Realistic Indoor Meandering Creek Forest Biome Vivarium

A few months ago I got my Fishing Spider, Toby. Originally, I thought it was a wolf spider and made its vivarium accordingly. It looked great and would actually work long-term, but I knew I could do better after I discovered it was actually a fishing spider.
The woods around my house are part of the temperate forest biome complete with creeks, moss, ferns, trees, etc. Other than taking liberties with materials, this vivarium is a nearly perfect representation of where this spider would live in nature.
I'm ecstatic with how this turned out and I think it's the perfect way to showcase such an incredible animal. What do you think? Let me know in the comments.
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#biome #ecosystem #serpadesign

[@HomemadeEcosystems]

This is one of the most beautiful terrariums I have seen. If you film it closed up you wouldn't realise it is a terrarium. That is the goal.

[@ShikharsBackup]

ayoo love ur videos

[@Poeticfloetic]

So are yours ❤❤❤❤❤

[@cooliipie]

This setup is nearly perfect for an aquatic Chinese crocodile lizard!!

[@silasfoulon]

Was going to say the same it's absolutly incredible👍

[@ophobeblackbird7832]

Watch ants Canada and his new terrarium it’s epic

[@SerpaDesign]

I’m not sure why, but this build really surprised me. I generally have a good idea of how it will look before I start, and this one is no exception. However, it far exceeded my vision. I can’t wait to get the entire invertebrate area looking like this soon enough! It’s also a great way to showcase the spider if you ask me. What do you think? Let me know, and have a great Sunday SerpaSquad!

[@Theaveragewatcher]

It’s amazing in the future id like to see an enclosure with only arachnids( non cannibal ofcourse 😂)

[@lauch_hd8657]

I espacially like the waterfall feature trough out the scape👍👍

[@ArtisticNightmares]

It really does look so good (The look of the leaves caught in the stream and all the short pops of green coming up feels so natural, just a spring day In the north America woods) and should suit toby perfect! thank you my man for the gorgeous build videos and just the care you take for your little dudes you are an inspiration cheers to you and toby (who has gotten a bit gigger eh 😂)

[@TheOrangeFlash]

It looks fantastic Tanner! Would a salamander or newt be a suitable inhabitant for it alongside Toby the spider?

[@RascalV666]

buy yourself a small tool to spread the silicone nicely

[@robynfree1558]

The care and effort you put into an enclosure for one spider is admirable. It's a nice perspective shift that makes you think about which animals we admire and feel "deserve" our effort and appreciation.

[@Beast_Hub]

If I were an animal, I would want to be one of Tanner’s

[@bennygambla3491]

It’s sad watching Tanner build a beautiful enclosure for a spider, meanwhile most animal KZbinrs like Paul Cuffaro can’t even be bothered to put a single piece of structure inside of an entire 6,000 gallon pond.

[@shotgun_blammo]

@@Beast_Hub You are an animal. Unless you’re a cyborg lol

[@Beast_Hub]

@@bennygambla3491 the group of KZbinrs- Nick Bingo, Paul Cuffaro, etc are a stain on humanity

[@morganw.4711]

Tanner I love you. You made one gorgeous vivarium, realized it wasn’t PERFECTLY IDEAL for the spider you found, and made another one. You are all about the husbandry, such an amazing animal caretaker. Thank you for modeling kindness in the world, you make a difference!

[@SerpaDesign]

Thank you - I do the best I can!

[@krysiabrowne3605]

As a true spider and tarantula keeper, this is hands down the best enclosure build I have ever seen for a spider

[@3Clod]

@@Blackout_CDXX spiders could not care less about the setup, they are highly evolved and specialized, they are not curious, they don't play when they are born they just know what to do and they do it. It's pleasing to the human eye of the owner, that's all. The only thing a spider can do with this setup is find a good spot and take advantage of it: this environment is better suited for a spider like this than the previous one but not in an aesthetic way, that's not what matters. The error is transferring human emotions to animals.

