Moss Ball Tree Ecosphere

Yes, I finally made an ecosphere! You've been asking me to make one for years now, but I never got around to it. I've had these moss balls (s/b called algae balls) for awhile now and I knew I wanted to make something like this with the, but I was holding off. There have been a lot of ecosphere comments lately, so I knew I had to do something.
Like I said in the video, this might not be what some of you had in mind, but we'll make a more traditional ecosphere at some point in the future. Anyways, there's not much else to say. I'll let the video do the talking from here on out. Enjoy!
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
#mossball #ecosphere #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

Want an update on how this ecosphere is doing: Then check out the video below. I show how it's doing months later and go over a lot of the questions I got in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZOmYYZsh7ZqkJY

[@BigJsSecretStash]

Would a goldfish or beta do well in this type of set up?

[@xiiixiiih.16]

The ecosphere could be even so cute with a cute little gold fish ?🐠🦪.

[@sailisansare1173]

OMG it is sooooo pretty, very beautiful.

[@BestFeminist]

quick FYI, but baking soda instant sets most superglues, setting even harder than normal.

[@anicetazamora4462]

@@BestFeminist maganda ang galing

[@thejerseyherper5320]

I love the snails in this tank, they give it just enjoy life without taking the view off of the mini tree

[@tgn3120]

Exactly we enslave them just to make our desk look pretty

[@MushyFridge]

troll

[@richard1935]

TheGamingNova lol exactly, that's why Its awesome

[@wesselschulte768]

Do you have to feed them once their in?

[@shjshdjsndhskxb]

I'd imagine that the ecosystem provides all of the food the snails would need, we don't want dead snails in the ecosystem!🤣❤

[@luciauslunella2918]

I just got into this hobby fairly recently AND got some moss balls I'm caring for. Hmm, now I'm quite inspired, thanks!

[@natejabat3673]

la

[@michaelmoreno7357]

Please post frequent updates on this! I've ben really interested in this use of moss balls but. I know that a lot of their cute shape comes from movement and not natural growth pattern, so I'm curious how the shape ages over time. As well as how you can expect it to fill in over time. Could it be used like a moss? Who knows! Great work! Cheers!

[@mango2800]

Fill in? They grow very very slowly lol, it'll basically always look like it does in the video

[@gdolphinz7486]

They grow reallllllllly slow Moss balls the size of a cue ball are probably more than 8 years old

[@sfdgdrgdvxff]

Why is your picture Arby's

[@DoozyyTV]

@@sfdgdrgdvxff He is the owner of Arby's

[@matthewfarrelly186]

Marimos are algae, they always seem to grow into vaguely spherical shapes and very slowly, so I doubt they'd deviate from that in this case.

[@unstable1676]

Looks like a very well grown bonsai tree except underwater xD

[@xiiixiiih.16]

XO

[@chuckhallscorpionking8766]

The simplicity of this ecosphere is more beautiful than an over done one. Keep up the awesome work, your visions are amazing.

[@SerpaDesign]

Hopefully it was well worth the wait! What better way to start the ecospheres than with a happy little moss ball tree?!

[@aliciawestfall2447]

Am i sensing a tiny bit of Bob Ross influence 😂

[@lokiragnarok7616]

I like ecospheres, have names for the snails?

[@justicecountryman4060]

You should do more! : )

[@siegfrico1428]

It looks SO cool

[@cadecountryman6145]

Do more

[@aeldallkushi7807]

Ever since I made my first terrarium your videos were always clearer than other people. Keep up the good work!!

[@kittiott3376]

The videos and your skill bring me joy. So does seeing how much you've grown from older videos to newer ones. It motivates me to not give up on things that bring me joy, even if it's not perfect. Thank you :)

[@adriansimington6756]

this channel needs more views. I say this every video but every time he uploads it blows me away. You should sell some of these, I'd buy the moss ball thing for $200 at least

[@anthonybailey6153]

I had a bit of a bad day, hearing your voice and watching this video gave me something to calm me down at the end of the day.

