Naturalistic + Bioactive Crested Gecko Vivarium (Housing Henry 2.0)

Here we go again... another naturalistic/bioactive vivarium build! In this demonstration, I show you how I made a new and improved setup for my Crested Gecko, Henry. Henry was my first Crested Gecko and the reason why I like these little guys so much. I felt like I owe it to him and Crested Geckos at large, to make another video demonstrating how to set up a suitable vivarium. As I usually say, you do not need to make something this elaborate to keep a happy and healthy animal, but there's no reason not to!
I'm making three more videos for this series, so if I didn't cover something in this video, chances are that I will in one of the others. I will say though that I have a fan and UVB lighting included in this setup (I know those will be two common questions). I'll expound upon these items in a later video.
Understand that Crested Geckos are arboreal (spend most, if not all of their time in trees), so when creating a setup, design it in a way that accommodates this aspect of their habitat. Although this tank might not look like it just yet, when it grows in, it will very much mimic a dense canopy. You can't go wrong creating a setup that mimics an animal's natural habit. Good plant choices include large leafed plants and hardy plants that can take a beating. Do a little research and you can easily pick out a good selection.
Something else I should mention is that this type of background can be done without making three panels. If you want to make a single background panel, follow the same procedure, but make it slightly larger than the width of the inside of your enclosure (roughly 1/8” wider). You could also create it outside of the enclosure like this and silicone it in place. This of course will attach it to the tank, but you could still get the benefits that come with making a background outside of the enclosure.
If your wondering what tank this is, it's a DIY plywood enclosure that I made myself. If you want to learn how I made it, check out this link: • DIY Plywood Reptile En...
Below are some links that could be of use:
Tropical (ABG) Substrate Mix:
• Tropical Terrarium Sub...
Background Tutorials:
• DIY Concrete & Foam Ba...
Housing Henry 1.0:
• Naturalistic/Bioactive...
Vertical Vivarium Series:
• DIY 10g Aquarium to Ve...
Culture Your Own Springtails:
• All About Springtails ...
#crestedgecko #vivarium #serpadesign

[@felixm8945]

Youre not just an reptile keeper. Youre an artist, gardener, architekt, ingeneer and a reptile keeper together.

[@spacebandit5743]

Felix M *architect.

[@loansommebastard65]

a reptile keeper*

[@persephionie7412]

...wow ^^^^

[@kindaeztho3886]

And a youtuber :v

[@dribblegodchallemger7991]

Good of grammars

[@SpectraGlo]

I seriously think this is your best video yet. Henry's home looks better than what you'd find in a high quality zoo! Great work!

[@SerpaDesign]

Haha thanks! Wait till you see the other one. I think it's way better than Henry's.

[@sowjanyacv6462]

@@SerpaDesign Don't worry, we won't tell Henry about it 🤐

[@Froggy711]

I really like how you took the time to fully explain what you were doing and mentioned things you would have done/might have done differently. Showing everything you did made me appreciate the effort that went into the enclosure. It was a breath of fresh air after watching a couple videos from some 'dude' whose setups looked so haphazard and rushed I wondered if the whole thing didn't collapse into a heap as soon as the cameras were off. I haven't seen a setup like this one before with the styrofoam backing in a cabinet. It looks nice. One of my goals is to build my own bioactive Vivarium (or Paludarium!) for frogs. I really want to take my time and make it a home that I can enjoy as well as the frogs. I hope I can make something close to this. Thanks!

[@SerpaDesign]

Thanks I'm glad that you enjoyed the build and appreciate the effort that went into it. I always try to present things in way that my viewers can actually learn and apply what I've shown with minimal/no questions. It's not hard to set something up like this, just plan it out and do some research. Chances are you will have great success the first time if you do so. Also I came up with this background technique myself, so that's why you haven't seen it elsewhere.

[@duncanrobertson1306]

I really think you should do a carnivorous plant terrarium with sundews, pitchers, bladderworts, etc. I’m setting mine up soon but I think you could do a great job of one

[@felixm8945]

Duncan Robertson pls make a video of it when you set it up, i would be really interested.

[@duncanrobertson1306]

Felix M Sure

[@ambrosius4603]

Yes please make a video :)

[@WetAdek]

Im interested too, would be very helpful for what Im going to do^^

[@tacoshells741]

Duncan Robertson you never posted it.

[@CrazyAquariumGuy]

You are an artist at heart Mr Serpa. Beautiful setup.

[@SerpaDesign]

That's how I got my start!

[@VictoriaRaechel]

Okay wow that looks amazing and I now feel intimidated 😂

[@SerpaDesign]

Haha thanks! One step at a time. It's not as involved as it looks.

[@BigJsSecretStash]

@@SerpaDesign Hows Henry doin?

