Exotic Orchids & The Nano Riparium

We're back with new plants, a few updates and some maintenance! In this one we'll take a look at the Blue Dream Shrimp tank, the blackwater betta tank, the 180 gallon vivarium and the nano riparium.
The shrimp tank is looking really good and I think the black sand elevates the aesthetic! Initially I was really feeling the light sand, but as time went on, I liked it less and less. I definitely think swapping it out was the right call. What do you think? Also, don't be afraid to make adjustments to your setups as time goes on. More often than not, you won't end up with a complete setup from the start. I always mine as time goes on to better suit my vision.
The 180 gallon plywood vivarium is really starting to fill in and is close to how I envisioned it would look. There are just a few more things I need to add, but for now we'll add some orchids and other plants. The orchids are a great accent plant and they will bloom from time to time. If you can get your hands on some, I definitely recommend incorporating them in your builds. In this video I added some Dracula lotax, Masdevallia nidifica, Masdevallia bucculenta and a Macodes petola. All of these are well suited for this environment, but as I said in the video, the kind that you will typically see at the store (phalaenopsis) will not work in a setup like this.
Also I'm sure you're probably wondering where I got these plants. Other than the ones from my propagation bins, these all came from www.glassboxtropicals.com/ No I'm not affiliated in any way and I had to pay for all of these plants.
Stainless Steel Wire: amzn.to/2MztwdU
You may have heard me mention that most of the new plants are epiphytes. Just in case you don't know, an Epiphyte is a plant that grows onto surfaces (usually tress) and uses the air to obtain its moisture and nutrients instead of a substrate, like most other plants.
I'm really enjoying the blackwater betta tank as well, but I think Casper likes it more than I do. I bought him because of his bold personality, which is amplified with the addition of the rooibos tannins. This tea is great for drinking and as you saw it makes the tank look like a proper blackwater setup. If blackwater is something you're interested in trying, I highly recommend using some rooibos. It doesn't last very long, so if you don't like it, you can get rid of it quite easily. Anyways, check out the links below if you want to know more about this. Also, it should go without saying that you want 100% pure rooibos tea, nothing additional should be in the blend.
Rooibos Tea I'm Using: amzn.to/2S6SGFX
Info on Rooibos for Blackwater: • Brew Tea for your Aqua...
Lastly the nano riparium is doing pretty well! I didn't stock it with any of the springtails or snails, they showed up on their own (most likely as hitchhikers). For those of you wondering, I do 100% weekly water changes on this setup to ensure the health of the system. Otherwise it requires very little maintenance. Also given the volume of water (0.2 gallons) it has been really easy to maintain thus far.
Sit back, enjoy and if you have any comments, suggestions or questions, leave them down in the comments! Also for additional content like this, photos of my terrariums, projects sneak peeks and more, follow me on Instagram @SerpaDesign. / serpadesign
#orchids #riparium #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

Hey everyone I hope you're doing well! I've got a few questions for you. Let me know what you think! 👇 Do you think the black sand looks better than the light sand in the shrimp tank? What do you think about the tannins in Casper's tank? Do you like the new plants in the 180g vivarium and if so, which is your favorite? What do you think I have planned to the nano shelf? Just curious what your think about the things shown in this video. As always thanks for watching! Much more to come in 2019. Stay tuned!

[@Friendcalledchicken]

SerpaDesign Wife and I really like the black sand. We feel the same way, the white sand was really cool, but the black sand is preferred. Casper looks so cool! I love what you did with the tea I love what you do with the 180 gallon. It’s absolutely gorgeous and I love all the different textures. The nanos are my wife’s favorites, and are actually what got her into this with me :) she wants a few of her own!

[@brianasheffield45]

In my opinion I liked the white sand but I think the black looks awsome. I also love the black water for Casper. It looks really good. Keep up the inspiring work! (:

[@Cumupins69]

Yeah the black sand looks so much better!

[@mtngypsy111]

Love the black sand I feel like it adds more contrast. I find the black water tank fascinating and it really makes Casper stand out and look beautiful. Favorite plants are the orchids, and that vivarium is my favorite one of all so far. I'm not sure what you will do with the nano shelf, youre always changing it up so there is no telling! Youre such a versatile artist, I'm very much looking forward to seeing your design!