[@3Clod]

@Blackout_CDXX that's why enthomologists exist, to study their behaviour, the idiom "like a spider in its hole" has a meaning, in nature they are strictly territorial and don't "enjoy" exploring, they do it for a purpose, to find a good hunting and hiding spot and when that purpose is fulfilled they are content with that hole. We do know what's going on in spiders minds, obviously, because their behaviour is quite predictable. An enclosure of 1m3 would be a waste, they'd not use it, they'd remain in their hole, sometimes you would not see them for months, just an empty enclosure for all that matters.

[@3Clod]

@Blackout_CDXX this enclosure is "objectively better", as you say, for the owner who can enjoy the sight.

[@3Clod]

@Blackout_CDXX stahp humanizing animals and attribute human emotions to them. They are not humans and, in many cases, they are even better than humans. Let's respect and try to understand nature.

[@gael9565]

I've been watching for almost two years now, and I never left a comment, but this specific vivarium really did inspire something in me. I live on the other side of the world, but this creek still feels profoundly familiar to the forests I grew up in. You always bring beauty, and peace, and life, and I really appreciate your work. I think spiders are wonderful little creatures, and I'm confident Toby will enjoy his new home!

[@jamessaunders7931]

You've set such high standards that often as much as I love your projects, I'm often not surprised by their beauty. This one was different. At 9:14 I actually said wow out loud.

[@brentpearce1516]

So did I!

[@suewestby824]

So did I!

[@shadowscythes]

not out loud lol but I basically did too, this is easy one of my new favourites

[@Sandra-lk5yt]

Same!

[@Fofiifii]

the depth and the filling of space with the cork branches really bring this whole build together in composition, also i feel like there's a great balance in the amount of leaf litter to plants that really make this feel so natural. Great work amazing build!

[@Claisical]

Your use of depth and negative space are so beautiful, the curving path of the creek really makes this build look like a dimensional door into a forest!

[@LaBeLsDistracted]

This is indeed a stellar build!! I think you have managed to capture the essence of a natural creek!!! Keep it up! I love to watch these!

[@TheBlackZodiacGhost]

The vertical corkbark branches really makes this a believable slice of nature. I think this is probably the most naturalistic vivarium you've made to date. A close-up shot without showing the cage itself could've fooled me into thinking it was a nature shot.

[@jredmane]

This is my favorite build of yours so far, and that's saying a lot! All this for a spider you don't really see much of. It really underscores the reward of designing for your animals needs -- the habitat turned into its own reward for viewers. So well-executed!

[@sandyloyst1811]

Holy Tanner, you outdid yourself on this one. It is magnificent. The close-up shots.....you feel like you are outside. THAT is an awesome compliment! Thank you so much for the viewing pleasure today. Ontario Canada

[@TheSeptemberRose]

The fact that you would make such a beautiful home for a spider that you found in your house speaks volumes about your character as a human being! Always a pleasure watching your videos!

[@Disorganized_and_chaotic]

Tanner!!! This is absolutely incredible. Probably my favorite build of yours! Thank you for sharing.

[@katem3961]

I live in Australia, where we have many deadly creatures, including spiders. I grew up around many of them. I respect them, and I have much respect for the care you have shown this beautiful arachnid. Absolutely beautiful build 🕸🕷❤

[@leopardgeckotalk]

How lucky is that spider that it stumbled upon your house. It now living its best life 🤩

[@lillian4180]

I love that you DID put in the research necessary and that you were willing to make changes, even just for one little spider. Your integrity is admirable

[@sdmcdaniel2255]

That scape is absolutely amazing! I LOVE the water feature! It's like you literally cut out a section of the woods in a forest and set it inside the tank! It just looks so natural, and so peaceful. I admit, I'm not really into spiders, I would love to see maybe little tree frogs in that enclosure or something, but I don't know if that would work with the spider in it. Still, this terrarium is a natural beauty!!!

