I Created a Vivid Indoor Ocean in 365 Days

I’ve been keeping and designing aquariums for over 17 years, but it was always within the freshwater framework. That was until last year. One year ago, I set up my first-ever saltwater coral reef aquarium. It was many years in the making, but I didn’t know what to expect until I finally tried it for myself. This is my year-long journey into the world of saltwater aquaria.
Bug Out Pro, RPM Elements, RPM Salt, TurboStart 900 provided with a paid promotion by Fritz Aquatics
fritzaquatics.com/
Learn More in my Blog
www.serpadesign.com/blog
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#aquarium #saltwater #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

The saltwater update is finally here! I've been getting requests for an update on everything since I posted the original video a year ago. I'm really excited to share the progress and hope you all enjoy it. Have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

[@rakkurankaiyo]

Ahh this is amazing! It's really late for me so I'll come watch tomorrow (but I already know this is amazing!!)

[@Pats4Bunny]

A peaceful angelfish or a few damsels would be cool, but the tanks look amazing!

[@lizardisbetterthanyou5692]

That was one year ago!? I remember when that video came out!!

[@alexanderthomas8784]

Have you ever thought about doing a monthly blog style update on tanks? I would love that!

[@dshobe720]

Crab central station! Collab! I know you will see the potential in what they have learned about the life cycle of hermit crabs and integrate your talents for land stream and sea environments unto a truly artistic and amazing multi-disciplined landscape. I'm thinking linked environments, linked via air not water, where some inhabitants can move between biomes mainly the hermit crabs.

[@TheMuffinsama]

Love how you went from "hum yes I'll add one anemone" to "I have an entire colony of anemone!" haha they're amazing and its so fun to see the clownfish interact with them

[@cicelypatterson3927]

It looks like theyre dancing and swimming through balloons! So sweet!

[@camtabatabaie1467]

Very cool! Someday a non-tropical saltwater tank would be a cool challenge!

[@brianmcnamara5890]

He would do an unreal job with mudskippers, a mangrove habitat, or a tidal tank.

[@CoralReef69]

What about a deepwater non photosynthetic tank. Those sea fans, gorgonians, and corals can be absurdly vibrant and flowy

[@lucidairity7927]

​@@CoralReef69deep water is easy to keep alive at first but hard in the long term it requires lots of self cultivating for forms of foods

[@CoralReef69]

@@lucidairity7927 yeah dosing live cultures should do just fine

[@lucidairity7927]

@@CoralReef69 precisely if your really into reefing or just have a bit of knowledge with it I'm guess you do if your into the lovely sea fans and other gorgs I'm a slut for sponges myself and there definitely easier to keep lots of copepods in the tank to keep stuff cleaned and fed is easy to keep alive and then 4 2.5 gallon jugs for the different cultures of phyto and some artemia sp (small AF brine shrimp) anything is possible in this hobby of the earth can do it you can do it . The earth is our greatest teacher after all

[@laschlein9470]

Can't believe it's been 12 months, I've been waiting for an update but would've guessed it'd been only half that time! It's gorgeous. I look forward to seeing the fully recovered frogspawn. And I LOVE benny and the jammies!! Yet another hobby I now need to somehow take up with extremely limited space, funds and experience hahaha

[@aqua_foxfx4563]

Me too , I can't believe it's been a year lol

[@patrickpoulin8554]

I’ve been in the Saltwater hobby for over a decade and was really excited to see you get into saltwater and the care of some corals. If you’re into Euphyllia (frogspawn) there is an interesting cross between traditional frog spawn and hammer corals commonly called a frammer that you might enjoy. I have an over abundance of it that I need to frag, and I would be willing to donate some for your channel if you’re ever interested!

[@isaacfortner]

Thank you for being transparent about your tank challenges. I was nervous seeing you load so much livestock all at once, and hearing you not checking water parameters for a really long time right at the start is very educational for new reef enthusiasts. I started my own reef last January, but resisted the temptation to add livestock early and stayed on top of water parameters pretty much daily at first. Nearly a year later, I haven’t lost any of my corals, and the maintenance is far easier now that the tank is established and has a predictable maintenance cadence. I did lose some livestock to a hyper aggressive clownfish I used for initial cycling (literally bit the hands that fed it), but after swapping that out, my livestock are all thriving. Saltwater’s biggest challenge is the initial cost of entry compared to fresh, followed by the increased maintenance requirement. My 75g planted tank will go 6+ months between major maintenance.

