’s so fun to do.

[@kyle_mk17]

Love your content and I'd love to see you make a pond

[@killxxhollywoodxx]

Please help Atlas Pro dig a pond!! Collaboration!! Collaboration!!! Collaboration!!

[@Anukinihun]

Collab? 👀👀

[@_Hamster]

I love how Serpa created a beautiful pond from nothing, it truly is a talent

[@giacomo8875]

From nothing but 2.000$ and some free stuff. But yes he is super talented

[@snekysneks]

I'd say that's skill

[@sdqsdq6274]

@@snekysneks yes , its not as easy as it looks , required some scaping skills or it just look like a pile of rocks

[@u3k1m6]

@@giacomo8875 Yeah but if you hire contractors to build a pond, then that cost tens of thousands of dollars

[@ukaszjaskowski891]

Miał kase to zrobił.

[@AngryMunci5]

You are the hardest working person I’ve ever seen! Working for days in rain, hail, snow, all for an absolutely incredible result. The combination of the rocks, moss, plants, and stream is so on point to nature it’s insane. Great work again, Serpa.

[@ImpureFrozen]

Rain, hail and snow? It’s spring…

[@wheelchair_charlie]

Now that's a pond! Gorgeous! You're right, the split rock, logs and flat rocks of the waterfall are the crowning jewels. I love how the pond in whole looks olive green, that will make a great contrast against the bright red goldfish and really make the fish pop out in their environment! Brilliant work as usual Tanner.

[@cloverhighfive]

I can imagine how crazy lucky and proud your parents feel every time she sits by the pond, rejoicing in the beauty your talent, skills, (and hard work) brought to their yard.

[@Davidmc23]

Hey man I've been meaning to pass this along for a while. Thanks for changing how we, my wife and I look at things like sticks, rocks, moss etc. We have a large property and find lots of "debris" that looks great in terrariums etc. A particularly good find we say would be "Tanner approved". You changed how we see the world and that opened up creative ideas we would not have had without your influence.

[@berthaday3473]

The funnest & ultimate recycling ! ♻️♻️♻️

[@DTMJR1987]

Same! I've walked around my property many times and made ~10+ terrariums so far lol

[@tismeetarora5153]

We NEED a one-hour video of this pond and the waterfall flowing. It'll be calming and very pretty too!!!!

[@jenpink4298]

Holy crap! This is gorgeous! The only problem is… If this is an early mothers/Father’s Day present to your parents, you were making the rest of us look like crap😂 Seriously, they must be absolutely thrilled! I can’t wait to see it with the fish in it 👏👏👏

[@annaraab8853]

We started with a 94 gallon plastic pond. Over several years we ended up with over 7,000 gallons with streams, waterfalls and a home made filter that worked like a charm. 3 years after we finished we sold that house.

[@gwendolynrobinson3900]

I really appreciate you going over the costs and giving advice for what you can and shouldnt cut costs on :) i feel thats a really important part of DIY/instructional videos I don't see super often

[@janicepell2947]

I must tell you, are a gifted narrator. All my questions were answered. Thank you so much for all the knowledge you shared with us all. Your finished project was perfect. Can I adopt you lol. Anyone wanting to dig, a pond don't wait just get er done!!! We have been here 22 yrs and I built mine by hand myself. I love it! My Kio are loving it too. At the time I was a 50 yr old woman. JUST DO IT, You won't regret it at all.

[@coryharry7300]

You’re living the dream, Tanner. Pond is phenomenal - can’t wait to see it again in a few weeks!

[@bryane1582]

Great build! Would love to see more frequent update videos revisiting your projects a few weeks after you set them up. Would be an easy way to add even more content to the channel without building a new setup every time

[@OscarAvery-kn2bb]

I love waking up to a new Serpa design video

[@metatechhd]

🌿💧🏞 This video is a breath of fresh air! Finally, a budget-friendly pond guide that empowers regular folks to create their own oasis without breaking the bank. It's refreshing to see practical solutions and alternatives to expensive equipment. And kudos for debunking the myth about expensive pond foam! Your transparency and knowledge are truly appreciated. Your success story is an inspiration for others to embark on their pond-building journey. Keep up the fantastic work! 👏👍🌺

[@tygereyes]

What I loved most about this project is how much you love your parents and all the hard work that went into the beautification of their backyard. Of course, I enjoyed watching you tackle the project and learning in the process... though for me it is the time and effort you put into your parent's backyard. Cheers :)

[@carlacowart4709]

It's only taken me 4+ years to find a thorough step-by-step DIY instructional video on this subject that didn't drag it out with a lot of fill-in mumbo-jumbo! THANK YOU!

