Epic Mini Pond For Viewing Plants and Fish Above Water (DIY Aquagarden)

[@SerpaDesign]

Viewing aquarium plants from the top is something that has always intrigued me. It's a totally different vibe and something you don't see everyday. That's why I wanted to showcase it in a cool build like this. What do you think about the finished design? I absolutely LOVE how it turned out. Anyway, enjoy the video and have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

[@hmfiona123]

I think that this build is fantastic. Great job!

[@URANUSguys]

PL ADD CAPTIONS

[@URANUSguys]

DO A MINI KOI POND

[@raccoontrashpanda1467]

Its beautiful, but won't the copper pipe oxidise, turn green and stain the wood from the humidity being right next to a small pond without any protective clear coat?

[@petergriffin8677]

Great a wonderful build

[@jadaluvr1]

The snail sliding along the underside of the water got me, I had to rewind and watch again. I had no idea they could do that! Overall an awesome build

[@victoriahaney8498]

dude same

[@shattiiee]

mine do that all the time lol

[@Khaeris]

That kind of blew my mind lol

[@capuchinosofia4771]

Ikr? At first i was confused because there wasnt a glass there lol

[@donnastevens8832]

I thought it was a clear plastic shield to stop the fish jumping out and keep water from the lights. Going to have to watch that bit again .

[@tomsgreengallery]

You know, one thing I love about Tanner is that he gives his absolute all into making the best possible set ups, he thinks about everything in the long run in a way most people don’t. I’ve noticed that about him over the years of being part of the Serpa squad. I appreciate the skills I can learn from him, I’ve learned so much that I use in my own set ups, it’s amazing what he does.

[@parmerapps69]

This is a unique take on viewing aquatic plants. . . I can't wait to see how everything looks when it grows in! Also, was anyone else taken aback to see the snail at 15:18 just casually surfing on the underside of the water's surface tension? Snail: "See ya on the flip side!" 🤙

[@sassyclemens9804]

YES i went back to look at it again, thought i imagined something, that was really cool!

[@parmerapps69]

@@sassyclemens9804 I guess we learn something new every day! 😅

[@sassyclemens9804]

@@parmerapps69 Yup! 😁

[@IMaqua]

Pond style aquariums are amazing. I just did mine few days ago. It just gives another aspect when you are able to watch fish from above. Amazing work Tanner.

[@shadowthedog4225]

I really admire your creativity and ability to create really cool things out of not much. Keep up the great work!

[@secretname3897]

Completely unrelated, but i love that you use the safety tool when pushing wood along your table saw!!! Ive been made fun of countless times for utilizing things like that, so this is validating. I'd rather be seen as "silly" for being extra careful, and still have all my fingers when I'm done!

[@clinicallys4ne]

i’ve literally been binge watching all of your videos, you craft these things so well!!

[@ed0c]

i LOVE the addition of coper pipe, i didnt even think of using it to hide wires and make a nice industrial touch. will actually look cool if it turns a little green too

[@jastark22181]

That turned out great! I have a 100gal pond like that on my back deck. I love watching the Guppies, shrimp & Bristlenose plecos from the top! It's a really cool change from always viewing from the side!

[@BrightAwake]

Is your pond outside? I have limited outdoor space and a pond like this one would be a great fit, but I’d be worried about freezing with it above ground. How has yours been working out?

[@jastark22181]

@@BrightAwake I haven't had it outside during the winter. It would definitely freeze here in Michigan! lol I plan on bringing it inside my fish room and only put about 50 - 75 gallons in it while it's inside.

[@BrightAwake]

@@jastark22181 thanks! I’m not in Michigan haha but I bet it’d freeze here too. Still very cool maybe for some plants only if I keep it outside 🤔

[@jastark22181]

@@BrightAwake You asked how mine has been working out... I said I'm in Michigan, so it'll freeze if I didn't bring it in for winter. Actually, on these hot days we been having, I put a plywood board over 3/4 of the pond because without it, it got so hot that about 10 fish died.