[@effy_kujo]

Also, I love Toby & hope they're loving their new home.🕷💚

[@karenlee3198]

I just love how effortless you make it look but so much love and planning went into this, and it shows. ❤ Thanks for showing us what's possible.

[@MsDiggens]

This is so beautiful! Truly a masterpiece!!!

[@PhantomMemory0]

There is something very special about this one. Absolutely gorgeous!

[@effy_kujo]

Breathtaking 😮 I'd want to live there if I were a bug, arachnid, a gnome, etc 😍 you really take your visions to the next level with every new & old/upgraded idea. Absolutely stunning 💚🕷💚

[@girr1994lol]

This build is absolutely stunning!

[@leonardskz3133]

I thought the stones would look way too sharp and unrealistic. But the result look absolutely insane❤ I agree this is one of your best builds

[@dothebunnyhop4026]

This is one of my favorites you've done so far. It looks like a miniature chunk of forest, and I'm in love with how you placed the cork rounds like upright trees. It's gorgeous

[@Hobis_Flower_shop]

Beautiful! This is by far one of the most realistic forest scenes I’ve ever seen. Every time I think you can’t top your last build you do so flawlessly.

[@skeffmaestro]

Agreed. Some of your best work.I love how the light gives you the feeling of seeing a little slice of a scene, super intimate and mysterious.

[@ietjesiobhan]

I keep coming back to this video. It just looks so much like one of the forests I grew up in (even though I’m from Europe), it’s a gorgeous, peaceful build and definitely one of my favourites.

[@alpoh]

Tanner just casually drops one of the sickest enclosures he's ever done... Definitely one of my top 5's from you!! You truly captured the beauty and naturalism of a river in your area! I'm in NE Ohio, so our environment is extremely similar, and this truly looks like you took a slice out of nature.

[@gregoryb7595]

This straight up looked like an actual picture of the woods. Magnificent!

[@evilwzrd]

i'm a long time viewer and wow not only is this build amazing but the video itself is on another level! you really showcased your skills, knowledge, and professionalism here. i feel like a lot of the techniques you've acquired through the years really came out in this build. your growth and accomplishments are a real inspiration to me, thank you!

[@BusterNoggins]

All this for a spider you caught in your bathroom, for whatever reason I find this amazing.

[@noads-ll5xv]

Dude, this is one of your best works. You are perfecting your craft.

[@mantia39]

Tanner,this may be my favorite build yet! It's obvious that you put a lot of love and care into it. I'm sure Toby is pleased!😊

[@joelfoguth4248]

Amazing attention to detail as always, inspiring

[@nate_cc3592]

Been watching your vids for few years now, but something about this build is different. Definitely one of my favorites!

[@XxxxlilypiexxxX]

Tanner I have been watching you grow for a number of years now, and you truly have outdone yourself. How blessed was Toby to be found in your home of all homes!

[@gizmo8453]

It's crazy how a relatively small vivarium can appear so large. Such a piece of beauty 🤌 Imagine having this build in your house, but built in a large scale to cover a whole wall🤯🥹

[@njnature]

Your content is awesome. One of my favorite characteristics is the writing and narration. Impeccable language and gramnar compliment it so well. Very rare on you tube. Brings a breath of fresh air, much like your projects themselves. Thank you.

[@joesheehan__]

That's got to be one of your finest pieces of work. It really looks like you took a slice of the forest from outdoors and bought it home. Adding to that you built the entire thing from scratch, I'd be very proud of it if I were you. Would also suit crocodile skinks well, if there were a bit deeper substrate. Awesome stuff!

[@Kelann08]

This is your best build yet. Gorgeous, great direction, very organic. Looks amazing.

[@joegeoghan]

This build is spectacular man. It is really like you took a slice of a PA creekside and put it in glass. I've been watching for years but I could tell this one was something special.

[@scrubjay93]

It's beautiful and peaceful and natural, with the luckiest spider in the world. It reminds me of little micro-landscaping projects I did on tiny creeks in the woods near my home when I was growing up.