[@InaSonnenmoser]

I am not sure which one I like better. The 180g vivarium is simply awesome! The little nano is just too cute! Thank you for including the plant names. It helps a newbie like me a lot when choosing the right plants.

[@RachelOLeary]

I adore your patience with stocking and the maturity of your tanks!!

[@aquaticma]

His patience is God-like lol I have deep respect for that!

[@glap8694]

Thats the only part of this hobby i struggle with. I own alot of reptiles, fish, shrimp, snails etc, but the hardest part of caring for them for me is cycling, isolating, etc. Ill start a project while one is still being prepared because ill get bored halfway through waiting for one 😂

[@tohakumaru1760]

I love every video featuring Casper because of the way you refer to him to endearingly

[@azurehue2248]

God I love how much thought and care you put into not only your animals, but your plants as well.

[@heatherh6088]

LOVE the tiny projects! I live fulltime in an RV so the tiny projects give me lots of ideas that I can actually do in my limited space

[@lorchid23]

For years, I've collected miniature orchids and needless to say, it's my challenge and my obsession. I've grown especially fond of my Dockrillia striolata or Streaked Rock Orchids. The foliage is tubular, making it stand out from the usual flat, ovate foliage of most of my minis. It sets 1 cm flowers singularly straight from the root set on 1" bracts. Ive found they're quite easy to care for and to bring into bloom, as opposed to numerous others in my collection. If you haven't already, maybe you'll want to consider these in the future. Keep up your awe-inspiring work, Tanner - it never ceases to blow me away and I always, always GREATLY look forward to your new content.

[@bradleyzanteson2571]

AQUARIUM FILLED with *TEA*!!! (Now that’s some good clickbait for your next black water beta video)

[@SerpaDesign]

Haha you're right! Perhaps I will have to do that.

[@sloththegreat4602]

lol🤣 Or,he can do *LIVE BETTA INSIDE TEA*

[@fenrirgg]

Betta living in TEA! (But it needs something on the back of the acuarium, that wall makes it look bad).

[@MattGodzilla2000]

He ain't Antscanada!

[@technopoptart]

@@sloththegreat4602 so i assume antscanada is still nothing but excessive clickbait?

[@darrylmoore5847]

Good call on the black sand, the tank really pops now.

[@tralasong]

The vivarium is gorgeous! Can't wait for updates with the orchids blooming!

[@julz63]

You really are the master of this miniature landscaping Tanner ...this was a really fabulous update 💚

[@MissSerenity211]

"Plus, I'm alright just having a box of plants. I don't need anything in here to enjoy it." What a sweet human you are!

[@georgegriffiths1437]

adding the black sand into the tank is so satisfying

[@brianchristopher8843]

Black sand was the best possible choice sir. Really brings those stones to life and ties into the background.

[@jar_monkeystudios1762]

That black sand is definitely BETTER!! love it man!

[@karenruble845]

I am building ideas for my projects and am a newbie to glass gardening. I am learning much from your videos and love your use of plants and including their names. Thanks for sharing!

[@ryanpasterfield]

You really have my mind spinning with new projects.

[@SupremeGecko]

I really would have thought changing out the substrate would have been more time consuming. You make it look so easy. Wally

[@SerpaDesign]

Took no more than 10 minutes. Can easily switch it back if I decide I don't like it anymore as well.

[@Fedstrix]

Your builds are always so beautiful. Thank you for all the wonderful information and inspiration.

[@Bigbossbadge]

sharing tea w casper is the actual sweetest thing haha, everything looks great and i love those little blue shrimpy bois

[@smooth_Koala]

Casper: the refined fishie who drinks tea.

[@aprilwilliams364]

Thank you for adding the plant names. Your work is always beautiful 😍

[@benshaw3891]

Please give an update on those amazing orchids when they’ve bloomed. I think I can speak for everyone when I say, it’s definitely something we’d like to see. 💚 x

[@SerpaDesign]

Of course I would! I doubt they'll all bloom at the same time, but that would be something if they did.