[@GlitzyWitch]

That's awesome, you really make me want to clear my shed out and use it as a wood/metal work area. Love this pond, also love the knifefish tee 😊❤

[@Khaeris]

I would love to have an indoor mini pond one of these days. This is one of my favorite builds that you've done, and you've done so many that I love lol. Those rice fish are too adorable.

[@rjleyyy]

Tanner, you're so insanely talented with these builds. Your attention to detail is the thing that amazes me the most. I really hope one day you try and turn this into a business of some sort. I think you'd be incredibly successful. Personally, I think it would be really cool if you sold guides/kits so people could make some of these builds at home.

[@morsecodereviews1553]

Get you one of them there "$20" Kreg pocket hole Jigs from Home Depot too. It'll blow your mind while making your joinery, cleaner and super easy 👌

[@leemasters3592]

I love watching your builds. I have no real time for or interest in keeping fish myself but i love seeing your ponds and tanks- Its a bit like I don't want the responsibility of having a Dog but playing with someone elses for half an hour is still fun.

[@FoxboroPiper]

It's so much cheaper and easier than a dog--just try it!

[@sandygk53]

EPIC is the correct title for this build. Starting with the wood of which you brought out the beauty and the living beings that fill the pond, Tanner your creativity is genius. Thanks for sharing how you make and especially how you think about what you make.

[@jessabun]

You've outdone yourself. This is such a wonderful idea, it's just like sitting at the edge of a beautiful pond. The result feels somehow more peaceful than traditional setups. I hope we get an update on this build in the future!

[@lamkins2276]

I LOVE this. My interest in fishkeeping started when I was a bored little girl tagging along while my dad and brother admired boats at every marina in the state. I occupied myself by watching the underwater world. This pond reminds me of those great memories. I think I’ll be making one of these very soon.

[@krislaracoelho8643]

The fact this came out exactly as I was working on a tote bin pond/tank for my big native snails is just the best timing ever, thanks so much!!!! Now I got inspired to make it look GOOD

[@textme1-200]

📩📩👆

[@gardengirl6636]

This seems like a great way to bring nature inside. It would be great to see a focal plant emerging from the pond; nothing to block the view inside the pond but just to draw the eye from a distance! Beautiful job!

[@berthaday3473]

Pickerel weeds great (& edible).

[@PaulZyCZ]

Cement tube is popular option for mini-ponds. It's more sturdy, it's cheap, often bigger, but the material is recycled plastic. Over the time it gets brittle and it might smell, so some would put foil inside before filling it with water.

[@JamesUmim]

Beautiful! I brought my patio pond inside last winter, and have left it inside. I added a small palm, and peace lily to grow from the pond. I would recommend adding some small house plant to your pond.

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

I think that pond is fabulous. The copper pipe is the perfect touch. I love the plants in the pots. I feel like even I could aquascape like that. Thanks again Tanner for bringing joy to my day! 🌹❤ Gina Hetlage

[@blueboltshrimp]

I really appreciate the way you explain what you do & why you made the choices you did, it really helps making things accessible to others!

[@GarysTandAExotics]

Damn you Tanner. Every time I watch a video from you and you make something super simple but looks amazing I want to go do it too. Only this time Im broke. 🤣🤣 oh well. I have stuff lying around so it may not look amazing but i can still make something cool.

[@haifutter4166]

Thanks for showcasing this beautiful smol pond. This gives me hope, that I can have something similar without having a big house with a big garden.

[@tshobbiesandthings]

Very good idea, I think a bunch of those totes turned so they are deeper front to back and narrow side to side, would work great for grow out tanks for fish and shrimp. Could roll them under tanks in the DEAD SPACE that we never put tanks in because it's too low to view. These are meant to be seen from above.