[@surfexcel9178]

Hey dude I have a crazy idea for a build Do you know about Sandy from SpongeBob ? Finding a glass shaped like her home would be a challenge and probably some other stuff too But It sounds like a possible idea I got this idea by watching your terrarium inside an aquarium video Hope you give this a thought

[@mortemracoon]

Vimpy dude hell yeah

[@GigawingsVideo]

Go search Hampture (Hamster Rapture) where a guy made an underwater habitat for his hamsters inspired from Bioshock. It's already going for almost a decade and it's amazing.

[@artscrafts4685]

Vimpy that would be amazing!!

[@walley2637]

the only obstacle that i can think of is if you were to put a real bonsai tree inside the dome, they would still need some air flow. most trees dont do well in a 100% closed environment for too long. maybe that could be fixed with a couple of air hoses fed from the bottom, one connected to an air pump and the other left open to serve as exhaust.

[@pchun1976]

8

[@Aptass]

inspiring work as always. Looks Japanese with a rock garden/Bonzai style tree and your voice become kind of soothing after you have watched a couple of videos. Really grows on you :D

[@aetherslugstar1889]

This echosphere is adorable. I wanna make one like this!

[@djpseudoname2023]

Another great project Tanner. Excellent idea for a planted aquarium. Peace

[@Laiserball8]

This looks great! I love how the focus is completely on the tree. Simplicity goes a long way. Wonderful!

[@architexturalchaos1862]

This looks stunning in it's simple way. Congratulations! I wouldn't add any other inhabitants besides the snails, they are great in there.:) But this is your little gem of course. Please keep it updated, would be very interesting to see what becomes of it. Thanks for sharing!

[@cd1673]

Wow, that is stunning!! Elegant simplicity. (Even though we know there's nothing simple about it) You are such an artist. ❤ Your video production is top shelf, also. 👍 It's always a good thing to get a notification from you. Thank you.

[@SerpaDesign]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@sandyg8794]

Hi Tanner! I absolutely LOVE the way it turned out. The wood, rocks and marimo balls are perfect! I think this is something I could do, but would need to see what the maintenance is first. Will you be doing a video on that? Thank you for sharing!

[@clovis_the_spook]

This is so unique! I love your more novelty and creative ecospheres

[@javellantoine4579]

Awesome, watching this ecosphere has encouraged me to finally build with a cute glass case I've been holding onto for quite sometime

[@pamelabowe5076]

It's always so relaxing to watch.

[@LiyanaDIY]

This is gorgeous! I love these videos from you 😍

[@SerpaDesign]

Glad you liked it!

[@Notanknoparty]

What a clever use of morimo balls! This was beautiful. I would greatly enjoy watching you make an ecosphere!

[@ellajohnson3276]

everything you make (videos included!) is so beautiful and entertaining to watch. Thank you!

[@IokeweG]

You're the best Tanner! Keep it up

[@lindahenderson840]

You are so talented Tanner I love the tree :)

[@jamess9946]

Love opening KZbin to find a new video from you. Thank you for sharing your talent!!

[@JackMegaloDon]

Watching you is always relaxing, thanks for the great videos!

[@darshnarach8889]

Thank you for this... Something even us newbies might be able to try

[@crazygamer646]

I think shrimp would be perfect for that.

[@justacreeperpassingby9895]

Don't they need plants to breed like to lay eggs,etc Sorry if English is wrong I am Italian

[@Cremefish1]

coco nut its not really for breeding

[@bobeardington4044]

@@justacreeperpassingby9895 you alive?

[@jennifermenth-pavel1260]

Your artistic talent is exceptional and every project is a cut above the rest because of it. Your setups just come together perfectly, the color, the textures and contrast, you create beautiful works of art. But then you share your ideas to teach anyone who wants to learn how to do it and that's awesome!! Thank you for sharing! 💖😊

[@Katanas_fire]

Wow, just beautiful! I love it. Masterpiece 👍

[@gooman989898]

Super nice dude.... would be good to see a follow up with what worked, what didnt etc.

[@KimOfDrac]

Such inspirational (and also meditative) videos :D I want to leave a suggestion or idea; it would be so cute to see you create a fairy garden terrarium^^

[@spoodsnstuff]

Another great video. I think this is one of the best projects you've done, the design is amazing and the snails suit it perfectly

[@gyaradosparty2565]

Wow wow wow. This ecosphere blew me away. Out of all of the videos I’ve seen of yours, this one is maybe my favorite. Please be sure to update on how it lasts as I might end up making one for myself. All of your videos are so lovely to watch and even encourage me in my own hobbies. Keep up the great work, Tanner.