[@SalaziNazz]

Wow, creating a pond from scratch in just 5 days is truly impressive! 🌿🌊 Your dedication and hard work really paid off, the final result is mind-blowing. Keep inspiring us with your amazing DIY projects!

[@RMJ1984]

It's insane how big a difference there is between the old and new. The old one was just too small and crowded with rocks, it felt more like a rock quarry. This new one actually feels like a lake and it will be much easier to see the fish.

[@blue1eyed9bee]

I really appreciated seeing you work so hard for your mum and the fishies. It's good vibes that I want to emulate.

[@philcarlino6942]

This turned out amazing! I love the waterfall with the split. That's how I would want my waterfall, too. I agree that wood really goes a long way toward making ponds look more natural. I can't wait to see how you create your own pond. I'm sure all these experiences have got you thinking and you've learned so much. Make sure to rest your back. Take care.

[@GlamGoreChaosQueen]

Would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see an update on this now that it's had some time to settle in, and for the plants to grow.

[@BobyChanMan]

What an amazing transformation, this expanded pond is breathtaking. I am imagining it all grown in with the trees, like some kind of mystical grove.

[@bradrobinson6642]

I really appreciate the cost breakdown you did this time - super helpful for a 1st time homeowner who's interested in installing some natural features

[@keepruvthknight]

I think this is your best video/project so far. All your knowledge, creativity and attention to detail is so impressive. How awesome of you to do that for your parents! God bless you. 😇

[@Lycramosa]

I can't even imagine how much work this must have been between planning and the physical labor. It looks amazing! My favorite part is the log in the waterfall.

[@BinroWasRight]

Absolutely gorgeous! You could easily design ponds like this for a living if you were so inclined. Always impressive seeing you do your thing, Tanner!

[@IntelligentFerret2822]

every time i am on my phone or laptop, I check to see if this guy has new videos. I love just watching him make the tanks for different aquatic wildlife and terrariums. It just helps me calm down after we see the final product. Thank you SO much Tanner for making these videos and keep up the good work! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ p.s. if we could get in touch Tanner I would be really grateful, but the only obstacle is how far away I live from America, because at this moment I am in England. But if we could just talk and make a terrarium together on video call, I would be happy enough.

[@laurenaderman573]

Thank you! Wow, submit that flowing water sound as a sleep sound! Simply calming!! I am so glad you shared! Thank your parents as well!

[@nukecorruption]

seen a bunch of these ponds at various places, never really wondered how they were made but now I know. thanks random yt recommendation

[@josephgmann3878]

Wow Tanner what an amazing job you did! If I didn’t know any better, I would think someone who is a pro building ecosystem ponds for a long time put that together. You just keep getting better and better at your craft.

[@CZ0RZ]

Great video! I've been wanting to build my parents a pond for a few months now. It seems really intimidating. Happy to have learned some more about the subject from you.

[@Cherb123456]

I was honestly so used to murky/natural green water ponds that one with such amazing clear water like yours looks from another world! Wow! Beautiful! And thanks for the step-by-step narration, great video!

[@terryenby2304]

So beautiful and that sound is so calming! My childhood home had a waterfall so it makes me feel so relaxed! Your parents are very lucky to have a son build them something so lovely!

[@ModernBuilds]

Amazing!!

[@kymberlysteiger8125]

It turned out stunning 🤩 those are some really lucky fish! Your limitless creativity never ceases to amaze me…you are so freaking talented!

[@TheHeadown]

I can´t think of anything more relaxing, and at the same time interesting to watch than your videos doing builds and explaining along the way. Thank you for all the great content over the years.

[@feed8647]

Now this is where I´d love to see an update once the plants have fully grown in a year or two. it looks wonderful!

[@Jahonay]

Amazing work as always tanner. Looks like such a good pond. Really inspires me to consider how I would do it if the opportunity presents itself to me in the future.

[@laurelbaer1]

Beautiful job! Your ability to execute these huge projects is impressive and inspiring!