[@alexiscondit898]

Love seeing the rice fish added to this build, perfect for this kind of setup. It's funny, I've been really wanting to do a mini indoor pond myself for rice fish, and then I see you posted this. Great work as always, excited to do my own!

[@patrickdyer1224]

I like the modularity. Ease of cleaning is super underrated in the hobby

[@justarandomcarno]

Hey Serpa! You probably won't see this but I thought of a new style of videos in live building livestreams for fan to see how you make these builds! 🥰

[@textme1-200]

📩📩👆

[@observingfrank8435]

I would recommend sealing the top frame wood from the bottom and narrow edge (splash water area).

[@danehrovitnir7323]

I agree, the unpolished copper looks great. Looking forward to seeing it grown in.

[@jarred7689]

I like that you not only went through the build process but you addressed issues as they arose as you would find them going through the build. I hope you’re feeling better and honestly like you’ve said it the video before “your creativity it at its best”. Can’t wait to see where you place this in the animal room!

[@textme1-200]

📩📩👆

[@biteofdog]

So pretty, now anybody can have a pond (without needing a yard). Brilliant job, the wood frame is a great touch.

[@lauralbranch]

I love how much effort he puts into each build. If it were me, I’d have just glued wooden panels to the sides and underside without taking the bowing or looks into account. Not only did he make it functional, but he made it look gorgeous!

[@textme1-200]

📩📩👆

[@deltoid4]

My thoughts on this build are "I want one!". On a realistic side note, this would cost a fortune to buy at any supplier. Fantastic yet simple build. GG

[@sunbearsunday750]

One thing I like about mini ponds like this, is the potential for a water incident is super minimal. Very great option if you're in an apartment or condo, and don't want the liability of a blowout.

[@Robert-cd2ht]

It turned out nice thanks for the inspiration. I will double the plastic container not only for an extra measure of leak protection, it significantly strengthens and prevents bowing which would allow a lighter frame, will build a solid base but also make the cedar into a removable box.

[@donaldbrown3896]

Always thinking "outside the box" and that is what makes you so unique. Super job.

[@carladean6117]

I made a little miniature garden in a baking tray when I was about 8. It was the school project I enjoyed most

[@willieverusethis]

Beautifully done, as usual. I love rough cedar, but I hate it once the spiderwebs and dirt get attached, so sanding was the right choice. Letting the copper patina was also a good choice. I agree with another commenter about the fish; I would love to see some gold or silver guppies in there. Guppies are so flashy from the top.

[@carlwagers9829]

Love it! If I had one thing that I would have changed about, it is that I would have done green neons to see their true color.

[@josiecroix]

Hope you're feeling well Tanner. Best wishes to your recovery, and exquisite work as always! 💚

[@Alex-uu1le]

Sometimes when im struggling with my love life i watch serpa videos to rejuvenate my drive

[@nneichan9353]

I'm quite surprised the plastic doesn't give off any harmful chemicals. I like the build and I think it will look even better once it is grown in a bit.

[@PonderingStudent]

Instead of bracing or framing the tote, if you're putting it in a garden (as opposed to, say, a patio), an alternative would be to bury it in soil up to the rim. My mum did that when she made a small pond for her equally small garden. It both braces and disguises the container, so it works well.

[@PaulMuadib11811]

I thought it was good. I watched the whole thing.

[@juseschrustfush]

Awesome, it's like a mini version of your backyard pond. Also yes please don't stain all your woods, let the natural look shine.

[@louiswintle8312]

Quality as always. With the aquarium lotus's, I believe you should keep at least 1/3 of the bulb above the substrate to avoid it rotting

[@squidulu]

Ludwigia often looks pretty good from above too, so that might be something to try

[@Mariana-xk3bp]

What's so sick to me is that I have experience building flats for theater in high school so I could totally build this. Awesome!