[@christinelainer8999]

Very Beautiful! Thank you!👍🏻🌳

[@i8apezb4i8u]

Been awhile since I watched one of your videos but with regards to your voice, you have come a long way. Your inflections have improved 100% and makes for a pleasant narrative. Good job.

[@stella11979]

Sooo beautiful and serene. I would love to stare at that on a sunlit table over morning coffee. Very nice job and I agree that it needs nothing else. Such elegance in simplicity. 💚

[@liamthompson4884]

Hey tanner, I’ve had a bit of an issue with one of my ecospheres: Sometime last summer, i made an ecosphere from a small lake nearby. I had a shrimp (i think it’s an amano). The shrimp was very healthy in the ecosphere until a few weeks ago a noticed a patch of white mould. At this point, it didn’t really worry me because the shrimp didn’t seem to care about it... however it began to grow rapidly across substrate. About a week ago, I noticed that the mould had started to climb up the sides of the jar and up some java fern. It was then that I had noticed that the shrimp had died and had a thin layer of this mould growing on top of it. The actual mould is quite strange, it’s made from round balls about the size of a pea, and the peas are placed every 3-4 cm away from each other, they also have a thin layer of mould that forms a web like structure. Like I said, the mould only appeared a few weeks ago and the ecosphere was made last summer and hasn’t been opened since. If ANYONE can please tell me anything about what you think has happened or what this ‘mould’ is then please leave a comment! Thanks. (Man, my hands hurting from all of that typing! 😂)

[@moldyer7551]

That almost sounds like eggs rather than mold idk id have to see it.

[@liamthompson4884]

Doggy Mama their definitely not eggs, the biggest think that was in their was a shrimp.... you can also see through them slightly. Thanks for the help tho 👍

[@mickcarson8504]

Anything in jars without aeration goes moldy, eventually. Lack of air and oxygen results in mold growth. Buy a small air pump and see the difference. Only dry and sterilized stuff can go in jars, and sealed. From an ex aquarium shop owner/breeder.

[@liamthompson4884]

Mick Carson ok thanks... I might see if I can find a small airator for my next ecosphere! Thanks 😃

[@deshawnbrownley4487]

@@mickcarson8504 even if there's plants?

[@johnfloydman7735]

Thanks for that 👍 🙏 looks really nice...

[@chriscrisman6565]

This is such a great way to keep yourself entertained and I feel it will be a great way to keep my room clean so I can display the things I will make

[@ALightSwitch]

Thanks for the inspiration! I just made a terrarium for my dad for Father's Day. This a wonderful hobby that I hope I can continue.

[@drezdogge]

I add baby marimos to literally every aquatic scape I do. I split them up into gumball sized babies and roll them and they really do great. They grow so fast I started with 5 in 2015 and gave 25 away Christmas eve alone.

[@bittyb0t]

how do you get them to grow?? my little ones I’ve had for 2 years are teeny

[@drezdogge]

@@bittyb0t bright indirect light, nutrients and co2

[@evalinawarne1337]

Alex. By accident I pushed thumbs down. I am so sorry. I corrected. I hope it does NOT effect. I pushed 👍. That is correct. It was for a few seconds . Thank you for listening. GOD'S BLESSINGS SHALOM. CHOW from MICHIGAN

[@deadpicklechinahboi4777]

@@evalinawarne1337 thumbs down on comments don't do anything I know you thumbed it up tho

[@emihayashi7725]

@@evalinawarne1337 I pressed 👍 for you 🙂

[@Cumupins69]

You are my favorite youtube channel!!!

[@llamabobama]

Such a simple but awesome build when it came together. 👍🏻

[@tonyp6631]

This is awesome. You got me into this hobby and I'm gonna build one of these for sure.. I love your content and can't wait to see what's next

[@makeitkate3240]

Definitely on my list of favorites of your builds. Beautifully done, Tyler!

[@alystairmabloch401]

Can't the glue be harmful to the snails and the moss balls? I love the tree it's beautiful and a cool idea of something to do with moss balls.