[@MsLeenite]

Beautiful work, Tanner. I know Toby will be loving life in such a high-class environment.

[@Jay-zb7hj]

It’s crazy that in the many years of your experience, you can still surprise and impress yourself, and also continue to blow our minds. Keep up the good work!

[@eekaspeeka5704]

Some of your best work in this one! The use of vertical pieces of cork and wood worked so well to capture the 'chunk of nature' look.

[@stephe.4168]

This is gorgeous! You are a huge inspiration to me in this art form! Improving the care of our animals by bringing a slice of the real world into our homes, so cool. Thank you for putting your work online and inspiring so many of us!

[@lex_ve]

This is the most spectacular build you've ever done. I am so in love with it, and the little spider! Thank you so much again for your work! It's always such an inspiration to me!

[@Histormia]

This is my favourite build from now on. Trully amazing work!

[@Goju_ninja]

Stunning! Thank you for what you do. Because of you and your building techniques, I learned and have built two successful bioactive terrariums that have been thriving for six years now.

[@kaybee_en]

I would echo many of the comments here. This is the most impressive terrarium build I have ever seen and you are an incredibly skilled person. I'm so thankful you chose to share your passion with the world. Thank you.🙏

[@domvalentine9137]

this might the most beautiful vivarium youve ever built! wonderfully naturalistic and everything somehow feels perfectly to scale like its genuinely a tiny creek 🥰🥰 looking forward to seeing this setup in the future and to see what ends up living here down the line

[@robertforrest7956]

You never cease to amaze Tanner....👍🏻

[@Sammy12346]

This is definitely my favourite vivarium you’ve ever built!

[@coryharry7300]

Literally a home away from home for Toby. Beautiful job!

[@sams7708]

This build is one of my favorites! It came out amazing.

[@johnpatterson9219]

I love this terrarium/vivarium indoor creek! The look and sound is so natural…

[@nachobunny14]

this is truly one of your greatest vivariums. the amount of depth and realism you achieved are incredible! thank you for sharing such beautiful and compassionate work 💜 you have once again amazed and inspired me with your dedication & artistry 🙏

[@puddingking5214]

possibly the best build i've seeno n the channel so far! so bright and vibrant, but still very natural. Incredible!

[@The_Mossy_Rock]

That is probably one of the most gorgeous terrariums i have ever seen. 👀💚

[@scissorxdisco]

This may be my absolute favorite build I've ever seen you or anyone make. it's absolutely amazing. 😍

[@katelynfromOz]

This is my favourite build you’ve ever done. It’s honestly beautiful, well done! ❤

[@MrsJoriBug]

This combines ethical and wonderful animal keeping with art. Love this so much

[@Edward..de..lanndo]

Breathtaking and artistic, literary bringing the outside indoors....the fact its for a spider makes it more amazing...its probably the luckiest spider on earth..🕷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🕸

[@estellebabin6059]

Again amazing video. One of my favorites ! I'm looking forward to seeing how the outdoor pond is coming together :)

[@Kjuneholmes]

TRULY IMPRESSED! Excellent work. I have been watching your videos regularly since 2020. You keep taking your projects to new heights!

[@jonhowland4985]

One of you best works, for sure. Absolutely stunning. He really needs an aquatic companion to bring the land and water elements together.

[@crescentcontrol]

This build is one of my all time favorites!!! The way you managed to make an actual creek and the staggered cork to look like trees really does make it look like a slice of the forest. Absolutely amazing!!!

[@wispyspirits2158]

This is probably one of my favorite builds of yours- it's so beautiful and literally looks like you took a slice of nature and put it in an enclosure!

[@dabears444]

Since I found you in April 2020, during "Shelter In Place", I have watched Every Video on Both of your channels and I have to say; THIS is My FAV!! Thank you for sharing your gift and light!

[@matthewplanzos2347]

This is one of if not my favorite build you’ve done. Great work!

[@jasperdragon00]

this might be my favorite build yet tanner!!!! your talent just keeps growing, wow

[@semjart]

This one is so incredible, it truly is a slice right out of nature, so beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. The sense of scale on this one is actually insanely impressive. Well done Tanner!!!