[@Hyphae_Foray]

Thanks for including the plant list Tanner. I'd like to see you do this in future videos too 👌

[@christianpelkey8491]

i think a little aquaponics sort of box on top or the back would be super cool. maybe ill try that myself! i love this project

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

This is amazing, I suddenly had an epiphany and decided to use a planter box as a betta fry pond, also, I have a three gallon bookshelf I'm moving, to be viewed from above - this inspiration is just what I needed

[@jezackr3500]

I absolutely love this build - the idea with the pots is genius and I will be using it for my own tank in the future, once the time to replace soil comes. The only think I'd adjust here is to stain the wood with a darker colour, so the inside of the box pops even more:)

[@johnpaulsabellano7415]

Water Wysteria and some red plants are really nice for top view ponds/aquariums.

[@al-aurum2457]

i always have this extra storage box lying around...now i know what to do with it..you're a genius!

[@ryanwatson6217]

I created similar one but in a large scale using a preformed pond liner. love you light!

[@collectapaul]

Looks almost like a framed painting, very cool.

[@TEN-ve8mp]

Very creative light. The choice of copper conduit is perfect.

[@KyraDarkStar]

That cedar turned out gorgeous & the copper compliments it perfectly. Good call on not polishing the copper. Overall a great build.

[@stoneysscapes7544]

You sure can build Tanner , wow that turned out probably better than you thought it would!! Out of all it the light is my favorite, it has a lot of other favorites and the pot planters is easily a brilliant idea...All n all this mini pond brought me a lot of enjoyment and it is another potential piece that you would be able to sell for a healthy and deserving profit. Nothing makes me feel better and motivated like a couple of your videos before & during my weekly cleaning and maintenance . This was a great source of information, inspiration and another example of your dedication to be able to give your animal friends the very best life possible ☮

[@danathompson3024]

You are Amazing to me! You inspire my brain thank you so much I have been watching you for a few years now you are my go to when I think I need a project God bless you and God bless your family

[@textme1-200]

📩📩👆

[@privato9238]

wow that's awesome! In this video is so much more light and you shine as well. I think your 'older' are darker and I really like that change. keep doing what you like and inspiriting others! Thank You!

[@elines.9890]

i like how functional it is, easy to move and easy to clean. But idk about top view, I've never seen a tank with top view that I loved.

[@lizzw4216]

I wanted to do this same thing with my 55 gallon pond insert but it’s just so big and oddly shaped haha I love this! The light looked so great. The copper pipe just fits so well with the wood

[@sunbearsunday750]

Love this build! The potential you see in every day things like a 14 gal tote is just awesome. I always look forward to your videos.

[@jaredhill8721]

If you are interested in filling the nail holes, try some wood putty. It comes in all colors and you stuff it into the holes until they are flush.

[@krispy3681]

You beat me to it lol. I'm filling my entire basement with the roughly 40 gallon totes framed in racks for breeding a few select fish. It's a cheap effective way to set up

[@aricha4169]

I love how you interact with the camera more directly! The confidence is well earned!

[@ingeniouspixie]

Beautiful design!! The copper and matching light is SO elegant. Now I'm looking around my home for a place to put one of my own.... 🤔😁👌👌

[@textme1-200]

📩📩👆

[@jadamonroe9813]

I absolutely love it! I think I'm gonna box in my indoor ponds and do like some river rock around the top edges!

[@kaizakim4612]

I liked how instead of planning everything he just goes on to add more and more support here and there.

[@MeowtroidPrime]

Black medaka rice fish!!! I love them!! I wish I could find some for my own mini pond outside aaaaa

[@amysoucy8369]

Beautiful pond! I love that warm wood, and rice fish are a perfect addition to any pond!

[@textme1-200]

📩📩👆

[@KamiInValhalla]

Loving the rice fish. Looks great. I really like the top view such as with a pond or lake.

