My Closed Terrarium After 7 Years of Life in a Jar

[@SerpaDesign]

7 years!? It feels like just yesterday that I made this terrarium. I know that many of you have been watching since then as well which is crazy. I greatly appreciate your support all these years later. What do you think of the terrarium now? Let me know and have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

[@FENT4LIFE...]

How do you have this much patience? Keep up the good work👍

[@HenryKing-g3v]

But it’s actually so long

[@URANUSguys]

Hey, if moss gets more light then it grows thinner right?

[@TheSwiftCreek2]

Watched most if not all of those videos when they first came out. Maybe at year 8 we'll get minor hardscape additions.

[@tubepkn]

I think it still looks really good. I am amazed that apart from replenishing water, and some fresh air, it manages to survive without replenishing other nutrients. The recycling of the nutrients already in the jar must really work well. A couple of questions out of curiosity: what is your oldest, still living terrarium? Do you keep a log book of sorts for all your terrariums, aquariums, paludariums and other "~ariums"? How many generations of springtails may have lived and died in this terrarium?

[@luxurypetscz]

I wonder what the springtails' lives are like. It's been 7 years so for generations they only lived in this glass... the glass is their whole world. No predators, no bad seasons, just endless food and friends. Sounds like paradise

[@slack__]

reject humanity embrace s p r i n g y

[@-..l]

I wonder if inbreeding effects them. Probably not.

[@exileisland2675]

Every couple months a lovcraftian behemoth opens the sky and SSSNNIIFFFSSS

[@Zackfish12345]

Let this go for a good while and you might get some genetic drift from its ancestor population, possibly might see some “island evolution” type effects

[@ApeX-pj4mq]

@@Zackfish12345Always wondered if any new species have actually evolved in terrariums, mostly concerning woodlice and smaller insects

[@ProximaCentauri88]

Now this made me emotional. This is the first project that I ever saw from this channel in 2019 and I watched it with my mom while she's battling breast cancer and she expressed that she wanted to try terrariums. She died that same year before we could even start the project. Thank you for revisiting this terrarium. It's my favorite!

[@thealien_ali3382]

My dad passed away from jaw cancer it spread all to his body

[@gauravjain7653]

Sorry for your loss. Go ahead and make a terrarium. She would be proud of you.

[@대박0224]

RIP

[@ellie8272]

​@@gauravjain7653 God this comment made me actually cry that's so sweet

[@gauravjain7653]

@@ellie8272 it’s okay dear. Human for human. And a terrarium for human too❤️❤️

[@MattyMonk]

seeing you age over 7 years was the most surprising, I swear had not noticed, but videos like this remind us we all are in the circle of life together

[@charlie_moorcroft]

He’s growing up lol!

[@gauravjain7653]

Beautiful comment my friend

[@aliencreature2842]

He was a cute Twink...

[@carsonhawley8838]

I recently moved across country and lost a lot of established plants. Glad to see this iconic terrarium made it! Here's to another 7 years 🍻

[@jmarshal]

I started watching your videos in your terrarium age. I had always appreciated terrariums aesthetics but had never been a green thumb. But I’d started tentatively doing some gardening and growing house plants and decided I wanted to try a terrarium. Your videos were the first I found and I felt like I was in good hands straight away. My substrate is your mix, and I follow your layouts for the bottoms and I’ve only had success. As I’ve gotten more into this hobby, I’ve started appreciating paludariums and want to try my first one as soon as I organise my house so I have room for it. Thank you for supporting us in this hobby with your great advice and enjoyable videos, and most of all for being you!

[@cherylmartin9994]

I love that you can fit in the size of terrarium to the size of the space you live in. An ecosystem in a jar can be a fascinating thing to watch develop. Thanks for the update!

[@woodfield9584]

Wow. Beautifully written. You must have an incredible archive. I'm so impressed with your storytelling. I appreciate all your varied projects and talents.

[@charlie_moorcroft]

He’s such a talent and a super guy as well.

[@gozerthegozerian4603]

I have a tiny homemade terrarium in a pint jar in my kitchen window. It had grown quite a lot of moss and algae on the glass, so I went out to our back yard, caught a few (3 or 4) pill bugs, put them in, and resealed. It’s been about six or seven months now and they keep the jar spotless. They even clean up decaying leaf matter.

[@ThEhObBiT1959]

I’m from the Uk what are pill bugs. ?

[@kaybee_en]

I have isopods and would love to rehome a few into my terrarium but I'm afraid they won't thrive well enough. I light my terrarium (8 hours a day) and there is a significnt build up of algae on the glass. Did they keep that from happening as well?