[@hyenapeacekeeper2220]

there are eco friendly glues that you can get

[@M0M0F2P0Ms]

I was thinking you could actually pin the moss to the tops of the driftwood. Not sure what to do about mounting the 'trunk' or the 'branches'...hmmm

[@renebachillerjr8843]

That's what I was thinking too

[@tonibauer2949]

There is a guy on KZbin who does awesome aquariums full of life. He uses loctiite superglue, and I wondered about that, but his critters thrive. I believe once it has dried and set it is fine.

[@peanutbuttertoast7742]

@Kate Brown oh wow!

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Thanks, Tanner. I have a rectangular sweet jar I just (re-)discovered in the back garden today. This would be a nice little project for it. I also have slate and sand. All I need is driftwood or maybe a piece of old hedge that's been lying around for a year or two.I might try an aerial one and cover the tree top with fabric or capillary matting to grow actual moss on. Tricky.

[@woahmanitsvalerie]

Wow, this is absolutely beautiful!

[@ShellyCline]

Oh my gosh this is so beautiful. And I adore snails, too.

[@cedb3360]

(Said with a 16th century voice) You my dear, are truly, an artistt.

[@wendyhenschel.]

Love the true simplicity of this one. Will be doing one myself

[@aquamoment]

Wohoooo! Finally, a better version of my moss tree💪🏻 what a Beautiful result!

[@teegandoughman8038]

Back with another banger. I love your videos, and I’m always anticipating new ones. Keep up the good work.

[@SerpaDesign]

Thanks I appreciate that!

[@jacpaq4875]

Can’t wait for the update when you add more inhabitants. Cherry shrimp??

[@iiiii2252]

OMFG SERPA THIS IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST VIDS, KEEP IT UP!!!

[@All.New.Maggie.Who.]

WOW, I have been saving a cool jar very similar to yours and now I know what to do with it. Thanks always good to finally be able to use something you have been holding onto

[@Ash-xx5zd]

Your low key sarcasm is hilarious.

[@donayala862]

About the last video, when you at the top of your game, you dont have to say sh!%.. The work speaks for itself. Looks great, as always! Peace~

[@SerpaDesign]

Thanks I appreciate that!

[@cherawiri9799]

love ya work matey!!! my daughter and I have a tonne of fun making these. Thanks for getting us into it..

[@amechelb]

So cute. You have opened my eyes up to so many techniques I had never thought of.

[@bradb.4570]

Can you make more videos on making ecospheres? How do you keep the water clean?

[@Me-pr3js]

There is nothing to make it dirty xd

[@bradb.4570]

MartiN _ oh right, stagnant water stays really clean....I forgot.....🧐🤔🙄.

[@Me-pr3js]

@Chris Most Ye but these exact snails are "pests" and with quickly eat the moss

[@aliciawestfall2447]

Love your videos 👍

[@janstucht1793]

if u ask me this is the coolest ecosphere i saw until now and i am watching your playlist since hours now. i love minimalistic art

[@knightforlorn6731]

I love the videos man. Your work is beautiful. Cant wait to see more

[@angekfire]

Awesome setup, I have a few moss balls and might give something like this a go. I find currently, the jars they are in end up with a buildup of algae on the surface and on the glass. Do you find the snails sufficient for cleaning that, or do you often go in and clean it yourself?

[@pay1370]

really excited to see what the tree will look like after it's had some time to grow!

[@luckycoulon1417]

I really love your videos and they’ve been great inspiration for me, keep going and I’ll keep watching

[@danib6655]

This looks amazing. Brilliant idea, simple beauty

[@dimithril]

Amazing, can you make a video of your terrarium two month later please?

[@fauziaali2979]

Very nice job I feel like make one for myself

[@randyosborn411]

Wow pretty

[@carolynwalker2713]

Love this! So simple but really effective!

[@blaholtzen]

I found your channel recently and I really like your videos, always interesting to follow your creative process! and cool to see you working with a different aesthetic that usual too

[@cameronsides6644]

Do you have to feed the snails? I've been really thinking about getting into this hobby.

[@TheJesusAlejandra]

Yez they would rlly appreciate some food, my snails love peas, string beans, and zucchini

[@joeschranz4525]

Ale Lagarda the whole point of an ecosphere is that they take care of themselves

[@daniel1980]

I didnt know snails can go underwater... This looks great!