[@joshuawheeler2580]

You definitely took the more calculated approach lol. You can do it similar to how he did, but that route is typically an expensive learning curve considering coral losses and/or livestock losses from unbalanced levels or an incomplete cycle. I agree with you as far as cost being a challenge and initial maintenance. Once bacteria settles, levels balance, and a solid clean up crew is at work, saltwater really isn't that bad. P.s. Easier on the wallet if you check the used marketplace for complete setups

[@justGoron]

Noticing your love invertebrates in this tank, have you ever considered making a freshwater paludarium for Vampire Crabs? I think they're a species you'd really enjoy building for!

[@ridgelon13]

Looking good, but the all coral loss probibly came form not waiting till the systems had been set up and established for a few months. Coral tanks need to go through All the algae stages before you add the corals. SPS needs a lot of flow, most softies can't take the flow needed for sps. SPS also need lots of light and they can't take paramater swings at all. You need to run a carbon filter with a mixed reef tank and get a glass lid.

[@daigorostaurenghi5072]

I love those kinds of videos in which you pop out each issue you had to face and the results you obtained: it would be interesting to see - if you have time - a more detailed explanation of the issues and the solutions you applied, even for freshwater aquariums. By the way, I'm following you since 2019 and I'm still excited to wait for each Saturday to check for new videos. Amazing. Have a nice day!

[@AsioEntomo]

That arrow crab is enough to make me want a saltwater tank. I would love to see more oddball inverts!

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

A great Anenome Tank! The videography is top notch. My venture into saltwater was similar although I could not keep a clownfish alive and did not even try the anenomes. I did have the macros though and I enjoyed them most. I feel like trying to have everything is a recipe for failure. It is best to choose a main focus and go with that.

[@sandyloyst1811]

Tanner, that was a brilliant documentation. It's a very beautiful coral reef. Thanks

[@johnnyrodriguez5938]

The way Tanner cares for these animals and his craft, is next to none. A true inspiration to be a better man 💪🏽

[@jikkermanccini]

I can tell you put a lot more effort into the aquascape than most marine aquarists do. you built a beautiful ecosystem and can't wait to see it grow. I suspect you'll start exploring the world of oddball inverts soon, cucumbers and starfish are my absolute favorite animals in my aquaria. Needless to say, I can't wait to see you do more with saltwater in the future. Slipper lobsters, chocolate chip starfish, frogfish, etc could all have really cool species only tanks.

[@Rohinthas]

I am so glad you went for it! For me its the opposite, I connect more to corals. They elicit such a complex mix of emotions in me, awe at the coloring, tranquility when I watch the movement, and at the same time they also creep me out a little, like watching an alien life form. I love it! The barrier of entry is much too high for me though, so I enjoy watching you doing a better job than I ever could :)

[@docterpain1]

Just what I'm sure everyone was waiting for. Thanks! Looks beautiful!

[@kimmy6969]

I have been watching your videos for some time and built an amazing tank for my bullfrog based on your guidance. Also, I just purchased my 1st 90-gallon marine tank, so it's great you shared your successes and failures! Thank you!

[@antonfeirer3408]

Ain't no way it's beean a full year already!? Time really flies these days. I'm happy to see all the progress you've made with the new house and I hope you'll keep making beautiful videos. They're super inspiring!

[@InappropriateReefer]

It has been a year already? Time flies! Awesome to see an update on this system and I am also a fan of BTA & Xenia, nice choices for a first system! ;-)

[@Bunnyman1185]

Serpa you have inspired me to make my own fish tank and after 4 months i officially have my own fish tank that I absolutely love, you inspired me to go out if my comfort zone and do something i never really thought about doing before. Thank you so much!

[@colecarlson3079]

I love your channel Tanner! I love how dedicated you are to your plants, animals and quality of content that you put out

[@faithlmao5082]

This is one I've been waiting a while for and what a beautiful result after only 1 year! I can only imagine how breath taking it is to view. Sit and watch the coral and the fish, those crabs are off the chain too. Well done tanner! Can't wait to see it in the years to come

[@yeomanbasket]

I was wondering what had been going on with this tank and I wasn’t seeing it in the background of the animal room, so glad to see it’s been in development this whole time.