[@christinapersson911]

Very glad that you made an orchid video. I'm waiting for a Lepanthes calodictyon and Dendrobium leonis, I'm very excited to put them in my first (and so far only) vivarium. It's also thanks to your videos I'm no longer afraid of the cute little cleaning crew fellas and I'm gonna put them in there as well. You've really helped me overcome my fear of failing when trying something new. So thanks for that as well.

[@SerpaDesign]

Awesome! They are usually a little pricey, but I think they're worth the money. Enjoy your vivarium and the new orchids when the come!

[@Julia-gn6yl]

so calming and satisfying to watch you do your art. Thanks for sharing it with the world!

[@nickdaniel2331]

Really enjoy all of your videos. The black sand looks great... Really liking Casper’s tank also. I’m anxious to see the new orchids bloom in the Vivarium.

[@RachelOLeary]

Thanks for sharing the link to the rooibos! Glad your betta is enjoying it as well. i am really enjoying this format!

[@SerpaDesign]

No, thank you! It's the least I could do. I didn't know about it until you told me.

[@LeZilvis]

"Box of plants" damn :) i like it

[@bluesky05555]

Every tank and vivarium is so perfect!

[@happyanimals4896]

Wow! That darker sand really added a nice touch to the Shrimp Tank! Good thinking! Also, the salt lamp is really cool on your nano tank table 😀

[@megazenn22]

swimming around in redbush tea :D paradise!

[@dianemiles2720]

I wish I had a vivarium like yours. Such an inspiration!

[@TheLaughingDove]

Oh I love rooibos!! I grew up on it. South Africans say it more like "Royboss". Love the big planted vivarium, I'm in awe of your prescise yet naturalistic aesthetic

[@SerpaDesign]

Interesting I'll have to look into that some more. I'm not surprised to be honest!

[@Sderrybugs]

i'm not can speak english 😂 and I very nice yours conten 😊😍😘👍

[@myothergem]

sultan serangga nobody is that **** cmon now..

[@gubbyhoney767]

Numba1TeddyBear what’s the 2 astericts supposed to mean

[@dodorik7114]

oh my that vivarium looks *absolutely* stunning! you are completely right about the tiny plants they elevate the complete picture so much. i hope all those precious little orchids do well for you. i wanna see some flowers!!

[@midwestribeye7820]

I really enjoy seeing the different orchids you put in. Can't wait to see pictures of the blooms! You are amazing!❤

[@collinfarrell9718]

That 180 is really filling out. Awesome

[@joshparsons5013]

I'm looking forward to seeing the nano builds!!!

[@captainbleedinobvious1684]

Hi Tanner. Yep, I think the black sand does bring it all together and it is nice to see some creatures in the nano set up. Thumbs up as always.

[@SerpaDesign]

Thanks I'm glad you enjoyed is as usual!

[@captainbleedinobvious1684]

Always a regular. You have a great eye for detail..

[@MontgomeryWenis]

Everything looks great, Tanner! I felt inspired enough from watching all your builds to finally get one of my own going! I bought I betta, named him Bernard, and set up a really neat (and my very first) aquascape for him! Just added some ghost shrimp yesterday and a few new plants. He's loving it! A very happy fish.

[@gretahunt4401]

Lol the way you pronounced rooibos was adorable! It's actually pronounced Roy-boss. It's Afrikaans for 'redbush' which is the plant the tea is made from. As southern Africans, we drink more rooibos than Americans drink coffee! Although traditionally we make it differently than a normal herbal tea, we make it on the stove and bring it boil with milk and sugar already added. But of course if you just make it with the normal hot water method, it's good too!

[@sarahjoy8170]

I think this was my favorite update video yet! The black sand was definitely the right choice! Looks awesome and everything pops. I'm always about tea and tannins too! I haven't seen any of those orchids before but I'm excited to watch them grow. I'm super excited to see the nano shelf as nano setups are my weakness. I think I know what's in the box...🤐

[@karenlee3198]

Love the miniature builds!

