Flowing Waterfalls in a Small Jar (Moss Terrarium Build)

I've put waterfalls in a terrarium a few times before. Each time the result is completely different and I can't get enough. As you know, I have a lot of fun building terrariums. So, when I can combine them with other things I do, it brings everything full circle.
With each build I learn and get closer to the perfect waterfall design. I still haven't got there, but I feel that this brought be closer. I'll continue refining the process until I've found the perfect solution. I have a lot of fun with this concept, but nothing beats a standard jungle-style terrarium. If you want to see more terrarium builds, then check out this playlist!
Learn More in my Blog
www.serpadesign.com/blog
Follow SerpaDesign
Instagram - / serpadesign
TikTok - / serpadesign
Second Channel - / tannerserpa
0:00 Introduction
0:13 Material Overview
0:55 Modifying the Bowl
1:50 Adding Pump Components
2:22 Securing the Pieces
2:52 Water Test
3:38 Clay Background Mix
4:34 Building the Waterfall
5:49 Planting the Design
6:20 Filling the Bottom
7:07 Final Details
7:38 Completed Terrarium
7:51 The Waterfalls
8:32 Closing Thoughts
#terrarium #waterfalls #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

I'm back with another terrarium build after a few months! It's been awhile and I wanted to do another waterfall build. I think this one turned out pretty well. What do you think? Let me know and stay tuned for more! Have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

[@thejackoftrades4873]

The waterfall terrariums are quite different than the usual

[@robinwilssens4960]

You're so clever!!

[@banderton3498]

Gorgeous. Do you think that the base would take less visual space if it were black in colour and then blend more with the clay tones? The green moss is so beautiful.

[@leemasters3592]

Why do you think mould isn't going to be an issue with this one? What makes it different?

[@GushOnline]

I think it looks awesome! I’m curious though, how much condensation build up do you get on the glass?

[@allbackiceland]

I love how his example of a "standard terrarium" is the one he built into the desk table top.

[@divershay]

Right?! That's what I was thinking lol

[@kinis_kin]

😂😂

[@courtney5796]

I liked at the end when he said he liked the simplicity of the build. Me knowing it would take me weeks to do this = /

[@divershay]

@@courtney5796 mine would end up looking nothing like that and would probably leak 😂

[@SuperWorstEver]

Ha!

[@Jartopia]

Such a beautiful terrarium! I wish I could be shrunk down to explore inside of there. :P

[@robinkling9290]

you too need to collab asap

[@masteroogway1586]

Who wouldnt want to be tiny and explore there

[@lololllol3366]

Omggggggg hiiiiii

[@Shitballs69420]

@Jartopia I think all us terrarium weirdos feel exactly the same lol. I've got a scale dugout conoe in one of my tanks as well as decaying shipwrecks and often think just that!

[@quint3570]

What do you think this planet earth actually is?..... 🤔🤔

[@justinfloyd1978]

6:35 “and maximise the vibe” never thought I’d like hearing that line, but from your voice, it’s pure gold

[@daphne10120]

I know you said you break down builds like this pretty fast due to space, but I would totally buy something small like this from you.

[@effy_kujo]

I was so perplexed when I first saw the thumbnail and thought, surely that's photoshopped and then I had to remind myself that this was a Tanner Serpa video. You create the most beautiful, intricate looking setups while also managing to make it look so effortless. Simply amazing.

[@ustanik9921]

The waterfall is photoshopped tho. Guess it's because the running water isn't as appealing on a picture as on a video.

[@effy_kujo]

@@ustanik9921 that makes sense but, it does really look like that in video too so, he did a good job making the water look realistic

[@effy_kujo]

@@ustanik9921 maybe a bit stronger in the picture

[@effy_kujo]

@@lord461 yeah, I realized after going back to look at it again after the first reply and saw that I had reimagined or misremembered the thumbnail in my head or something but, didn't bother changing my comment. My eyesight is horrible though, lol.

[@effy_kujo]

@@lord461 besides the water though, I think it looked exactly like the photo

[@jmarshal]

Such an ingenious setup. Having the terrarium lift up? Brilliant. I love how accessible you make your builds seem, so that simple ones like this really anyone could do themselves.

[@knethercutt18]

I love terrariums with water installations :D

[@abernathymonsoon4638]

It's beautiful! I'm curious as to what it looks like a year from start-up. As well as what steps needed to be done to maintain it.