[@Divinehasabadmic]

@@SerpaDesign such a mad lad

[@noodle-]

Haha

[@bobophett1179]

I love how your channel grew from simple backyard terrariums to bioactive vivariums for live animals. Truly a testament to your growth and skill

[@Kdragonlaser]

I've been following your journey through youtube for a while now. A few weeks ago I decided to have a crested gecko. Believe me, I was delighted when I saw that you, of all the people I follow, have made such a video. Your videos are my therapy.

[@loganhawkins4749]

bro I gotta say with this much work involved you deserve more subs

[@felixm8945]

Logan Hawkins true

[@mvgikk1969]

but there arent as much people who are interested in this

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

this is art man! I am blown away by this channel. I'd love to try and make something even half as nice as this on my own channel. Amazing inspiration!

[@Enoxix.]

Henry is going to be happy as F!

[@riekekelm9276]

I love removeable panels. Thank you! It makes me able to reuse the terrarium more easily. And in case mold would form or one side breaks I could easily replace it!

[@gavinolsen431]

Absolute GOAT in the KZbin world when it comes to keeping reptiles in beautiful, naturalistic enclosures and explaining exactly how to do so. Keep it up Serpa Design!!!

[@prehistoricorchid3455]

This looks just like an terrarium in my local zoo. They're amazing qt takeing care of their animals and im sooooo happy you take so much care of yours. He must be so happy in his new home

[@flowersjeans5706]

I just want to say thank you so much for giving all of your reasons and information on why you used certain things as opposed to others because I was having such a hard time finding plants and making my own substrate and this helps a lot

[@ViolenRose]

This is the most informative start-to-finish vivarium set up I've found yet! Absolutely stunning viv, and I love Henry!

[@hubetubetv380]

That looks amazing Tanner... another fantastic job!!!

[@dandelionmosssycamore8218]

This was very entertaining and educational. I can see how much love and care you put to your work. Thank you for thinking so much for the plants and animals as well as the overall built you are amazing for your work mah dude.

[@TheFirstAmendment]

I just wanted to say that your videos are top notch. Your editing and detail you put into each video for the instructions are awesome and your links pop up right after you suggest checking the link after you suggest it. I use all of your videos for inspiration for my own projects and the knowledge you have to apply to my own. Your channel and what you put out rather consistently is how everyone should do it. Your channel is what KZbin is all about. Thanks again

[@antonstroms407]

I suddenly realized a question: how do you approach shopping for supplies? Whenever I shop, it's usually when I'm looking for specific things, and if I don't find those things exactly, I end up leaving with nothing. For example, I was looking for a light the other day for a project I've been working on, but upon getting to the store(s) I realized I hadn't planned well enough in certain ways, and that made me doubt everything. Would you be interested in doing a video on how you research products/go shopping? If not that's completely okay- I just know myself and potentially others may be interested in your methods in that regard. Unconnected to that question; this is an incredibly neat build. The way you scaped it is fantastic, and I'm glad to hear Henry likes it as much as we do!!

[@easternbarnowl560]

I usually buy something close enough and work from there

[@dandelionmosssycamore8218]

That would be very helpful to those watching the videos. I hope he sees and thinks of considering it.

[@katherinemudd5274]

Omg you have inspired me! Henry is so blessed having you as his human! Thank you so much. I look forward to seeing more videos!

[@stephanier.680]

Awesome tutorial, thanks so much for making it. Many other DIY videos are confusing but yours is really simple and well explained.

[@Lestan82]

I love watching these videos. Your vivariums are amazing. Your hard work and attention to details show . Beautiful set ups and lucky geckos

[@TuckerSP2011]

It's just awesome! I think Henry will love it!

[@reptiqueen7275]

I'm getting my first crestie this week and I'm so excited! I can't wait to build him something awesome

[@EricCustodioGospelkid]

I love your excitement in this video. Keep this tone when you dub over your next videos! Love your channel all the way from AZ!

[@jamesraio3027]

This is truly amazing. Absolute work of art. Extremely well formatted it terms of video quality also.

[@ownsacat]

I like watching you make a background but I don't see myself ever doing this. It looks so good. Your little gecko friend is lucky.

[@KingSkrap]

I used flex seal, works great. It is a fully wood enclose so I used a heavy duty plastic bag for the bottom and sealed behind it, works great so far. So glad I get to watch these guys and keep them!

[@sairsairbby8526]

Thanks for your videos Tanner they are both informative and relaxing to watch. Im excited to get started on my own vivarium soon!

[@orangeyoung3339]

Been looking forward to this. Awesome build as always! I appreciate your use of different materials and making different setups each time, it has given me so many ideas.

[@SerpaDesign]

I always try to show something a little different each time, so I appreciate that you recognize that.

[@Oxalis_stricta]

I somehow ended up here, binge watching your videos. I originally wanted to look at aquascaping videos. Henry is adorable and the enclosure is beautiful.