[@omaeve]

I prefer ceiling the wood like you though I like it natural and not shiny so the last finish I put on is always a math spray but having had rotted wood for outdoor little pond I have decided that sealing is the only way to go. You did such a beautiful job I am thinking of going over to my old house and getting some of those old boxes for grow out tanks and I just heard of washing out your aquarium stuff with baking soda instead of using soap which I don’t use but I did use bleach on anything that I’ve had around the farm and then after about four days and dumping out the water and filling it.

[@Alextodd007]

Hello Evelyn

[@mjsavage4086]

Love this build, I have a small 23 gallon container pond in my greenhouse with some Medaka and cherry shrimp

[@textme1-200]

📩📩👆

[@Xentaros]

The extra care to the wood. I genuinely didn't know the difference it could make ❤️

[@sydn5846]

I’d love to watch a vlog of you shopping for your materials!! Like at flip aquatics for example! That looks so fun

[@nicksdroid63]

I love small pond, I love rice fisb, I love the Taiwan lily. I will be building one of these. Its awesome

[@glassboxfish]

The black ricefish look so good!

[@andreasdesigns]

Great job. I like the idea of having an indoor, portable mini pond.

[@LvL_7_Mage]

You should do a palidarium for carnivorous plants using waterwheels, bladderwort’s, sundews, pitcher plants, and the classic Venus flytrap

[@lauraholzler1417]

I like the patina on the copper.

[@alyssaleatham8544]

Gorgeous. I'll never be able to do anything like it so am quite impressed.

[@SolidPigeon]

Hi Tanner! Since i watch your videos i started terrarium building too! Thanks for all the tips for bioactive terarriums and gourgeous aquariums! Keep up the great work!

[@BIGBALDYBEAR1]

I love looking at KZbin on Sunday and finding you've uploaded a new vid, Thank you 👍 love all of your builds these latest ones are superb. I've watched the crystal aquarium vid a few times. Already looking forward to the next vid.

[@carvedwood1953]

and now I am starting to plan a pond coffee table in my head hahaha

[@berthaday3473]

Photos when done please.

[@cara9648]

I really like the look of the cedar after it was sanded down. Being able to look down into an aquarium is a cool idea. 😁

[@Emisanboo]

This is gorgeous - and not very pricey! Thanks for sharing!

[@joevictor8431]

Another interesting thing about your choice of copper piper is that it will tell on you if the pond maintenence is slacking... If too much ammonia gasses off from the pond, the copper will turn a turquoise blue color! Allegedly, that's chemistry.

[@davidgrennan5631]

I love this concept. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your projects.

[@ebenoid6643]

Nice woodwork 👍 i sand full sets of kitchen cabinets in a couple hours at work. But our face frames are ran through a huge finish sander before they are sent to the framing dept. once framed, i run 2 passes, the first one with 100 grit then 120 grit. Mostly poplar lately bc of the cost of wood being so high, but we did do some solid bookcases recently from wormy maple. Thanks man i enjoyed watching!

[@austinduvall2422]

I like this idea and really wanna try making one for myself now but instead of the freestanding light I might do some LEDs inside the pond frame like around the top edge and then maybe put a piece of glass overtop and make it like a coffee table. Then you get the view and the functionality. Plus I've wanted a way to bring some aquascaping to my living room so it's a perfect solution thanks for the video and the idea!

[@michaelrozario6381]

another gorgeous build and I really like how you built it for viewing from the top down because I don't see that anywhere but on your channel. That being said, I think the copper pipe was the perfect selection, the color is similar to the wood but pops too.

[@MrJontheStallion]

i know you have a large vivarium/terrarium, but i think it would be awesome to see a large aquarium build, like 100G+! keep up the good work!

[@marymendez4178]

I loved that mini pond on wheels, you built the wood case around is awesome.

[@lw1387]

Another one knocked out of the ballpark, great job

[@sandrob9762]

👍❤👍 at 1st ah🤔, then 😍 thinking outside the box. I like all you projects.👍 great work & thought👍art

[@sandrob9762]

aquaescaping projects 👍