[@blackguyeatingkfc7671]

Not all snails can

[@OriginalRaveParty]

Your videos and your enthusiastic narration are both very much appreciated, and both have come a long way in quality since the very early videos. You have a ton of regular viewers who watch each of your videos and support what you do. Awesome work.

[@SerpaDesign]

I appreciate that! Glad you see how far it's all come. Sometimes I have to go back too see for myself, so that I don't forget.

[@novauzui5617]

I love this one! ❤❤❤Your a great person IRL and at what you do!!! I always love listening and watching your channel!

[@maddiebirdz]

Notification squad!

[@mattyc418]

How long does this eco sphere last for, any water changes etc????

[@steeltoeboots9591]

Simple but beautiful I'm gonna have to try one of these... Looks so relaxing and satisfying.

[@shelleyhillier7581]

This is so beautful , simple as in few ingredients but amazingly beautiful. Well done!!!

[@NeonRazor7]

What about about a round ecosphere with a globe inside of it? With the land masses being cut moss

[@kubawojcikiewicz3936]

@SerpaDesign how to keep it clean? (Water)

[@salvadorrivera1517]

The sanails an moss like a fillter

[@mariawarda4385]

Love watching your videos, also love your patience and creativity 😉😊

[@emustudios146]

You have inspired me so much, now I want to become a landscape architect thanks to you! I also love bringing nature indoors. I am sure you know how many people you inspire!

[@roni3456]

Im new to marimo balls will reshaping them like this "hurt" them or affect their growth/health? I cant tell if you completely tore them apart or not

[@TheMurlocKeeper]

Nup! Not a bit! In their natural environment where they originated, some form into balls, and some just kinda....grow as a sheet over rocks or suchlike. I had one once that was kinda falling apart, so I pulled it apart all the way, flattened it out and lashed it to a nice rough rock I had. Just used some green cotton thread. Worked fine! The stuff really doesn't care, lol! It's just moss!

[@damebucolique]

Not at all, it's not moss, it's a ball af algae and you can use this one for a lot of decoration, it's ok. :)

[@nokturn882]

So do you need to clean it? If yes, how and how often?

[@MaryJo22]

This is beautiful... the tree, the snails... even the colors match!

[@accordingtobush4250]

Yes bro! Amazing work! That is one happy little tree 😃

[@sexiestweebalive5762]

You could try putting some seed shrimps?!!

[@LeWooloo]

Please dont. That wouldnt be fun for them. Shrimps need at least 20Litres to be happy.

[@sexiestweebalive5762]

@@LeWooloo i said seed shrimps (ostracoda)

[@LeWooloo]

@@sexiestweebalive5762 Ooooh my fault, sorry! Yeah that could be nice!

[@bobs5596]

also some daphnia might make it. they might have to be fed tho. i have always liked semi-microscopic life. hydras would be cool in this little jar too.

[@justindory487]

Tanner, where do you get your Manzanita wood from? I live in Canada and it's impossible to find!

[@arathorn867]

He orders it online I believe. He's mentioned it before.

[@SerpaDesign]

manzanita-driftwood.com

[@justindory487]

Thanks!@@SerpaDesign

[@vildotcom]

Another great build! So glad your channel is continuing to grow.

[@sweetidruin]

Wow!! Another great build, thank you for sharing!!

[@superiorlobster8888]

Maybe you could do a tarantula setup?

[@SerpaDesign]

Not unless someone I know gets one and they need a setup. They're cool, but not something I want to get into.

[@Terry15Lover]

The Dark Den is great for tarantula videos!

[@superiorlobster8888]

Yea I watch dark den

[@Brit2092]

And I'm over here growing a bonasi praying to God I remember to water it and I can just have a tree surrounded in water 😂😂😂 should have done this instead 😑

[@elenasong6111]

Bonsi are very very forgiving. I got mine for free because someone pulled all but one of the roots off and threw it in the trash for a week. I have had it for 4 years now lol

[@elenasong6111]

@@rachmae4180 aw I'm so sorry. You can order seeds online and if you take a file and file the side of each seed very lightly you can grow alot of beautiful bonasi.

[@RoslynnNikole]

This is such a neat concept! I never thought to utilize moss balls like that.

[@Dayzdx8]

I like the voice overs. You do great videos. Keep inspiring!