[@DaMcGamer]

Looks very cool. I think all aquarium products are so much better now. I remember 20-30 years ago versus what is available now. Thanks for another lovely setup to see.

[@vvitch-mist20]

It's nice that you share the failures of your builds, since I'm sure a lot of people have the same thoughts lol. The reef looks nice and you picked lovely creatures.

[@stampinturtles]

So beautiful! The patience you have to film and make a video is epic! Most people are just too distracted to be waiting that long! 😂 I’m one of those people! I wanted an update the next day! Lol The final tank made my jaw drop. Gorgeous! I also love Benny! I’d have a huge beanbag chair right in front of this tank and sit there all day. As to what you could add to it…idk but maybe an eel would be cool if compatible. The colors are amazing and I just love it so much! Thank you for filming the process and sharing your journey.

[@robertjones7023]

I had a a few reef tanks a while back, my favorites were Blue Linka Starfish, Coral Banded Shrimp, Tiger Sea Cucumber, Scarlet Hermits and the snails. I remember making the mistake of adding a Damsel and it was very territorial. It really disrupted the peace and tranquility in the tank. I loved that the tankmates always knew what time it was (feeding time, bedtime) and they all "went to bed" by finding their favorite dark corner to rest in.

[@trialbyfirepyrography321]

Omg it is beautiful! I would spend hours just watching the life inside that tank. We got a 220 tank that was used as a saltwater tank. It came with the tank, stand and all the filtration systems for $200. We were going to use it as a big lizard tank but now I am rethinking it because what you made is stunning.

[@GenTsoToes]

Looks amazing. Thanks for the transparency on this difficulty of this project!

[@taggyg.6389]

Great work! Happy to see the learning curve wasn't too harsh on all of the inhabitants and that you had so much support from the start. Your little homies are so happy and it shows. ❤🎉 my favorite is the seastar!⭐️

[@donna589]

Amazing! I just love the movements and colors and the choice of fish! I just love fish with personality and you included so many! Thank you for making this wonderful video!!!

[@Tubbytubsterify]

I love that you take your time describing and showing… a fantasticly thorough pleasure!

[@pukkandurr]

the tank looks great and i am very happy fto finally see the long awaited video. Ive been looking forward to it for long. I love the coral choices and the basic idea of picking the swaying ones. I have a cute Gobiodon Histrio, a great fish with a funny and grumpy character.

[@Hummingbirder1]

Great suggestion! I just made a similar suggestion, any Goby.

[@tessastaubly8148]

I've been wanting a reef update for a while, and it's GORGEOUS! I haven't done saltwater before, and this is encouraging.

[@sarahsfishtanks]

I have been looking forward to this update. It looks great! 👏🏻 Thank you for sharing 🙌🏻

[@francescabourne1611]

I find marine tanks majestical, but I also adore your freshwater tanks too. You got me into the hobby and unlocked a creative side I would enjoy a brackish water build maybe. Your sw tank has blossomed

[@laurieb3703]

I'm so glad you include your mistakes and what you would do differently. It's good for people who are interested in starting but feel like they're not good enough. We can always learn! Even Tanner still messes up 😅❤ Everybody in there looks so beautiful!

[@HarrowedWolf]

It looks more appealing to the eye than a lot of other reef tanks I've seen. I wish there were more saltwater tanks that applied aquascaping like this. I can't wait to see how you'll apply your knowledge from aquascaping in freshwater to this new medium. I think you will create some truly unique enviornments.

[@SophieNoNotThatOne]

Awe! It's amazing! You always have the best tanks, and I knew this wouldn't be any different! Excellent job! ❤

[@davidtamen3088]

As a long time follower of the channel its been amazing to see the channel grow, its great seeing how youve been able to create better and more amazing setups for your animals

[@vesper1985]

I personally love anemones. And you provided your clown fish the perfect environment to exhibit more natural behavioural patterns ❤ That tank is a total win! I recon as you've set up a quarantine tank, you are already committed to the journey 💪 I look forward to what's next.