[@dinnae]

I had one, too, for about 6 years. I used a scoop of soil from the forest, so that had some interesting creatures living in it. The earthworm lived for a few months. After a year or so, all of the moss started thinning out and dying. After 2 years, one single plant had entirely taken over, and for the rest of its life the whole jar was basically filled with it all the way to the top. All I did was clean the glass every now and then, and add a little water back in. It even survived a move across the continent (in the back of a van for a few days), but it didn't like its new spot in my house, so it started looking sad, and we parted ways. Now that I think of it, it was probably your video that inspired me back then. So, thanks!

[@cody.nature]

“life will go on as it always does” made me emotional😭 such a good video

[@zyishere]

“The biggest change was me” how poetically beautiful, as we all pass by nature is the only thing that remains ❤

[@colecarlson3079]

I think the terrarium is still a gorgeous piece of art. It really shows how much you love your craft

[@francisrodriguez3648]

When you do recaps like this, it is a realization of how long I have been watching your videos. I remember you making this one! Your techniques from years ago to now has definitely improved.

[@themoops.]

its been great to watch the evolution...tiny jar terrariums to giant ponds... and i love the animals too

[@dv9239]

Same haha

[@Tser]

lol "their adversary creeping fig"... I have a many-years old jar terrarium with an Anubius, random wild fern, and creeping fig quercifolia. I left it alone for well over a year this last time (I mean it still looked green and great so I couldn't be fussed) and it was *completely* full of creeping fig from top to bottom... you couldn't even see that anything other than the Ficus. No hardscape, no other plants. I just opened it up for a trim a couple weeks ago, finally, and the fern and Anubias were still thriving, just not visible. The Anubias was buried under a mound of Ficus and still looked green and lovely! One time I was doing aquarium maintenance and pulled out an Anubias and tossed it into a bucket to move to another aquarium, and put the lid on to keep the cats from drinking the water. And then forgot about it. For several months. When I opened it up, it was *fine*... still green and happy, hahaha. They grow so slowly that they can go so long without sunlight without it affecting them, haha. I trimmed probably five terrarium's worth of Ficus out of the jar and tossed them in a random mini aquarium on top of some wet sphagnum moss (I guess it's time to start five new terrariums), pulled out the fern for a larger home, and sealed it back up. I was a bit worried the Anubias would get a sunburn from suddenly being uncovered and having access to light, but I just turned it so the rocks were facing the window to give it a touch of shade, and it's doing great. Now I'll probably neglect to do anything with the handfuls of Ficus in the wet-sphagnum-moss aquarium for a year and that thing will turn into a jungle.....

[@Elzeria]

Talking about changes passing through years, I love the way you're adding more and more humor in your videos (for exemple the breathing sound for the moss that dried out made me laugh 😅) ! You are inspiring me so much years after years, can't thank you enough for the amazing job you've done so far Love you, wish you the best in your new home !

[@jiminiechubbycheeksj6296]

Your ability to keep track with all of these long term projects never fails to blow my mind!

[@aprilwilliams364]

So glad to see that its still doing well. That one was the one that started my love for this channel. So beautiful.

[@adrianb.4155]

new Serpadesign saturday morning on west coast and a coffee is a relaxing morning.

[@luanskipolanski215]

For me it's the story-telling combined with visual perfection, so soothing for my ocd.

[@MsLeenite]

Love the mosses and creeping fig. Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Tanner. Your videos definitely pass the sniff test!

[@Alicia.Marie.13]

That is the first build I ever saw from you. It was recommended to me by KZbin and I'm so glad for it! Been here ever since!

[@TheOfficialDarren]

Such a good and kind hearted video! Love it

[@lailiakadaisy]

Our Earth is so resilient and so fragile at the same time. What a beautiful journey this little terrarium has been on. As always, thank you for sharing your love of all things flora and fauna.

[@gatosmom45]

It’s good to see you online. I really enjoy each and every one of your broadcasts. I’m learning a lot, even though I don’t apply the information to anything. You’re very engaging to watch.

[@TerrariumCartel]

I started making terraria because of watching your videos thank you

[@lara_xy]

A beautiful conclusion at the end!

[@charlie_moorcroft]

He’s a genius.

[@coliflower-go1lr]

So amazing to see you and your channel grow! I love to see that you’re still connected to your roots with terrarium videos. The outro honestly made me a lil emotional🥲

[@joreindear]

Tanner you are really a good storyteller 👍🏻😊

[@ghomerhust]

these long term looks are always really neat. seeing the progress, or lack thereof, is extremely interesting.

[@moonbasket]

What a beautiful terrarium! Glad to see it thriving

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

Nice to see that reducing the light helps to curtail the grow a bit. In a sunny window that would be solid Oak Leaf Fig.

