Perfecting the Low Tech Fish Tank in DIY IKEA Aquarium

Four years ago, I made one of my favorite aquariums to date, The Low Tech Nano Fish Aquascape ( • Building The NEW NANO ... ). There’s just something about it that I enjoyed, especially when it was in its prime. However, I imagined revisiting the concept for over a year when I started making the DIY IKEA Aquariums ( • Making The Best and Ea... ). I knew the 30 gallon footprint, combined with things I’ve learned over the years, would allow me to do something incredible. Join me as I revisit this concept and create something entirely new.
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#lowtech #aquascape #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

I've been planning this build for well over a year now since I made the IKEA aquarium demo. I'm so excited to see how this one grows a develops over the years with the improved techniques I implemented. From here, I have one more IKEA aquarium that I need to finish from the original set - it's roughly a 24 gallon (91 liter) footprint. What do you think I should do with it? I have a few ideas, but I'm curious what you think! Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the. Have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

[@alexandros.yiannis]

Sir, you are a very high caliber artist and an exceptional human being! Thank you for sharing all this beauty with us!

[@Pats4Bunny]

You should do a Fiddler Crab/mudskipper and guppy Paladarium! You are so talented and your videos make every week better.

[@jamosmithlol]

do the other completely low budget (no cheating by reusing plants or finding “free” rocks in your garage lol) to be consistent with the low cost diy build.

[@justingeddis5044]

You should make the old aquarium a crab and shrimp aquarium

[@theoneandonlymrme]

You should add a salamander species, I have two tiger salamanders in a 75 gallon bog style tank.

[@cynner2328]

I would love to see a before and after video where you show how different projects have matured. Maybe an annual event.

[@HachikoTanuki]

If you are into this there are several "X time later" type of videos in this channel between 12 and 6 months ago.

[@Mossy_Rock23]

Your builds are a work of art that really shows off the beauty of nature❤

[@sharim]

It’s always a joy to watch anything Tanner does. He’s so skilled with his builds, his instructions, his soft and calm voice, and of course, the way the tank looks.

[@thechickenwizard8172]

I've been building terrariums and aquariums for around 6 years now, and have been following your channel ever simce. I cannot stress enough how big of an inspiration youve been to me, and it's awesome to see how your techniques have evolved over the years. I'm not on your level of scaping; I dont think anyone else could be. But looking back to my earliest builds and seeing the improvements ive made over time, i cant help but marvel at how your channel encapsulates that kind of change, and the joy that comes from building off of past experiences. P.S I've been looking for gold ring danios ever since you released that initial low tech build, and finially found some online yesterday. In that sense its quite the coincidence that your update to that build came out now.

[@spiritink2393]

ive always struggled with live plants and lighting, would love to see a new video on how you keep your plants so healthy with appropriate light with what lighting options are available now!

[@patrickjohnson6916]

Your designs and simple, yet thorough and highly effective way of teaching and explaining, are always so inspiring. I’m not in a place to house or maintain a tank I would fully enjoy at this stage in life, but I’m excited to get into this hobby-art form-lifestyle as my daughters get older and will learn and love it all with me. Thanks for all you share and do!

[@sparrowsfish]

Wow! The growth of the improvements really took this to next level. It is inspiring because my tank is very similar to the OG but I see now how to really step it up. Gorgeous.

[@PredictableEnigma]

This has been my personal favorite build of yours for years. I love this thunbnail too! The dark colored background showcases the scapes better than the white

[@Hunny.B.e.e]

I agree love the drama of it - less sterile feeling. Not that they were ever “bad”, this is just more cozy IMO

[@christopherhunt1887]

I'm glad I've been able to enjoy your builds, and watch your tank evolve over the years. THANKS FOR SHARING!

[@Pibblepunk]

This is genuinely so fantastic. I am always so impressed by the designs you come up with, and would love to emulate at least some of that with my own aquariums

[@Fatmagic]

Been a big fan of your builds for years now. I am excited to attempt a small tank soon using the knowledge I gained from your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@assiahinarkansas]

Beautiful natural style build. ❤. Thanks for sharing, Tanner

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

Hi Tanner, I just set up a new 20 gallon. I'm very unhappy with how my aquascape turned out. I'm going to redo it. Thanks for the inspiration. 😊 Gina

[@gracedoeswhatshewants]

such a beautiful build! even though you make your content to be easily followed, the process of maintaining/ cleaning is so daunting :( would you consider making a whole video on how you maintain your various builds?