[@JonnoPlays]

Incredible!! Thanks for sharing

[@Lint_Julep]

Fabulous! So usfeul to get a price breakdown and your advice on cost cutting measures is so valuable. Your knowledge and advice makes a person hopeful that they could build something like this too. Thank you very much for making & posting this! Much appreciated : )

[@harpress]

This is an absolutely gorgeous pond. Also kudos for showing how to make an _amazing_ looking pond on a budget! I think this pond wouldn't look out of place next to your bioactive pond made by the pro-pond-making-team! Makes me think I'd want a pond too! Too bad I don't have a garden XD

[@ahmar4417]

Dude said the end result was decent 💀💀

[@heylisten5329]

This might be your best pond video yet. Amazing looking pond. Thanks for sharing so many details & insights around your build & thank you for sharing pricing!

[@KGTropicals]

I just had the best idea ever, your next pond build should be in North East North Carolina! The soil is sand so it's like digging a hole at the beach and I've heard some really cool people live there!! Just sayin.

[@doesnotexist6524]

It only took you 5 days to build this? Dear God, you're a machine.

[@shaliekk]

I LOVE that the yard goes up hill!! It frames the pond perfectly 😊

[@soniaperez2417]

I love your thorough and clear narration of your building process. And, the video editing is excellent: no loud or irrelevant music, no vulgarity, excellent shots timed perfectly with the narration and substantive material for the person seeking knowledge on pond building and landscaping. It was a pleasure to watch, although I am never going to build a pond in my backyard. Your video is that good! Talk about the power of a great presentation!👍🤗

[@clairebg1976]

Looking forward to seeing updates, so satisfying how clear the water is

[@puglygirl1010]

I've loved your channel for a long time and so much enjoy watching your skills and preferences grow! One of my favorite parts is the "how-to" aspect to your channel, however things get a bit muddled for me when talking about equipment and mechanics, I would absolutely love to see the drawn out plans or diagrams you have for the nitty gritty parts of your builds. Thankyou for all the knowledge you've passed on to all of us so far!!!!

[@zsworld6609]

My sulcatta dug a huge hole in my backyard in Arizona so all i have to do is form it and get the materials. thanks so much for this video. love your work

[@sanchez840509]

This is perfect! You've given me so much inspiration. Can you make an update showing the fish and aquatic plants? Id love to see how it's doing now. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. ❤

[@ndugujamal5539]

Best explanation of any video I have ever watched by far Thanks man

[@juliahelland6488]

I love the pond design. I have a perfect natural space in my yard that would make a fantastic pond site. Thanks for sharing this with! ❣️

[@Frazzlenodazzle]

I have a pond I dug when I bought my house 20 years ago. I have been cleaning a filter box with pump about every other day in spring and summer ever since. Now im learning about building a bog filter (still confused) and I will enlarge it some also. Its about 6x 9 and 3 ft deep at deepest so my fish over winter. Im in Michigan. You have really inspired me to create a nicer surrounding area. Mine is edge then like a brick patio. No plants.

[@itsoktonotbeokay]

An amazing build!! That split waterfall is absolutely stunning and I love how deep the basin looks. The fishies are gonna love it too!! Well done Tanner, well done 🤌🏻

[@WaitWhat99]

🏆 Absolutely stunning 🏆 Its been a pleasure watching your skills improve every year with experience. Thankyou for letting us join you on your journey.

[@butterbetty5875]

wonderful! Nature exists in the "garden" created by your creativity and careful work. I wish you success in this work in the future.

[@Coltography]

i have been absolutely binging this channel since I found it and I find your work ethic super inspiring. as someone that's been in a depressive slump for ages now it's a breath of fresh air to watch your content. also I love how you say the word "stones" for some reason.

[@jcapre003]

Came across your video. You did an amazing job!! Thanks for explaining step by step and cost in the end. Your parents must be loving their expanded pond!! God bless!

[@Bng210]

Amazing! You did an outstanding job! 👏 👌 🙌

[@Arowanatate]

Watching your videos have me the motivation to been my own pond! I built a 2500 gallon diy pond myself! Best feeling ever

[@shredman59]

Incredible. I'd love to see it in person. Please add a video when the fish are in and the plants have grown. Also how it looks through the seasons would be really cool.

[@jennyhoman195]

I’m thrilled to have come across this video! I can’t wait to build my own. I’ll watch for sales, collect materials and then use the majority of my budget to hire some help ❤

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

It's a nice touch to include the cost of materials. I'm impressed with natural style of the pond and waterfall. Tanner you definitely have an artistic eye. 🙂

[@yougoboy27]

Beautiful work! I'm completely motivated to follow your build plan...thanks!

[@ScP-049-01]

I keep coming back here for this

[@mistyriennett5902]

What a wonderful son to do this for your parents.

