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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[@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!

[@EpicFailz1]

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.

[@cmpc724]

@@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

[@Mothobius]

@@bennygambla3491 To be honest many large fish keepers have open water tanks. I guess to mimic the deep open water the fish live in

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@Notmeoryouagain]

One of my favorite things about this channel is that Tanner finds a spider and builds a tank from scratch for it. Honestly, it's one of my favorite youtube channels.

[@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 🕸🕷❤

[@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

[@leopardgeckotalk]

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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@sanfteliebemaschine7971]

Absolutely stunning, it reminds me of a small creek that is 5 mins from my house which is probably my favorite place to be.

[@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

[@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 💚🕷💚

[@PhantomMemory0]

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

[@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.

[@mesquitemagic]

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

[@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.

[@MsDiggens]

This is so beautiful! Truly a masterpiece!!!

[@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

[@effy_kujo]

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

[@girr1994lol]

This build is absolutely stunning!

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@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

[@noads-ll5xv]

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

[@gregoryb7595]

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

[@BusterNoggins]

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

[@joelfoguth4248]

Amazing attention to detail as always, inspiring

[@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.

[@nate_cc3592]

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

[@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.

[@kathygraham6251]

loved it, I am inspired, have a fear/fascination of spiders, what a homebuild

[@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!😊

[@stampinturtles]

I thought last week’s was jaw dropping beautiful. (It was). But this makes my jaw drop off. Lol. I love how you care about each of your animals and want the best for them. This enclosure is beautiful to look at. I want it! Lol so now I’m thinking of redoing mine. Again. Lol 😂 my baby box turtles are growing fast and they’ll probably be ready to go outside within a year or two. But for now I try to give them the best set up. Thanks for your inspiration and this amazing build. It’s my favorite of yours. So far. 😉🌱🍂🕷️🪨⛲️

[@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!

[@Mossy_Rock23]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@cherrywinterberry]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@Histormia]

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

[@Parker2960-rd1zj]

That would be an amazing terrarium for any North American salamander species. Would be interesting to watch a Tiger Salamander in such a nice ecosystem.

[@estellebabin6059]

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

[@chileanyways196]

Tanner this is gorgeous!!

[@ttoctam3]

Stunning build. At the beginning it didn't look like I was gonna love it, but in true you fashion it quickly captured a perfect balance between natural and intentional composition and beauty.

[@shadowscythes]

I think this is my favourite vivarium so far...wow As someone who loves spiders I admire how much effort you put in and how much space you gave it to roam around, one day I hope to be able to create stuff like this for myself

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

Always impressed with how much care you put into the enclosures for your critters. To me all living things have personhood and should be treated with respect. And I love spiders! This has a wonderful place to live!

[@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🤯🥹

[@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!!!

[@lil.dizzee4220]

I think this is my favorite one of yours too 😍 so pretty 🙏🌱 forest art 🖼️ 🌳

[@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?

[@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 💚

[@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.

[@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.

[@scarytherapy]

If building "natural habits" was a sport, you'd be an Olympic athlete

[@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.

[@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.

[@datdoubledipper]

It looks very realistic! Love Toby!

[@unknowable4147]

Imagine going into a random house because its warm and cozy, getting drapped and then dropped into mansion after mansion without anyone to threaten or disturb your peace

[@Crynok]

This is the most impressive vivarium I have ever seen. Incredible how natural the water element looks and flows.

[@grayfiresoul]

Anything which captures a slice of nature as it exists in its non-managed, un-harassed state in the outdoors, as if lifted up directly from soil and brought into a tank, is my favorite. This may be my favorite build of all so far, beyond the outdoor landscaping you've done. I deeply hope one day to execute buildouts like this one, too.

[@christineherrmann205]

I'm sorry I misidentified you; have a new house.

[@rachelferguson6481]

I really enjoy this one, I love builds that look like a scaled down model of the real world but are still sustainable for years to come!

[@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.

[@johnpatterson9219]

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

[@ahmetbaydar4937]

Thanks to your adice i acsualy have made my own terrarrium thank you🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@Summer-vk4ou]

So beautiful! Some common minnows would look amazing, though I don’t know much about the spider so it might eat it.

[@LORDJODYE]

I went back and watched all of your videos made in the last year. Of all the work you've presented in that period, I'm pretty certain this is your best.

[@iroau]

👏 Another great video!

[@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..🕷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🕸

[@Sandra-lk5yt]

I’ve watched your channel for years and this design might be my favourite! The scale, the topography & the cork bark branches gave you an incredible base! The moss and ferns and leaf litter just make it pop. Wow. This really makes me want to try to build my own 💚 great work Tanner! Also love the comments about the spider, it’s important to appreciate all the critters in our environment, you’re so right

[@MR-bp3in]

Awesome build!

[@coryharry7300]

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

[@kmir4597]

This build isn't flashy or over the top, which is what makes it look so natural and beautiful. Really love how it turned out in the end

[@kulaniwarner7262]

It’s gorgeous!

[@onewomanarmy6451]

That is one handsome little spider who was really lucky being caught in your home. Must be one of the most beautiful and calming vivariums I've ever seen. Amazing work, as always.

[@pistonsrule82]

Hands down your most natural looking vivarium yet. Very impressive!

[@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.🙏

[@beckywilsontx]

This enclosure is next level. So beautiful.

[@Teaserweaser]

I think this is one of my favorites of your builds. You’ve done so many beautiful ones, but this one is truly as you describe- a slice of nature.

[@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.

[@marikah6198]

Beautiful! Lucky and fortunate spider.

[@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

[@mekkiepoo]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate that this guy finding a massive spider in his house decides to build it a mansion? If I had seen a spider that big in my house, I would be MOVING 🤣

[@alexanderthomas8784]

Really impressive sense of scale and attention to detail. I was seriously blown away watching this

[@MrsJoriBug]

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