[@hanloucloud1334]

Absolutely stunning! You’ve put so much thought and effort into this! Beautiful

[@user-ji6cq6bc5f]

ill try doing it! thank you for showing step by step and the explanation helped a lot!

[@fealubryne]

Holy crap. I've been watching videos on bioactive vivs because I'd like to make one for my gargoyle gecko at some point. This is so overwhelming, especially since I'm still learning. I'd be lucky to get anywhere close to half as awesome as this setup! That said, it's absolutely gorgeous, looks like you took a chunk straight out of nature for your gecko. So impressed!

[@kettunainen]

Thank you so much for all the awesomeness you’ve done and put on KZbin. I also wanted to say that I love this background music!

[@HUNTENMASTA1337]

these are my favorite videos the vivarium build videos are fun to watch

[@drizzy268]

5 Andy

[@sisselnielsen8799]

mat H æxfz

[@kenartz4088]

Great build. You put me one step closer to getting the crested I have been wanting

[@jevegabuzz1446]

I hope you can do more videos like this with further results showing the growth in plants and final look.

[@Conrad1013]

This is the best vivarium video I've seen so far. Beautiful set up, that's living art.

[@LocNguyen-oe2jh]

It look like a small jungle in a box , i am sure henry will love this

[@naerwyn239]

Holy crap!! I love this one so much! You have always had a really good eye, but (I think) this setup really showcases how much you have learned idea-wise, and aesthetically. I am jealous of Henry! x'D

[@oskarwalczak5285]

Love it! Can't wait to see how this terrarium is doing

[@kamrenjones1641]

Love the set up and videos you can tell you really care about your animals and how they live their lives

[@raccoonballs1513]

Haven’t watched cause it was just uploaded. But Henry’s first tank looked amazing! Currently I only have 1 bioActive tank. But I am culturing springtails and Dwarf white isopod! Anyways keep up the good work!

[@teegandoughman8038]

This is amazing, he takes pride in his work, and I love that

[@monobloc]

i really appreciate how much work you put in.

[@patriciasumic1517]

Love watching you establish your “gardens” for your geckos lol thankyou you explain it well even for novices

[@gabbiesmith8877]

Your videos always make me want a million vivariums. I really got to get to building one of these.

[@inexpensiveprints7385]

Thank you, this video inspired me to get a crested gecko and setup a Vivarium. Truly appreciate it.

[@cryingsilence6408]

I like how much art you can put into your enclosures and yet have so much care for your animals, really well made and done. Thank you for being nice to your pets

[@piotr5e3]

Looking forward to the next video in this series!

[@JoeyunderscoreJr]

My only pets are a dog and cat but I still watch all these videos just because I love to see how creative you are

[@b9dartfrogs730]

I’ve been watching your videos for weeks now!! I’m learning so much, I hope to do my own live terrarium for my frogs!

[@angelaarmstrong9467]

Omg....amazing. My grandson loves all animal's, thanks to Wild Kratts. I'm gonna study all your videos to make for his room. Science is his best subject in 2nd grade. Ty,ty,ty. We will follow always

[@32Koifish]

This video has so many good bits of advice and flows really well, wow

[@dylansandmann1093]

Your crested gecko is really beautiful. He looks amazing.

[@Morhua1]

I thought it looked good before the plants were in. When it was done my jaw was on the floor.

[@felixm8945]

Mattias too

[@Sonicrick66]

I am thinking getting Crested Gecko this helping lot to eventually come to fruition. Great Job Tanner exceptional video.

[@artfisher1235]

Absolutely. When you drilled more holes in the cork to give the gecko egress points, we can only guess the greatly reduced stressing on the reptile. These guys are escape oriented of course, since their are not equipped with the size and weapons needed to defend themselves.

[@tabafication]

Awsome viv and awsome explanation, can't wait to the update!

[@Da_Vincis_Daughter]

This is amazing. Best vivarium video I've seen so far. So many good ideas

[@Aaron-ng3vs]

I have now seen this video multiple times. But is it still entertaining? ABSOLUTELY!

[@itz_fez]

Something about the way this man speaks has me relaxed

[@antsareawesome9284]

Charmed

[@quinnschneider2045]

Since I found your channel I have been so addicted I love it and go to your channel for everything I’m trying to do amazing work

[@SharpeLily]

You’ve got some amazing tutorials on this channel! Keep up the good work man, it’s fantastic 😁

[@randompants7311]

My crestie would LOVE this. I’ll have to try it when they change enclosure.

[@melissavoorn5660]

Was waiting on this! I am going to build a vivarium from scratch this summer! So exited

[@SerpaDesign]

Awesome! Good luck with your build!

[@melissavoorn5660]

SerpaDesign thanks❤

[@tzanosfls]

Man you do an amazing job.I really enjoy to watch your videos and also I have learned a bunch of things. Please keep it that way.