[@BobbyHikes928]

I have been enjoying your videos since almost the beginning and this is my favorite video so far because it really shows how far you've come and how much you've learned, it makes me enjoy this hobby even more.

[@michaels5705]

I loved the first tank, but acknowledge the overgrowth issues. I really like the new technique with the terrestrial plants. So many of the techniques I use with my tanks I learned to do from you and not to from your missteps (Coco Coir Fiber Liner Roll as a background especially under water). I'm glad you've been able to make this your 'real' job.

[@mynameisjim999]

Beautiful, thanks for sharing Tanner!!

[@patiosgoldcoastexperts4917]

Your passion for your subject is infectious. Keep spreading knowledge!

[@julieb3996]

I'm currently planting a tank, it will be without fish for awhile, so I'm browsing aquascapes for inspiration. It's great to see the knowledge about aquariums and the hobby of keeping fish continues to grow and improve.

[@fruitsnick]

What a gorgeous build! I’ve watched this channel for years, You have truly perfected your craft and inspired me to get deeper into this hobby. I dream of the day in the distant future when I grow old and retire, among a vast collection of my living art pieces, each one a milestone from my beautiful life. Growing and changing together until we both return to soil.

[@NZLAdventurer]

Love the design! Do you have video update on this tank? would love to see all grown mature.

[@shinygee8905]

Zen and the art of aquarium maintenance has gotta be the title of that book you have inside you! I highly recommend Robert M Pirsig if you haven't already read him.

[@jmarshal]

I’d love to see you redo a really old design. Either something you weren’t happy with, or just something you think you could achieve better results with today! I’ve been watching your videos for years now and am so grateful for your knowledge and experience. It’s great to see that even the “masters” are always still learning.

[@ttoctam3]

Great looking tank dude. Genuinely beautiful, as always. Also, I really appreciated the update on how the old tank was going, and the cameo from the frgs. I hope you have an update vid(s) coming up in Jan. I'd even watch like 5min vlogs on a second channel of just weekly/monthly/erratic walk throughs of the animal room, or single tank foci, with waay smaller dotpoint updates.

[@polkop90]

So glad I gave you a chance a couple years back truly inspiring thank you for existing.

[@pauldeisssmithii6617]

Soo cool to hear your humble growth and generous sharing of your knowledge, Tanner. Grateful for that. Your techniques and vision are unparalleled!

[@stiches2690]

I got to confess your one of the channels that got me back into keeping an aquarium. Im currently in the process of setting one up just need to wait till i can turn on the faucets outside so i can use a hose

[@georgeattig8088]

Love your work and respect your immense talent. Would you consider doing an episode on scaping bare bottom tanks? Your ideas and advice will be greatly appreciated.

[@flappy6435]

Proud to have been subscribed to you for as many years as I have. I remember the original build and the improvements you’ve made are phenomenal. Keep it up Tanner ❤

[@ewakraft5770]

Stunning a work of natural Art! 😮

[@dukem8774]

Amazing work! I can't wait for a part 2 on this in a (few?) month(s) or so. One of my favorite things about seeing settups like this is seeing how they shift and change as time goes on, so i'm excited to see this one as you work on it!

[@lionessoftor4139]

I love seeing your growth as a creator, and youtuber. These are so helpful to others (like myself) who want to create tanks like these. When I get my proper house I hope to make one similar to this. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@vildhallon4709]

Aw man I wish I had thought of putting the dirt in mesh bags when I set up my first tank 3 weeks ago. Happy aquarium keeping the tank looks beautiful

[@Hunny.B.e.e]

Wow how was that only 13 minutes! I felt like I went on a whole journey through a 30 min episode - and I mean that in the best way possible! You’re such a talented film maker and creator and I have been loving your videos for atleast 6 years now! This is another amazing piece. Thanks for your hard work and effort always love seeing what you come up with!

[@gregbradshaw9415]

This build looks incredible! Can’t wait for a video to revisit in the future!

[@DokterIkanAquascape]

Love the simple scaping. Easy to follow

[@debrabolton9372]

You are gifted! Your terrariums and aquariums are beautifully done.

[@philcarlino6942]

Wonderful setup, Tanner. The original low tech tank is one of my absolute favorites on youtube. I can't wait to see how this one grows in. Low tech naturalistic style is my favorite. Keep up the great work. Take care and peace.