[@hurtfulcrusader3359]

making a coral garden is on my bucket list. one day when i have the room im going for it

[@Realwizardhours]

J U S T D O I T

[@queencityreefs]

You made us wait a whole year to finally get an update!! Thank you 😉👌💯✌️

[@lara_xy]

it is so nice to see an update on this one! I just recently re-watched the first video on this tank

[@nanwijanarko1969]

You don't know how long I've been waiting for this! It looks really great!

[@jakedemedeiros9978]

You’ve been waiting a year, probably

[@NonEuclideanTacoCannon]

That's a gorgeous tank. I had bad luck with anemones, think my tanks were just too small, not enough flow. They never thrived and my clownfish ignored them, so I traded them for corals.I had a few nanoreefs for years. I ended up discovering that there were not one but two rather large coral farms in my

[@nathanw9246]

I just wanted to say that this video was very inspiring to me. I'm rather young and new to all of this fish stuff. About 6 months ago I started working on my first saltwater tank and definitely made some mistakes here and there. I've been doing extensive research before I add the corals but this video made me very optimistic. After watching this I know this is something I can pull off. Overall amazing video I'm very glad I came across this. Your tank is beautiful, I hope you continue with saltwater

[@GenesisTheKitty]

you know, I actually really needed this eheh. I've been having trouble keeping some of the plants in my enclosures alive and it's very discouraging, but it's heartening to hear that you also have to fail before you succeed!

[@JakeoeAquatics]

This looks fantastic! It was definitely worth the wait, and Fritz products are definitely the way to go! Also I’m my experience, emerald crabs can definitely pick at the zoas! I’ve had a few snag a couple polyps in the past, which is the main reason I no longer introduce them!

[@StillWinding]

Very cool. You've made me pine for my reef aquarium days.

[@maeespi9920]

I'd love to see this tank as one of the music/nature background videos. I'd have it playing on one screen and working on the other or cast it to my tv. Fascinating to watch and so peaceful.

[@JamesWebbFitness]

Everyone wants Xenia because they look so great until they explode and take over lol, love this journey reminds me of my first reef tank

[@Scriblyn]

Wow, the pulsing coral is beautiful!!!!

[@IdentityVibes]

I seriously just finished rewatching the first video, so this updated video came as a pleasant surprise.

[@RayneSaltair]

I started with a white puffer I fell in love with, due to being new, and it not coming from the best place, he didn't last past 24 hours. That was around 20 years ago. I no longer due anything that needs a special environment. Aquatics or exotic animals. Don't trust myself anymore but I love to watch your channel.

[@tylermoore9039]

Ngl watched KZbin ten years now n don’t comment on stuff but this is peak content, this dude should be so proud videos don’t get much better

[@joycewohn7883]

Love the tank and to consider as you asked what else. the Sallylightfoot is a neat crab who loses her shell and its so neat to see the skeleton and next she in a new home,we had a couple, amazing. also I loved the sea cucumber we had 2 types and loved them too. the the tanks and you inspired me to do one, also I have shelves in my kitchen that the drift wood, scaled down, and the rock to make scenes. thanks and keep it up. Joyce

[@alexanderballance2996]

Great video! Been waiting to see the results of this tank for a while, and I'm not dissapointed!

[@mcashw]

Appreciate you posting the learning curve and some of the struggles - you rock!

[@aurorasurrealis1032]

I've been waiting for this update!

[@RogueAquariums]

Your tank look nice. Great job on your first saltwater system. Keep up the good work

[@noahsmith9121]

Beautiful tank, well done!

[@jamiecollister2002]

Sometimes it feels like you do everything right and still have things go wrong in a tank, unfortunately. I appreciate the honesty in your videos while keeping the upside always in sight.

[@stephenbridges2791]

Your skill with animals and fish is quite impressive. Nice reef.

[@gloriaash7511]

That looks STUNNING.

[@armandfleming2371]

How beautiful! I think it would be mesmerizing to watch.

[@Namoraslife]

This turned out absolutely amazing for your first saltwater aquarium. The corals look absolutely stunning. Personally I wouldn't stock many more fish, because it would take the focus off the corals. But I don't know nything about aquaristics, so why should you listen to me? Do what brings you joy and what you deem right for your place. I'll gladly watch and admire everything you do.

[@BobyChanMan]

This is so impressive, you had lots of expereince elswhere in the hobby but to branch into this and produce such an impresive tank in just a year speaks to your skill!

[@akechijubeimitsuhide]

The fish are adorable! And it really looks beautiful.