[@abdulahadkhan6172]

Same question

[@sinanx]

Indeed. I am not sure the moss will stay alive. This type of moss usually likes cold and humid but needs drying every once in a while. Just like outside.

[@commit_aarson]

@@sinanx I'm assuming he'll stop the water flow every so often.

[@Arvaamaton]

Your patience and attention to details are remarkable.

[@Charles-mv7sv]

Your comment is being targeted by YTs A.I. to harvest data. I'm assuming this is a copy and paste bot post anyhow.

[@kaizerkeith2771]

I don't know how or why this popped up in my list but this is a truly amazing and beautiful terrarium. I want one so bad now and I didn't even know I wanted one before watching this.

[@reboot5598]

Same Here .

[@knowthycell]

Yeeeaaahh

[@baz69er13]

Yeh me too.....😊

[@cannibalisticbiscuit9722]

This is beautiful. Imagining it as a centerpiece to a table or on a desk is even better. I could watch it for hours!

[@Fermi__Paradox]

Hey Tanner, I got a suggestion. I know it's not the norm for you, but I was wondering what your take on a "sci fi" terrarium would look like. I was thinking about making one with pure black substrate (not sure how to get natural enough substrates that don't look like cheap neon aquarium gravel,) and some red leafed plants like C. bivattatus or ones with unique and odd leaves like M. petola, S. haworthii, M. uniflora. Maybe use some bismuth hopper crystals, kyanite or selenite towers.

[@braininsink]

Selenite would look so good but it's not water resistant unfortunately... It's a great idea btw... The ghost plant is so rare to find...

[@benjidoggo5405]

This is a good idea

[@pickledfur]

Or some trachyanda

[@tigertoxins584]

@@braininsink I swear every time I go mushroom hunting I always find those little bastards, I even picked some and pressed them into a frame

[@TrollingHistory]

No I said a tenner not tenner I'll pay a tenner for this. I guess. My granny might like it.

[@shadowscythes]

I love how this one felt more natural than most of them because of how you used the clay mixture to stick everything together rather than silicone. I get that sometimes you need to use something like zip ties or silicone to attach things that are either temporary or mostly hidden, but I must say it feels so much better when you can just use all natural things to accomplish that. Very beautiful terrarium!

[@WildDiscovery_99]

looks so beautiful

[@tzimiable]

Absolutely beautiful. I dont know why it was so satisfying to see you place the moss....but it was. Tranquility in all forms.

[@LUCKEY11202.]

I love how simple,yet beautiful this terrarium turned out.The waterfall feature is very zen like and I love it,thank you,for sharing your time in this build.

[@hjorhrafn]

Before I started watching your builds, I had never looked at a terrarium/aquarium and thought, "That's art." Your vision and skills are inspiring.

[@annettesonnenberg7606]

What a wonderful project. Love it.

[@lingyang8177]

beautiful!

[@ialrakis5173]

Thx for yet another video. I finally had the guts to do my own proper aquascape in a small aquarium. Watching a lot of YT finally paid off. It was a tank with a builtin filter and heater but it still toke me a couple of hours to finish everything. It's been running for a week now and with the floating plants on top and the proper lighting installed it looks gorgeous.

[@fourclout4]

I keep forgetting this guy is a veritable genuis. I see him start doing something, and think "That won't look good" It does Everytime

[@storygirlunknown5008]

You’re an artist. That was so beautiful and the process was so interesting.

[@embracetheMagick_withinyou.]

I just have to tell you I absolutely love this! Not only is it beautiful to look at your instructions on how to build out or very easy to follow and well said. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@spencerjohnson7185]

I absolutely love your designs ! I got so many ideas and inspirations from them. I have reptiles, a few gecks, croc skinks, leaf tail ,and armadillo lizard. I always custom built their enclosures , this fall I took in a blue tree monitor and attempted a 5’ x 4’ x 6’ 900 gallon arboreal enclosure with 3 trees and your videos are what guided me . I had to bind branches and build the enclosure for the root system while running irrigation and drainage . It came out awesome ! And he loves hanging with his prehensile tail and being an ambush predator. When he jumps off the trees and snatches silkworm out of my hands without touching me it makes me laugh. His name is Man , (like blue Man group) and I and he both thank you for everything you do . You probably don’t know how many your videos help .