[@jorie42]

This is absolutely stunning and I love that you went above and beyond to create a beautiful home for a random spider that showed up in your house.

[@user-iy6lc5oi9o]

One of your best in 2024, Serpadesign. Keep up the good work, and God bless!

[@ocelotsix6six]

Absolutley love that you did this for a spider. They deserve it

[@AlmightyThagomizer]

Absolutely awesome build Tanner, I agree that this is one of your best. And Dolomedes is totally worthy of this level of respect, they are a truly impressive species!

[@DougZeiser]

I love how you can make these builds sound so simple and easy to make even though we all know this took a lot of talent and hard work. This looks like absolute heaven for a fishing spider.

[@Emfinity]

One of your best! Thanks Tanner! I started collecting moss from around the city, before you I didn't realize that there are so many kinds, even in the city❤

[@stanleywoznick1102]

Even after all these years of watching your videos it still amazes me every time what beautiful work that you do. Well done again!

[@jenOutpost]

It's absolutely gorgeous. Who wouldn't love to have such a lush, realistic slice of nature in their home?

[@aurora_dawn123]

This is such a gorgeous enclosure, I can't wait to see how it grows in, and how Toby does in it.

[@Keikisheiart]

This has to be one of my favorites you've made, its so calm and like a literal piece of the forest. I love everything about it (Even the spider!)

[@destinyramirez8537]

I love your channel,everytime you inspire me. Your channel helped me get into new hobbies that have helped my postpartum depression, and helped me relearn patience and gratitude. Thanks you❤

[@frhaber]

While spiders aren't on my list of desired pets, just looking at this gorgeous terrarium brings me a feeling of peace.

[@INGIE32]

This build is absolutely stunning. I honestly thought from the thumbnail it was huge, that you could walk through it, since the cork bark looks like trees. Really one of your best builds, and that's saying a lot. I'm always amazed at how you are able to make your builds appear so much bigger than they are. I hope to one day have the funds to build something like this and many more!

[@SerpaDesign]

All about understanding scale and perspective 💚

[@awdragonwolf5594]

I think this is one of the most beautiful terrariums you've made

[@mesquitemagic]

That's beautiful. It's fun to watch with or without the spider. The critter just makes it extra-special.

[@cherrywinterberry]

Wow you always make such thoughtful environments for all your animal friemds and I really appriciate that

[@Ryan_Sauer]

Not one to comment much and pretty new to the channel. As someone who frequently builds things and as someone interested in plants and animals, I was severely impressed by your design choices and capabilities in this build. I may live the rest of my life and never see someone put so much thought into something they built for a spider they caught in their bathroom! And that goes to speak for something!

[@janinebean4276]

Gorgeous! One of my favourite builds you’ve done, so much natural beauty!

[@tessastaubly8148]

I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out at first, and you'd think by now I'd know to trust the process. Holy cow, this one is beautiful! the branches of cork bard, and all of the textures. perfection.

[@chileanyways196]

Tanner this is gorgeous!!

[@yungnatediggity]

by far one of your most beautiful builds. thanks again Tanner!

[@kzookid2051]

Definitely one of my favorites of your builds. What a beautiful home for a beautiful spider, and for the creatures to follow in a year or two. Whether the spider is in view or not, this vivarium has so many places to visually investigate and enjoy, I can't imagine it ever disappointing.

[@me-f1835]

This is such a stunning terrarium! It looks so natural, as if you've got a portal to a real creek behind glass!

[@tealduckduckgoose]

It blows me away how you managed to so successfully mimic a slice of nature in this small enclosure. I have quite a bit of arachnophobia, enough that I had to look away when the spider was on screen. But I also appreciate how important and interesting spiders are, and it makes me happy to see one getting such thoughtful care.

[@uhaneokalanijames8029]

its like sitting by a creek or stream out in the woods, you captured it perfectly.