[@deepthoughtlol]

I love your builds and your love of life. I have many potted plants and open terrariums around my house and i am starting to investigate closed terrariums and will be planting a beta aquarium soon. Thank you for sharing your passion and knowledge!! You do great work

[@TuckerSP2011]

I really loved the vivarium. You're right, it's exciting to look at just as it is without any inhabitants. Love everything you do!

[@sloththegreat4602]

*1.YES,THE BLACK SAND LOOKS AWESOME* *2.GREAT* *3.YES AND TILLSANDSIA JUNCEA* *4.I HAVE NO IDEA,BUT I'M SURE I'LL LIKE IT* *5.THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO AND NICE WORK*

[@megazenn22]

1. PLZ NO ALL CAPS 2. THANKS

[@sloththegreat4602]

@@megazenn22 *LOL*

[@Crystalspets]

Your betta fish is so gorgeous 😊😊😊😊😊

[@gibb3080]

Now that’s a happy Betta!

[@MildExplosion]

Love these updates Tanner! That black sand was a great decision 💯 Ps: Rooibos is actually pronounced kinda like roy-boss, it's a staple here in South Africa. It means 'red bush' in Afrikaans, so you could just call it red bush tea as well :) Had no idea fishies like it too! Makes your tank look so exotic.

[@Katanas_fire]

Its living artwork!💖

[@aviannasaviary228]

Love your builds! You inspired me to go out of my comfort zone and do my first aqua scape and a couple months later it's doing well! Learning everything from your videos so thank you!

[@capnskustomworks]

In another video there was a quick mention of snails appearing, and as someone who has enjoyed keeping snails in the past I'd love to see more on that topic!

[@BlackenedMelody]

So excited to see more nanos are in the works!

[@jordysalden8769]

Ohh... I love the 180 gallon vivarium so much. Nice video again!

[@leticiaec]

The best vivariums! I love plants so much... Thank you for provide correct identification of them .

[@servor1986]

you're an inspiring person! very satisfying to watch you build beautifull biothopes!

[@robertharmon9425]

Great like always! Mr Green Thumb!

[@dustinjones3269]

Hay Tanner! Good Job! Ive been a fan for sometime now...and I realy get a kick out of seeing new, and revisited Projects of yours. Looking foward to new builds, and have a blessed day brother! Your fan...Dustin.

[@michaelmelo8075]

Love the 180 viv, looking great !!!

[@alexquiles9578]

I really love it, sir! You're amazing.

[@Cumupins69]

Thanks for another awesome video!!!

[@PitoVH]

Nature is beautiful! ❤️ Like always you the man 💪🙌🙌✌️

[@jimyplayeshendrix]

Wow...I wonder fish can stand a cup of Tee ...seems like they rather like this ...great tip...thank you :)

[@SuperMeeker]

Yes i also agree that the black sand was the right call also yes a big trim. Otherwise very beautiful and great work as always

[@al-aurum2457]

orchids! my mom would love this...i like the teaser inside the box at the end XD

[@711yada]

I rolled my eyes watching you replace the sand, slapped my forehead and screamed “DOH!” Why didn’t I think of that?! Ha. It looks much better. 🐟🦀🐌. 🦄🤳🏼

[@jaystube7713]

I love the black water tank.

[@thenowhereman8154]

Miniature orchids are great fun. You would probably really like some of the Dendrobium Lichenastrum species that are out there, they really add something different. Regarding the Phaleonopsis, try hanging them upside down off of bare wood/rock when in a consistently wet environment. The plant will start to point itself horizontally with the leaf tips hanging down, keeping them from collecting water and rotting off. It’s how they tend to grow in the wild. The only other concern is that they prefer intermittent light. By the by, I’d be quite interested in seeing you tackle a vivarium with some of the “Ghost” orchids.

[@thebeatsalive]

I arrived on your channel because it somehow appeared on my recommend list. Glad I found it. You make some really great tanks. Subscribed!

[@carminepetracca7518]

very nice video tanner. i do like the black water aquarium, you have so many plants in the forest terrarium, must have cost a lot but it is sure worth it. thanks, carmine

[@DiaChen]

Love nano tanks, keep doing more of those!