[@canwelearn2290]

I like the peaceful music at the end of the video, however I miss the “take care and peace”.

[@charlie_moorcroft]

@@canwelearn2290same

[@astrocat229]

Aw man, I watched that old aquariums video the day it came out, it got me into aqua scaping and your channel. I was in 9th grade atp. Im in college now, and still love aqua scapeing and your channel

[@Sirspeedystevie]

Absolutely stunning.. I cannot love your work enough. 😍🤌🏼

[@jordangalli8986]

This is an excellent concept, I loved it ! The improvement list is very well thought, shown and explained! Bravo !

[@GMule12]

I would love to see a video where you show how your techniques and preferences have changed over the years- like the part where you no longer like to paint tanks because it peels in the future. That would be great info for us beginners!!! Thank you!

[@jaepanda686]

Build is so awesome! So much build inspiration as always. Love the look of the desks in the back in the new room too!

[@shimesu443]

As a keeper of two blackwater aquariums, I must say that the tank looked stunning with the darker water, though I get that not everyone likes that look. All the plants probably wouldn't appreciate the lower light levels either. And you did the substrate bags in another vid, and I want to thank you for the idea. I used it when I rescaped my 36 gallon, and it's perfect for keeping the aqua soil contained under all the sand. My plants are already rooting themselves into it quite nicely.

[@michaelfarmer537]

Really great tank! I loved watching the build. My favorite shot of the video was @ 6:33. It captures the joy of the hobby quite well. Very inspirational! Please make more. One suggestion would be a small earth tone mixed gravel along the bottom of the hardscape. It helps naturally blend the two areas together. ❤

[@sandyloyst1811]

Tanner, Its beautiful. You are so artistic. Love your thoughts and the process. Those dang frogs looking for attention again. Love from Ontario Canada

[@imGloin27]

You just gave me an insane amount of inspiration, I love the setup !

[@scrubtaco3194]

I've been watching your videos since 2020 when i got my first reptile. Always love the videos and they just keep getting better :)

[@jbunchbball]

Looking at building a ton of tanks for a breeding operation. Still just a hobby at this point but I love your videos and you’re very inspiring. Keep up the good work!

[@EODE556]

Amazing build tanner!

[@Meskimo02]

working a full time job plus working on my novel makes finding time for KZbin tough, and I'm subscribed to so many content creators these days it's hard to figure out who to make time for, but anytime I see a SerpaDesign video pop up you guarantee I'm making time! Keep up the great work Tanner, love all that you do!

[@garthantash]

Once again I wish IKEA would sell the shelf size you use for the tank ends here in Australia. I would love to give this tank idea a try!

[@judymckerrow6720]

Thank you Tanner, stunning as usual ! 🌲💚🙃

[@KofiBeanie]

I’ve been wondering for a while.. if you haven’t already, have you thought about using a mist maker for a misty pond aquarium? I don’t know how it’d work or if it could, but I think it’d be beautiful with the mist floating on the water. Anyway, your builds are always incredible and I look forward to seeing more 💜

[@ghostdragonzw5241]

love your channel, you always give me so much more ideas for my tanks...

[@benjaminmellingen5340]

that might be one of my favorite tanks you've done!

[@roryleo5629]

This is one of the best setups you have done. Great job!

[@SC-gp7kt]

These are works of art you create......beautiful! 👏👏👏💙💙💙

[@joenagel6644]

I've recently done an aquarium using black window tint as a background. Creates a kind of depth but is also dark so it makes the fish/plants pop

[@amyellison1800]

Where did you get those lights? They’re FANTASTIC. Great work as always. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@se5908]

strong built, very impressive!

[@susanfarish7451]

Absolutely love this, your artistic mind is genius xx

[@jimmygimbal]

Love to see the fixes for long term solution aquariums. FEEED THE FROGS BRO!! They see you!

[@MrsCeciel1999]

Another very awesome set up! Would love to see how this one matures. Those lights also look really good, which ones are these? I'm looking for something similar for my own tank, but I've had no luck finding something that works.

[@sackchico]

Hey! Did you manage to find something similar to what he used? I've been looking and have not found anything

[@MrsCeciel1999]

@@sackchico No, sadly not. Still looking...

[@rene9406]

@@MrsCeciel1999 Same! Any luck yet?