[@Braeserker]

Imagine having this on a desk with a recess to hide the ceramic bowl 🤩

[@sunnywayPS34]

this is one of the most beautiful things Ive ever seen. I absolutely love it!

[@captkev55]

Thank you so much for this video, I am inspired, I have the jar, the base, the moss ,rocks, and substrate. Just waiting for the pump and I'm on my way. So excited.

[@zenphotojourney]

This is one of my favorites of the builds I've seen you make. It's simple, elegant and beautiful.

[@lanadeaton5588]

I am mesmerised by your terrarium builds , they are so tranquilising I've just started watching your videos and they are so zen and they calm my whole day and night i can watch your videos all day!

[@gailjordan9250]

I love this idea with the running waterfall! The terrarium is lovely.

[@davewilson9738]

Its beautiful sir!

[@Grace-er9ep]

It's not Saturday until I get the dopamine rush that is the new SerpaDesign video

[@sharongould2689]

This is amazing, i love its simplicity and got its all held together with the clay growing medium! Wonderful!

[@cherylsullivan7914]

I'm with you on the moss being your favorite, Mine too. I absolutely love all you put together & how I learn so much about the eco system. Thank You 🐸🦋 From Missouri

[@cherieizm]

You give so much important information. Thank you so much for all your wise knowledge 😊❤

[@cristiaolson7327]

I was already building an Amazon shopping list to build a small terrarium to keep on my desk at work, and then Tanner goes and gives me even more elaborate ideas. I *do* already have a mini aquarium pump sitting around...

[@gardeninginthedesert]

This one looks so simple. I live in West Africa and these little plants that like water are so hard to get as it's a desert area. I'll keep thinking and hunting.

[@IlseMulAuthor]

I hope you'll be able to get some!

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

You could make some beautiful desert terrariums.

[@cullenfisher1287]

the power of online shopping might be helpful :) some of Serpa's other videos point out good websites for different things. he also has budget builds from a few years back. ive been binging his content the last few days and its been super helpful

[@winkekatze5593]

@@cullenfisher1287 I doubt that there is online shopping and delivery in west africa and in africa as a whole.

[@cullenfisher1287]

@@winkekatze5593 that's a pretty outdated view of what Africa actually is

[@ginaflanagan8738]

I love 😊 it!!

[@lara_xy]

Absolutely beautiful! I could watch this flowing water for ages

[@GingerFishyOfficial]

Love that box of filter bits, so handy for doing little projects. 🙌

[@justsaying9456]

Wow I feel like thats one of your most beautiful builds and still I can see myself doing something like it in terms of simplicity!

[@tylerkwong4947]

It's definitely awesome. I wish I had one on my desk, it'd bring me some energy of life. It's always good to look at some green objects after reading for minutes anyway.

[@CAR-mm8nu]

Man, I could really use one of those on my desk while I'm working each day. Beautiful masterpiece sir.

[@extisrain]

Love this! I'm interested in a follow-up video to see how everything hold up and maintenance needed.

[@itsMalma]

I love how masterful you've gotten at making these. Thank you for sharing it with us

[@doloresphifer5077]

I love this look. Quite sweet. I really appreciate how you spoke a bit on the slow slide for those who have a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) that still struggle with memory life. Thank you.

[@Starryeyes_1972]

I love how the channel started with terrariums and now each video is "cool let's recreate the set of Avatar 2". Seriously, your progression is impressive and it's always amazing to watch your videos. So soothing and informative at the same time.

[@missbizzylizzy]

I think this is one of my favorites and I might actually try to make this one. As always, a fantastic video 🙂❤️

[@leonardodtc1493]

Make a video on how it goes !

[@Been.Here.Since.2007]

Did you do it?

[@ReadyAquarium]

Amazing build. Awesome everytime astonishing. The simplicity you left it at fits it well. No need for wood in this one. Thanks for sharing 🙂🙂

[@AlvaKersher]

You’re an artist

[@tameronlevijohn3468]

Bro no matter how I'm feeling, watching your videos just brings me peace of mind

[@tomsgreengallery]

Wonderful terrarium build! Overall one of my favorites you’ve done, I may try to replicate this myself! Simply beautiful

[@rocketfallen]

I'd really love to see you do an aquarium sand waterfall setup sometime. Keep up the good work!