[@symdvarg7314]

i’m building a pond currently in my back yard with many creatures and this gave me some inspiration. thanks man!

[@moldy13]

beautiful! you are my guru, tanner. i have learned so much from you. thank you for sharing your expertise with all of us.

[@minniemat]

Love the sound of the waterfall...I could listen to that all day

[@MinxFox]

My favorite part is how everthing man made looking is well hidden. Sorta unrelated note but you got me back into fish. I'm loving my mini pond that I customized after following your video tutorial. I have a betta in it. My husband and I are already talking about building a pond in the backyard. It doesn't help that my favorite plant nursery also happens to sell koi and I stare at them and the beautiful ponds every time I go haha. Thanks for showing us all how possible it is to make beautiful, functional environments for our fish and other critters.

[@LPdedicated]

You really are a true artist and a master of your craft! Even with a big build like this, I still learn a lot that I can use in smaller projects.

[@gaytor10]

The first one was good, but I love the re-do, and the natural elements of it all! Amazing, and thank you for sharing! :)

[@casandraroberts7617]

This looks amazing already. I would love to see an update when it fills out.

[@rachael618]

It's beautiful! You make me think I could manage it myself. Thanks for the breakdown of everything you used!

[@xXAshHoleXx]

Have I ever had any interest in building a pond in my yard? No. Did I still watch this entire video? Yes. I still don’t want a pond in my yard, but I feel like if I had to I could build one because of you. Thanks for doing a great job at being informative, yet entertaining! You do amazing work!

[@Tracysbrokenwing]

I love it!! That looks so good!! It melds well with the hillside. It looks like a natural spring coming out of the hillside. Very good job!!

[@marshalopez7953]

absolutely gorgeous 😍

[@dylan-5287]

Man that looks amazing! I'd love to build one some day, such a peaceful and beautiful addition to a backyard.

[@lindachenoweth9002]

I've had my 7'x13' pond for 20 years and still love it. Same liner by the way, I can vouch for longevity. and the first pump lasted 20 years also, just replaced it last year. I live in the PNW so our temps very rarely get to 0 deg. But when it does freeze, the pump keeps the water flowing so there is at least open space where the water falls into the pond. I keep koi.

[@TJ-un2zv]

I built my pond about 2 months ago and now I absolutely love it.

[@themurrrr]

16:19 Love the sound so much 🥰 Wish I could make this in my backyard.

[@cp-cookies840]

Gosh I love your builds. I hope some day that I'll have my own property I can implement something like this on. You do beautiful work!

[@villagerfish]

amazing work. so cool to see the process, and really appreciate that you included a cost breakdown

[@danielbrazell]

This guy consistently makes stuff that looks awesome, tells us that he didn't like how it looked, and then remakes them into something that somehow looks even more amazing! Wild

[@Faesharlyn]

Aw yeah! Just fantastic work, it's always so nice seeing updates to builds!

[@nyx7465]

WE NEED THE PARENTAL REACTIONS! This is so awesome!

[@jintanmanis5000]

This channel provide another type of ASMR😅 im so sleepy right now but at the same time, so satisfying 👌🏽☺️☺️☺️

[@minagica]

Nobody could make a more excellent pond with a waterfall. Like omg, such fantastic work!

[@lilcat6091]

lol i need an asmr of this pond. so beautiful. and sounds so calm.

[@geraldhand5047]

Absolutely beautiful, you are a genuine artist, and I'm sure many people would pay well to have such a beautiful pond, I envy your talent, keep up the great work, God bless

[@thaispublio7879]

Wow it so beautiful, can't wait to see how it looks when the plants grow!

[@caryelizabeth624]

Another inspirational pond video!!! Time for me to get out my sketchbook and start planning! 😊

[@natitougaku7912]

Omg that is amaizing! You did it perfect. First one was unreal and good but now ... i even do not find words. You progressed with time and now we all can see result. I am sure you parents are proud of you and your gorgeous work. I love it.

[@pezpythons1532]

right now im digging out a big koi pond and its solid clay, very hard work!

[@wyominghome4857]

I'm at the start of my journey to build a pond, and you've given me a lot of ideas. If I include fish, I will need to see what fish (besides trout) will survive Wyoming's high elevations and frigid winters, and how deep to make the pond to allow for that. We are right on the Wind River, but I have a section of the property that drains rain and snow melt and is currently a 12x30 foot 6-inch deep lake. Building a pond that is year-round but can also handle overflow is how I hope to deal with it. It would also give wildlife an easier place to drink than the river, which in spring is raging.