[@takeahobby6454]

My favorite fish there is the same as him. Benny 😂

[@melsyoutube]

this is so beautiful 😭🥺

[@phteven1218]

If you find yourself looking for another cool addition, we always had pistol shrimps and watchmen gobies in our tanks growing up. Their symbiotic relationship is a ton of fun to watch. Tank looks amazing so far, can't wait to see what else you do with saltwater!!

[@yunusberatgurcan3368]

Your voice is so calm omg love it

[@b1oh1]

Strawberry Dottyback! And I'm in the same camp with my freshwater setups. The smell, the color, etc. Just amazing!

[@carlyamberson]

I am in awe….the inspiring talent and dedication to the care of these animals is incredible!!!

[@goncalofelicio6738]

I love the colours!!! It's amazing and has a really unique sea/alien feel.

[@peterkowalchick8520]

great video! thanks for all you do. You're great at your job!

[@IndoorEcosystem]

Man you got those bubble tips going amazing! Stunning tank and story!

[@wafwaffle1819]

Tanner, every single thing you do is amazing and I had to giggle that your favorite fish is named Benny, my lil kitty girl I have is also named Benny and she is amazing just as...EVERYTHING you do is..seriously you rule my friend!!!never stop, I'll keep watching what you make forever.

[@darirusanferaa7647]

You've made an incredble marine aquatic system. Patience is a virtue.

[@Jacobcox-YT]

You nailed it! The tank looks so good!

[@fmmrz5]

This is exactly the video I expected when you finally did an update. 😅 You’ve followed a super typical beginner path. And for some reason people tend to shame that but it’s how we all learn and that tank looks amazing right now. Glad to see the euphillia on the mend. They look good! My favorite part is for sure the top down view of those amazing nems. Keep it up. Can’t wait for the next update.

[@lamppost707]

I love the way you highlighted the anemone in this setup. Been thinking of converting my tank to something similar! Very awesome!

[@kyledavid903]

Love the transparency in this video, awesome work

[@buntbar2438]

I love your choice of inhabitants. Mine was pretty similar. ❤

[@machellelowry9404]

It's a beautifully put together.

[@lmb19661]

Absolutely beautiful. ❤

[@sarahwatts7152]

I love the progress!

[@jmarshal]

I love it. Go big or go home! Most people wouldn’t be able to dive in so fully so it’s cool to see you be able to get everything done and stock it how you want. I think you need a real showpiece fish to go with the others. It’s the only thing missing.

[@wendyhart]

It’s a good thing that I don’t have this in my house. I would be spending ALL my time just watching all the little animals! Amazing! Just amazing!

[@ronjakh]

having lived on the coast and very close to the ocean all my life, this would be a dream! you did so well with this 👏👏

[@dragonboy3358]

Hope to see more saltwater tank content! All of your stuff is beautiful, would love to see your other ideas!

[@hornshwagel5700]

Enjoy the journey and take it in stride, softies and BTA are some of my favorites after being in the hobby for nearly 10 years!

[@ThePetePeterson]

I love the update videos. It’s always nice to see how things have progressed and how the animals have adjusted

[@XxXTaigerLillyXxX]

What amazing timing! I was honestly just looking at your videos an hour ago to see if there was an update, and now its here.

[@SerpaDesign]

💯

[@scottbrigner6950]

Awesome tank! I've always kept African cichlids and I cannot tell you how many times people have said "if your going to put that much work into fish keeping you may as well go with salt water" but I'm like you. I am comfortable with freshwater. I've always been a little scared of salt water because it could be an expensive disaster!

[@cindystimson3632]

Hi Tanner, your salt water tank is beautiful. I bet your wife loves it. Will you please do a complete update of the animal room and all of the inhabitants? We would like to see how everyone is doing. Thanks Tanner.

[@andrescontrerasvargas5865]

Absolutely amazing! congrats

[@BabyY0da]

Thus looks amazing!!! Thank you for your uploads they always brighten my day!:)

[@SerpaDesign]

Appreciate you!

[@gargamosch]

That looks really awesome!!! Can'T wait to see your next projects.

[@Sirspeedystevie]

Tanner, your filming, editing and narration skills are as epic as your work. One of my favourite KZbin channels. Thank you. ♥️🤌🏼