[@doyouevengrowbro]

Driveway moss. Brilliant

[@banditoincognito8950]

I like how simple it is, and how it just all came together.

[@veronica5896]

Love it! Looks stunning!

[@leemasters3592]

It's beautiful! Part of my brain is saying "try and make one! The other part is pointing out that there is no space left on my terrarium shelf and nowhere nearby to plug in the pump.

[@alancharles6789]

Wonderfully soothing “challenge”. I just happened to buy a jar of coffee with just such a jar, so a nice little winter pass-time! Chaps over here in the uk are always looking for new attractions to build into the more adventurous model railways. Don’t be surprised if you see an oo/ho scale Jurassic Park Mossarium pop up on a layout some day!

[@bittybigq]

This is very beautiful. I'd like to try and make one like this. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnnygalaxy9022]

Damn... I really love this design. I just picked up this same cookie jar and been thinking of what to do with it. I know now what I'm doing :)

[@thesaint717]

Good luck!

[@Subi_Guy]

This is AMAZING! Great job on this one!!! 👍

[@BigboiiTone]

It is so beautiful to create a peaceful little world. Contained and giving a feeling of serenity. I like the 2B limestonec

[@erichill5477]

I'm not sure how this popped up in my feed, but I found it amazingly soothing and satisfying. An incredibly unique build to say the least

[@undertonebg]

Have you considered making habitats for ants? Your skills could totally convert into that area as well. It looks absolutely gorgeous by the way.

[@FreightmareFTW]

Pick up your cross and follow Jesus! The world is quickly headed for destruction, and sooner or later you will have to sit at the judgement seat and give an account for your actions. Belief in messiah alone is not enough to grant you salvation - Matthew 7:21-23, John 3:3, John 3:36 (ESV is the best translation for John 3:36). Call on the name of Jesus and pray for Him to intervene in your life! - Revelation 3:20. Contemplate how the Roman Empire fulfilled the role of the beast from the sea in Revelation 13. Revelation 17 confirms that it is in fact Rome. From this we can conclude that A) Jesus is the Son of God and can predict the future or make it happen, B) The world leaders/nations/governments etc have been conspiring together for the last 3000+ years going back to Babylon and before, C) History as we know it is fake. You don't really need to speculate once you start a relationship with God tho. Can't get a response from God? Fasting can help increase your perception and prayer can help initiate events. God will ignore you if your prayer does not align with His purpose (James 4:3) or if you are approaching Him when "unclean" (Isaiah 1:15, Isaiah 59:2, Micah 3:4). Stop eating food sacrificed to idols (McDonald's, Wendy's etc) stop glorifying yourself on social media or making other images of yourself (Second Commandment), stop gossiping about other people, stop watching obscene content etc and you should get a response. Have a blessed day!

[@laysheohh]

Fiction ^

[@AJ-tv5jx]

@@laysheohh ^Facts^

[@laysheohh]

@@AJ-tv5jx fiction ^

[@AJ-tv5jx]

@@laysheohh lol I meant YOUR comment were facts

[@HomemadeEcosystems]

This is very beautiful ! I'm always amazed of how easy you make it look to build one of these!

[@glassdiamond2185]

That is so pretty! I've never seen a terrarium with flowing water before now. I just love it.

[@little76boo1]

I just love the simplicity of this! Defo gonna try it! Thank you x

[@parmerapps69]

Tanner has truly become a pioneer in the hobby. I particularly love the simple elegance that this build offers. Looks like something I'd keep on my desk! Keep up the great work man!

[@SethMiller01]

this guy is making breakfast and is like: "and after I pour in the cheerios, I topped everything off with moss."

[@HasnahKamilah]

It's very beautifull

[@SOULarLioness]

This popped up in my algorithm and I’m so glad it did! This is so gorgeous! It was so satisfying to watch you make this lovely little world…

[@treylewis8876]

Hello, I really like the idea of using moss, rocks, and waterfalls. However, I am curious. Can a terrarium with a waterfall keep long term? Or will it be too wet for the Moss and drown them? I assume the drain, and situating everything on top of gravel, was used to help mitigate that. Thank you

[@YourDadWithTheMilk304]

Bro answered his own question 💀

[@owenboyed5201]

Absolutely stunning work tanner, I made my sister a self watering moss wall as part of her birthday gift your videos bring me great joy take care my man.