[@gene_Code]

Just waiting for your video, and here you are. Yay!

[@TomaMakoto]

Ooooh! So exited for the future nano stuff! Thank you this is awesome inspiration and education! A praying mantis set up could work as a great nano build I think! There are some species that stay small enough for their entire lifespan and some might use it as a "grow out" enclosure!

[@johnfloydman7735]

Hi man, great video update on you tanks , the big viv is fantastic, looks so cool . The Tea you mentioned ,in the UK we call it red bush 👍🇬🇧😁✌

[@ToxickArt]

I would love to see a video on all the mini orchids that could be used in a terrarium

[@InaSonnenmoser]

I am in love with your designs. You made me get my first terrarium and I am going to give it a try ... starting small and learning from the experience. Your videos are such an inspiration. Thank you!

[@tiffyspetlife2500]

I *love* the riparium! I’d love to see a complete guide on how to make one! I think the black sand looks amazing in the shrimp tank! 🤩🥳👍

[@mikejurnak4253]

Those are going to be some lucky dart frogs going into there that setup is looking great ✌

[@Jetstoanywhere]

Your videos are great , I think I am going to give terrariums a shot!

[@sharonbendtsen2973]

Wow. I am going to look up these plants. Never heard of them

[@liamthompson4884]

The vivarium is absolutely stunning! Great video like always!

[@dinaatjuh]

You're indeed a great artist Sir. Thank you for sharing your passion with us.

[@Miex5068]

All you make is sooo Beautiful😍

[@playmusic5978]

Really looking forward to all of you upcoming videos! You've even inspired me to try building my own first sealed terrarium! I bought a 4-5 L glass container some weeks ago. I wish the winter/snow was gone tomorrow!

[@SerpaDesign]

I wish it was gone too. I'm ready for the nice weather already!

[@Lindyphuoc]

So inspirational thank you for sharing all of your great videos

[@texanasimmons1761]

Great updates! Thanks.

[@BigfootsWeWe]

Can't wait to see an update on that native terrarium!

[@SerpaDesign]

Which one? I just updated it like 3 weeks ago.

[@BigfootsWeWe]

@@SerpaDesign My apologies, let me rephrase, "Can't wait for your *next* native terrarium update." The one with the Moss and acorns in the tomato sauce jar.

[@SerpaDesign]

Haha got you know. I wasn't sure if you saw that one or not.

[@BigfootsWeWe]

Coffee and SerpaDesign has been a nice duo. Great to watch. Keep up with the content that you want, that interest and excitement carries over to us viewers. Peace ✌️

[@AuntyGoogol]

You are such an artist.

[@TheJesusAlejandra]

My mom has the same salt lamp!😊 makes everything look good

[@LiyanaDIY]

Wow I thought it would be so hard to change!

[@larandaleeful]

Love the tea, thanks!

[@emilybitzel7242]

Thank you for the inspiration!!!

[@joelol3692]

Very awesome brother! Keep the awesomeness going!

[@ArTicKiiTTiiNs]

Loving the videos more and more. I took your advice on the LED shop light and it has been making my projects not only grow well but they look great on the shelves. I bought the 5000k light though. Not the lower. Keep up the great work my friend. Looking forward to the next.

[@SerpaDesign]

Awesome I'm glad they are working well for you!

[@sebastiankristiansen8852]

As a South African I feel compelled to tell you its pronounced "roy - boss" tea haha. Love the video as always

[@JohnJames.]

great video and tips on the tannins , take care buddy

[@JohnJames.]

nano tank is cool. your right it's the challenge of making a huge scape in a small space.

[@philthytanks4952]

I love the blue neo tank!

[@necroeasy593]

Awesome adventure.

[@AngellusBlack]

I've been using rooibos tea in my tanks too, the tannins really make the fish's colors POP! Especially my sparkling gouramis, they sparkle even more in tannin stained water. I guess we can thank Rachel for starting the rooibos tea trend, lol.

[@lyrieth8833]

Can't wait to see these flower someday!!

[@italicbudz]

Tanner man! These vids are amazing! And I couldn’t thank you enough for how much you’ve inspired me to make vivariums! Keep it up