[@billsherman6129]

Is there a video describing the lighting fixtures you've made? They look excellent paired with the stainless steel pipework; the symmetry of style is lovely. I've looked for a video detailing the lights and how you attach them, but haven't found it yet. Thank you for always explaining both the methods you use, and the reasoning behind those methods. This video in particular on tthe updates to your build and what you consider important updates is really helpful.

[@michelangelogoldmann881]

Congratulations man! You work inspires me! I love the way you take care off all this animals, plants and tiny ecosystems. I wish I could do something like that around here in Brazil.

[@FL910]

It's inspiring how even an experienced scaper like you can improve over time. Keep up the great work!

[@E.M.25]

That was a great video, I loved how long it was it wasn't short like the ones recently, but regardless I love all your videos

[@TerrariumCartel]

I can’t wait to see updates! It looks sooo good.

[@chrisgeurtsen7047]

Breath taking.

[@BaconPancakes11]

Love your vids, beautiful builds, and the videography is a work of art itself, I could watch your chanel for hours! I'm planning to build my own terrariums and ripariums, and your channel has inspired it all. 😊 Awesome content👍 🪴🌿

[@trogie]

Thanks for the IKEA diy! I have mine running too since 1 year!

[@abcd-jq1sy]

Your scapes have inspired me. Currently listening while I refurbish my old rimmed 5gal into a rimless

[@NinoMarcantonio-ry6mh]

You made a beautiful tank I liked the way you used the driftwood and stone.

[@rgilroy1909]

It's like a "REDO WEEKEND" for Tanks-Giving. So many people are resetting their tanks, including me.

[@Foogle..]

Amazing looking tank and scape. Can't wait to see it when it's more established and with the critters transported 🙂

[@rhondafitzpatrick1646]

this scape is beautiful!😊

[@HMP275]

Its unbelivabel how you are designing an Aquarium!! 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 Greetings from Germany

[@craigathonian]

Love your esthetic eye for texture. Although it's great now, this will be another masterpiece once the plants make it their home. Question: With the open top with plant "islands" do you have any problems with the Amano shrimp climbing out ? On the idea of the pre-filter, protective sponge. if you make your own, you can make a block and then shape it by chopping off chunks to look more like an organic shaped rock. Being black the rough texture surface disappears into the landscape, where as the clean shape of bought sponges stands out. This will also be an even better filter / grazing ground for the shrimp.

[@Ran-dom1]

Always a bonus when you drop a video, nice and relaxing to watch. One question I have tho is why top soil? Couldn't that contain bacteria which could lead to potential outbreaks in the aquarium? or is it treated in some manner? Or is it all killed off when you put in the chemicals? Cheers.

[@nathandwire2103]

Hey! I love watching your videos! I'd love to get into building things like this eventually, but I feel like there's so much I still don't know. Have you ever considered making a course of some sort? Or maybe just something with info about all the plants you use and how best to utilize them in setups? Keep up the great work!

[@RcBlade]

Need more info on those lights? Are they grow lights or just normal lights?

[@sallyweiner4180]

Wow beautiful!!!

[@ZacKenny]

Wow, really beautiful work.

[@gladesucks7907]

I’ll definitely need a 6 month/1 year update on this. I’m super interested to see how it looks once all the plants start thriving

[@chrisreilly1290]

Looks amazing

[@throughtheeyesofnature3037]

Crazy nice Tank!!

[@sparkymark68]

I'm really enjoying your videos. Thank you.

[@briannahill9204]

Who has been watching Tanner for years?

[@Kayambo974]

You

[@ryancalococci8389]

Since 2018 lol. I got hooked by his jar terrarium videos.

[@danasmith8557]

Beautiful tanner !!!❤ love it !!

[@larandaleeful]

Where did you get those lights? I like how they bring a more polished look to the build. I have DIY LED strips on everything right now and struggling to find something that is both practical and looks good.

[@torocruz1192]

Amazing. I am learning a bunch my guy.

[@broman6662]

Great build and scape as always! BUT WE NEED A POND UPDATE!!!!!

[@charlie_moorcroft]

Another awesome video and love the hat! Thanks for representing MCF 😊

[@sarahwatts7152]

I'm looking forward to seeing this one when the plants are more established

[@chaotic_fever_drem6494]

Tbh I REALLY loved how the black water looked

[@psystealth]

very nice good idea with the bags!

[@carsonhawley8838]

Man, wish I could live in there, heh. Another awesome build, Tanner 👍

[@INTERpEST]

Gorgeous tank 🌳