[@CricketsMa]

Ha! Good to see the progress of this glorious jar. I saw the last update, too. 😍

[@Chalkie-xt1dr]

See you next year!

[@zhxnick]

Your terrarium jar videos were so interesting to me when I first saw them. I fully made a couple myself.

[@07prxone]

I love it. I learned how to make terrariums years ago with your videos. It's funny to open once in a while my oldests terrariums and notice how they evolved through the years. Cheers man, keep teaching. Greetings from Costa Rica

[@michaelajaros807]

It's amazing how much stuff you can fit into a single jar.

[@sarahtermite]

Definitely compare the expensive substrate with pond soil, please! I’ve recently set up a tank with pond soil topped with sand, and it’s been the most trouble-free one I’ve ever had. Absolutely no algae problems, which is a first!

[@sargeyo3123]

I love you are so commited to these terrariums, super inspiring!

[@Maggie19701]

You have patience of a saint

[@t_s4500]

Yessssssssss we all love when you upload

[@Artichoke914]

hi

[@concretejungletvSE]

Nice one! The closed terrarium videos has a nostalgic feel to them, in a great way of course!

[@OppyAstro]

Imagine if the entire earth is just a giant terrarium made by some divine lifeforms

[@sushi777300]

You're voice is so soothing 😊

[@stampinturtles]

As I watch this video my daughter is saying “hey that voice sounds familiar.” I think it’s amazing how your content reaches all types of generations. It’s a testament to your faithful posting, your authentic story telling and your passion for moss. 😉 I’m grateful for this channel and all you do to promote creating our own ecosystems. ❤🫙🙏🏻God bless you!

[@intelhd4000]

hear me out...what if we're living in a terrarium??

[@franciscomedinav]

We literally live in one.

[@sudarmantoanto2965]

Yeah, planet-sized terrarium🤔

[@Marylin9851]

I don't mind it it's pretty (besides human)

[@genZ_EDITS12]

Oh man, that's crazy to think about 😮😅

[@dannysarmiento828]

We are

[@light1908]

SD, you are an OG!! Double doff!!

[@sabidbirb9391]

Love the humour in the video, i made my first permanently closed terrarium a couple months ago, shut it with silicone. Its still doing amazing! It turned out 3 isopods live in it, which i didnt know about but they are doing great too.

[@charlie_moorcroft]

He’s talented and hilarious!

[@LOL-bs1hg]

Imagine god shows up, and we all brace ourselfs for what he has to say, but the only thing we hear is *Sniff Sniff* "Smells Great!" then he pours water on us causing a flood

[@riot2136]

Alright, I’m glad you didn’t describe what the ‘clean-up’ that Tanner did for the plants would entail for us with God, seems like it be pretty graphic lol

[@LOL-bs1hg]

yeah.. it would be horrific@@riot2136

[@Makpakondeck]

After what we’ve done these last couple centuries to this jar I don’t think god would say smells good

[@NikhileshSurve]

😂😂

[@Pats4Bunny]

Keep up the good work! You are my favorite KZbinr!

[@charlie_moorcroft]

I agree!

[@W1k1so]

Theae vids always are so relaxing but some how and i dont know why i get al little emotionale every time these Videos are so inspireing and thank you for giving me something to look forward to . Keep it up ❤

[@buttcheesegaming9983]

I have a great idea for a video! What if you create a similar ecosystem like this, but you make it even more closed by burying the jar underground not allowing any sort of light in, and you attach a battery powered heater, acting as a sort of sun that only emits heat. Theres a lot of animals and other organisms that would survive in that kind of ecosystem and I think it would be really cool

[@HAMBURGER-s1l]

Life will go on as it always has......fantastic......ohhhh so true. I will try to create a closed terrarium soon....(without doing the smell tests)...Any other plants you can recommend that can stand the test of time in the jar? Great video...keep rockin!

[@jurassic_hobbyonmyaltaccou3878]

My pond liner arrived yesterday and I am building my first ever liner pond, it’s 4m x 2m

[@judymckerrow6720]

Thanks Tanner, looks great! 🍁🍂🍁💚🙃

[@kiuakakirstine8257]

the Jar that got me hooked on Terraiums..

[@cara9648]

I enjoy watching the growth change after each maintenance.

[@tanjalv]

You inspired me to make a terrarium out of the plants and mosses found in the nature around. it is over 1 year old now and still growing :)

[@WomenRespecter9000]

The effect that the fungi and other organisms had on the wood was remarkable. After 7 years it was nearly a clay-like paste. It's really interesting to see a timelapse of organic breakdown and decay.