[@backtoafrika]

It's been a minute since I've seen a meaningful and well-made video. Your technique and institutions are easy to follow and not expensive to make. Plus the calming music. I think I can do this.......Yes!

[@AngieKoh197]

Beautiful! Thank you so much for making the video!

[@karkoor]

This guy always takes it to a next level when you think its all over now.

[@lauraholzler1417]

I have never been inspired to make one myself until this video. I'll try this one though. Thanks!

[@QldChickenPuncher]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

[@Satiren-mit-Tieren]

A nice idea! The jar with the waterfall in it looks very pretty! Thank you for sharing it here in youtube!

[@bubbagrubba98]

I just found this and this amazing, like how would you even come up with this.

[@rexkingluntungan808]

finnaly another terrarium build i love your terrarium builds

[@dieuthu9519]

A real waterfall which is wonderful! Thank you!

[@leonstenutz6003]

Lovely -- living poetry in a jar ... humanity and nature in harmony ... ❤

[@awol787]

I love your work so much. I would absolutely would be mega interested in purchasing such a beautiful work of art. I live in a small place and love the small size and simplicity of it. Keep up the amazing work!

[@blakehoward2804]

Hey Tanner! I've been watching the channel since back when terrariums were just side projects! I just wanted to let you know you're doing an awesome job with the channel and to give some encouragement! Keep up the great work! 😃👍

[@corylcreates]

Wow, so simple that I might try making one of my own! I can see making a little faux pond at the bottom and adding some miniature decor to make it even more zen.

[@kevindelaney1951]

Brilliant. Beautiful. Well done. Thanks for sharing.

[@Fara_Bale]

Lovely build once again. Love Ficus pumila, so hard to find in Europe though.

[@FlikkieFloekieFlakkie]

I'd definitely buy one or more of these things you make, do you sell any of this stuff? Great job and it looks gorgeous!

[@kylan419]

Making one would be cheaper than buying a made one.

[@liyashuklinejg]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this

[@KathleenRenninger]

Really attractive! A forest world in a jar. Thank you for the great step-by-step description.

[@mr-nonsense]

love this! how often do you change the water out in these types of setups, or does it even have to be?

[@fabiangiron2001]

Amazing, as always! By the way, is the silicone you use special or do you use a random 100% silicone one? And how long does it take to make a hole in the glass??

[@Lichen8404]

He's said in the past its just je 100% silicone, because the ones with additives aren't safe for the types of setups he makes.

[@fabiangiron2001]

@@Lichen8404 OK thanks, I ask because I saw in a store some silicone for aquarium (3 times more expensive than the 100%silicone) and was wondering if it was really necessary

[@vituperation]

@@fabiangiron2001 It's not. 100% silicone is 100% silicone so go for the stuff you find at hardware stores in whatever color you like. I've personally used type 1 and type 2 silicone in terrariums and vivariums for years and the only problem I've had is that the colored GE type 2 doesn't stick very well, especially to PVC. Don't be frightened by the "mold-free" label. Silicone is inherently "mold-free", as opposed to caulk that serves as a pretty good medium for mold to grown on. That's why they market it. The positive difference you _will_ get with aquarium silicone, though, is that the formula for how the silicone cures will be different (typically a stronger bond), and the manufacturer is open to liability in some jurisdictions if it fails to hold an aquarium together. I personally wouldn't reseal an aquarium above 75 gallons without an aquarium-grade silicone, but that's purely for the liability. Silicone binds to glass to glass absurdly well.

[@tonycarver9570]

That looks so calming.

[@glukaise]

looking so serene

[@KageBlink]

One of my favorite builds so far :) Any updates to some of the builds you've been making in the past few months? I really can't wait to see the ball, your other moss waterfall, the globe, the living moss picture frame, annnnd as ALWAYS the desk. :D :D

[@tracybowling1156]

I wonder how you are going to keep all of the background moist? Will that waterfall keep the whole thing wet or do you still have to spray it from time to time? I really like the look of this one. It's simple, yet the effects are wonderful!

[@cin3859]

The humidity inside the jar will prevent it from drying out

[@tracybowling1156]

@@cin3859 Thanks Cin!!!

[@KellieB]

Now that is gorgeous 🍃🌱🍃

[@lcgcano]

I absolutely love this one as I could use it to sit on my desk and admire it while I work.