[@SerpaDesign]

That means a lot! I really do my best to create the content that I do. That said, I don't intend on ever changing the type of content that I put out. I'm still trying to improve the quality/delivery, but I know that's not what you mean.

[@jonathanesparza1001]

Great job man. You're homemade setups are always a blast to watch come together

[@banzai2759]

Your*

[@jonathanesparza1001]

Diego Otter what are you talking about? Wait...what have I done?? What have I - NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@Djekwkskkw12]

Another fantastic video, awesome set up!

[@stevhanhughes673]

I thoroughly enjoyed your new home for Henry....

[@holladolla3047]

There’s no other word for it, you are an artist!

[@eunicewashington9705]

You're work is absolutely amazing

[@stefanburczymucha945]

Your nature is so natural! Truly amazing!

[@madelinewitt9285]

these videos are so relaxing and beautiful to watch!

[@tiarenechandler5185]

Wow this is awesome .....all of them look amazing ...you're work is really amazing

[@polishjerry6389]

This looks so real it might was well just look like you scooped it out the forest. you are so good at this

[@marcsallis-lyon7573]

Yeeesss!!!! They just keep getting better!! I love what you did with the cork bark. I can't wait for part 2 and the next series!! 👌

[@SerpaDesign]

Thanks! I'm glad that you like how I treated the cork bark. I wanted to do something a little different with this one.

[@marcsallis-lyon7573]

SerpaDesign You definitely achieved that! The removable background was very clever. Thank you for inspiring me to start my own. Keep up the amazing work!

[@brianhowie7882]

Looks awesome, what I do is when my expanding foam has just been dispensed, I simply put either my sand or coco fibre e, t, c strait on it then shop vac it off when its dry Brian Howie from Edinburgh Scotland

[@felixmakesart]

Been looking forward to this!!!!

[@stefxn1074]

It looks very good! I recommend a coconut hide or more hides👍

[@purpzwarsong6757]

I Love how i leave a comment on one of your videos about this very thing asking you questions when all along you had the answers for me. I FUCKING love what you did here dude. Looks so natural and appealing to the eye. I'm Def gonna do something like this for my Tippy girl! Also thank you for all the side comments and detail you throw into the commentary. Really helps me feel confident that I too can do this myself!

[@kjeldsloot]

First I was thinking what is he doing. But the result is awesome to watch. Great job.

[@SerpaDesign]

Haha thanks, that's what I like to hear!

[@mordin5590]

SerpaDesign I tried making the enclosure the same way and it came out great. The only thing is that it’s been a few days and the silicone smell hasn’t gone away. Any ideas for how to fix that?

[@thomaszimmer652]

Perfect video as always! You're the king!

[@abominationenvy5422]

You and your videos are inspiring! Been waiting for my rainbow boa to grow up a bit before going bioactive and doing more with his enclosure. Finally got to it and I've been using this video and your king snake one as a guide. My brb's enclosure is a thick plastic tub and tbh I'm a little nervous if it will all work and hold the same way, mainly if the expanding foam is even okay to use with a plastic tub? Seems to be working out so far and it does look great. Is there any concern I should be worried about because I'm using a plastic enclosure instead of glass or wood?

[@themusenextdoor]

I'm watching this with my crestie to get ideas for his eventual "room remodel" and he approves!

[@nightwolf2707]

It so cool that some one that cares so much about there animals they take the time to do this

[@peteranddorothybowles5428]

nice job mate Looks great and you know the animals will be stress-free great job

[@orchids6404]

I want to make a vivarium for my leopard geckos one day. you have done beautiful work here.

[@steelfloor10]

You have gotten so good at this but it’s absolutely amazing

[@nadiatenorio8324]

holy woW..dude you put a lot of work in this stuff keep up the good work :) this looks so good!

[@jennifercarlson8431]

Unbelievable! Beautiful work

[@anniemaes283]

Can't wait to see what it looks like once the plants grow

[@MsK4YY]

beautiful setup, such a lucky gecko

[@badmandansanchez1823]

You are brave rinsing the plants directly into your drain. I spray like crazy outside then final rinse with a screen in the drain. Great video either way👍 I'm all about the bioactive vivarium, nothing but the best for my darts.

[@amyelgato]

I also have a crested gecko named Henry! I love it!

[@charlesbr7684]

Your work is simply amazing!!!

[@arunassurvila9644]

first time i've stumbled across your content, but it amazed me :D somehow it feels so satisfying watching it all come together. Stay high my friends

[@johnfloydman7735]

Fantastic video again , real enjoyed it . Your crested gecko is one lucky guy , bet he can't wait to get in to his new home 😁😁🐸..

[@SerpaDesign]

I'm more excited than he is lol! He doesn't even know about it at this point.