[@lorataylor1098]

Love the updates!! Please don't stop doing them! ❤❤❤

[@unicorngj]

Love your work and yes I remember watching the earlier ones. You're also correct about life is like an enclosed terrarium, nothing stays the same..

[@GrimmTheReptileMan]

This is- without a doubt -my favorite channel to watch. It's really calming, educational, and just entertaining. I'm always excited whenever I see a new video pop up so thank you for brightening my days! Ps. The collaboration videos are really cool as well, love them too!

[@EchidnaKida]

I just want to comment that I'm setting up my next fish tank and this is the first time I'm using expanding foam. I only know to use it for this stuff because of your channel. I foamed 5 pieces of dragonstone and 2 pieces of driftwood together in a formation that I really like, and will use that foam again for future projects. I LOVE your channel, thanks for the help.

[@theouterinn]

you're awesome at what you do man, happy to see that your channel's getting the success it deserves. great stuff as always

[@terbog]

Those terrariums have encouraged me to start my own. Have made 7 so far this year, and its interesting to see how they are all different, how they progress and develop. Some do very well, some others don't - even if they were set up at the same time with the same methods, materials and plants. One has a healthy population of springtails, another doesn't - but still, life is going on in those.

[@EscapeReality94]

Yay a new video! Been binge watching your stuff hoping for something new to be posted! 😊❤

[@sigmaergrundlet9732]

Thank you for this video, just a calm and relaxing way to show us how its done, perfect

[@perplex_pwnd]

I really love to watch your Videos. Your closeness to nature is very impressive. Please go on and excite and inspire us with more cool ideas 😍

[@718Insomniac]

I mean, you won me over with your channel a while ago. But the sniff tests just solidified you as a true man of culture and dedication. Hahaha, this was a great video.

[@sarahwatts7152]

I really love how it looks now

[@thenamesPRINDLE]

The sniff test gets me everytime 💀😂

[@TheJaysin67]

Great video Tanner! That looks like something I could do myself :)

[@jamesduncan578]

beautiful presentation and profound words at the end.

[@jayrado5580]

I kind of smelled that today a video will come and im very exited to see it

[@lazloholt262]

Is it still a closed terrarium if you open it for maintenance? Isn't no maintenance kind of the point?

[@josephmeador1529]

Its a little comforting to know that there are millions of tiny closed ecosystems all over the world ... If life on the surface of the planet was wiped out its certin that life would pop out from somewhere eventually.

[@chrisreilly1290]

7:50 tell me more about your walk in the woods!

[@gypsypunk333]

So crazy that the sphagnum woke back up! Nature is amazing.

[@letrosezburn1495]

This was a great video and exactly why I love your content. You always are growing and sharing your knowledge and craft and it helps us realize we can do it too. We all start somewhere.

[@marlenebean]

I love these! It's like a living science experiment 🤓

[@bobcarn]

That's really amazing! I loved watching this.

[@SlinkySmith59]

I have a question. How often should you clean the glass?

[@spacehunter2018]

oh my god, when i was 7 years old this terrarium was being built

[@robinbeasley4591]

I have watched many of your videos and am still unsure about how much sunlight or ambient light closed system terrariums need. I want to build some for my mom who is recently become bedridden but need to make sure her room will have enough light for them. Thank you.

[@stephgiersz1655]

the ending made me emotional

[@Cinnawill]

This is seven years ago….. the terrarium is still thriving… wow. ❤

[@blue_wolfblade]

Ngl it’s been interesting watching you change along the way!!

[@tmreptile]

This was great! I don’t think I blinked the whole video 😂

[@GatorLife57]

Ty Tanner I can not afford to do a large terrarium but this is perfect for me. GOD bless !

[@Zaku186]

Can you do a detailed vid on how to move houses with big enclosures?

[@mcbabs7495]

Très intéressant, merci pour la vidéo!

[@Jewsus_Crisco]

It's been 7 years since then already? Where does the time go?

[@RumstedRanger]

This was an amazing video. Hard to keep my eyes off it lol! Very good cinematography

[@ConsumingFire12]

That was a pretty cool video Tanner!😃 You know what would be even cooler? A crayfish tank! Come on Serpa squad help me here!

[@mikedhaen6878]

You just made an interesting documentary about a glass jar of garden scraps. Amazing!!!

[@SakibLH44]

Omg amazing video man... Incredible

[@treehugger3971]

Really nice job. Very impressive

[@RoeJogan]

More Pipa Pipa!!!!

[@peterferguson2344]

Amazing 👍

[@LennoxTC]

Thanks for sharing your progress! Your videos are very enjoyable to watch 😄