DIY Rubber Ducky Isopod Dripping Cave Vivarium

I've been keeping Rubber Ducky Isopods since 2018. I've shown them a few times over the years, but I haven't done a dedicated project for them till now. I'm honestly not sure why it's taken me this long, but I'm so glad that I finally did.
I've made isopod vivariums before, but this one has me really motivated to do more. Being able to get a proper look at the duckies was awesome and I'd imagine it would be similar to other elusive species as well. I've seen them more in the past few days than I have in the entire time I've been keeping them. I think that's partly because I can observe without disturbing the bin.
Making Isopod Bins
• Making Easy to Maintai... Learn More in my Blogwww.serpadesign.com/blogFollow SerpaDesignInstagram - / tiktok - / serpadesignsecond Channel - kzbin.info#i... #ecosystem #serpadesign

[@cherrywinterberry]

I love the idea of luxury for creatures that dont normally get the attention and love they deserve 🥺

[@aryah1513]

Haha then we find out the Isopods are like "F!!! I was loving it in that bin. SOB ruined my life!"

[@MaraReaper]

Rubber duckies cost about $12-$25 per individual, so I think they get love often lol. Such an aesthetically pleasing enclosure is more rare tho.

[@Cauliflower4life]

L l

[@darkmatter3870]

CAN YOU MAKE A PALUDARIUM SIMULATING A DRAIN OF AN ASIAN COUNTRY

[@darkmatter3870]

would be very cool

[@khills]

Housing various species of isopods in vivariums of the same size, each scaped to look like their native environment, would be a beautiful display!

[@MDestron2282]

Definitely. I really want to do that now.

[@ethanotoroculus1060]

Can you _imagine_ how absolutely showstopping a vivarium suited to emulate the native Mediterranean look of _Armadillidium maculatum_ in Southern France would be?? That would be like, _the_ enclosure for all time.

[@khills]

@@ethanotoroculus1060 It's definitely tempting to give it a go!

[@ethanotoroculus1060]

@@khills Heck I don't even know of any Mediterranean-style terrariums that might exist! It seems like some frankly untreaded ground as of the moment. The seasonality of it climatically would be really interesting to try to emulate as well.

[@khills]

@@ethanotoroculus1060 That’s definitely where you’d need to get into programmable weather - Mikey over at Ants Canada has done some complicated native ant habitats that have required either frequent rain or monsoons. It would definitely require something of that level! Fun project, tho - you should let us know if you do it!

[@josefinesvenson638]

This is so beautiful! I could watch long videos of isopods exploring this kind of environment, for relaxation.

[@RayOtus]

100% agree. I would love to have just a 10 minute or more video of the duckies exploring.

[@t_s4500]

@DontReadMyProfilePicture.185 ok I won’t

[@XxCleanUpBoyxX]

​@@RayOtusMee too...🙃 With nice chilling music....

[@stanlindert6332]

Yeah better than pro sports 😊

[@Maricodone]

I agree

[@hideflen6078]

I love your smaller builds, and I think this one particularly shows how much your artistry has advanced. Those roots really make this one pop!

[@Poke-grant]

100 percent agree

[@jiminiechubbycheeksj6296]

This chanel is really helping me with my phobia of bugs. Thank you so much for spreading your talent and love for nature, and for teaching people like me that these kind of animals are also cute and deserving of care and appreciation

[@frowner_and_co]

These are crustaceans

[@melbapeach162]

​@@frowner_and_co Yes, and they can still be classed as bugs.. "A colloquialism for any mini beast including arthropods, gastropods and worms" Isopods are arthropods. Isopods are bugs.

[@randystache78]

The inside of the cave with the occasional drips where amazing! Felt like I was back in Kentucky exploring caves for a minute. Awesome build!

[@IncroyableAquatics]

I live in kentucky and i got that same vibe lol

[@t_s4500]

I am on a bus going to a sporting event rn but I’m still watching this. Thanks for the entertainment.

[@thomasrohleder4281]

The isopod species terrarium phase has been a long time coming. I’m here for it! Love your work, Tanner.

[@Troglobitten]

I've been keeping isopods in dedicated vivariums as well. They are fascinating to watch sometimes. The exploring is pretty standard behavior when they are first introduced, they tend to get more chill after a few days.

[@VinnyUnion]

*sometimes*

[@creativeandbitter]

I love this! They're like giant woodland creatures in a miniature, mythical world

[@tuppytheducky]

Please do update videos on these, I’m really curious to see how they settle In over time

[@hoperules8874]

❤I could totally watch this on tv while cooking!

[@hoperules8874]

😢I'll add that Little Tanner is no longer with us, keeping me company doing dishes. He was a cool buddy.

[@janhuber3708]

I have an accidental colony of white isopods in my big monstera planter. Years ago when I completely redid my then bioactive B.c.I. enclosure, I reused a lot of the substrate in said planter, and when I later cut the mother plant for propagation, I found them. It has been working insanely well for me, and the plant is apparently profiting form the isopods.

[@astrocat229]

Im always amazed how you manage to put together such seamless and just amazing designs. I got into the hobby a while ago and you have taught me literally everything I know. Since ive been following you for so long, everytime you figure out a better way to do something, i do aswell. My scapes have never looked better thanks to you and your videos.

[@ollie_acorn]

A set-up like that gives the isopods so many options as for what sort of environment they want to be in. And the drip-wall system is a great option for making sure it stays moist even if you miss a spray or two. I'm super interested to see how this one evolves.

[@hoperules8874]

Bet they reproduce better!

[@stevejenks9940]

My duckies are FINALLY breeding so now I'm inspired to get them out of the shoe box. It's so nice!

[@ThereIsNoGod.]

I had a horrible day but see you making such a beautiful setup for these little guys made me very happy

[@davidvitale9338]

I really loved the look of the cave build and to have the isopods be the central stars of the livestock instead of being relegated to the cleanup crew or food source. Very well done.

[@REscapes]

The amount of effort for some little woodlice is incredible and i am all for it, those duckies have a wonderful home!

[@ianswift3521]

he could be spending that time benefitting his community and his people, homeless veterans and other heroes but no, he wastes it on bugs and youtube. sounds like a real hero of our time.

[@REscapes]

@ianswift3521 and you know for a fact what he does or doesn't do for charity i suppose? people dont have to air their good deeds or charity work or anything for that matter on social media or youtube for it to be true. He could donate to those causes or anything for all you know, but that aside, he cares deeply for animals and nature, and he creates content that I've personally found healing and im sure many peope on here would agree that his videos provide a lot of mental healing and relief from depression or anxiety, so, if you ask me, hes definitely helping people, just because its not in the way you would like, doesn't mean you get to say he's wasting his time. And given your comment, i hope you do a lot for your community.

[@spencerhopkinson9874]

what do you do, buddy?@@ianswift3521

[@jeremyfrost2636]

​@@ianswift3521 3 guesses where you were on January 6th. 🙄

[@jurassic1237]

I feel like I would see this build in a zoo somewhere, the build is such high quality, keep up the great work

[@tuckerbetz9585]

Super cool isopods!

[@beastamer1990s]

Gave my woodies a roughly 20L vivarium and they don't even go near the lid anymore. They're happy, and I occasionally see them wonder around for food, but they typically stay in their spot between the logs I put in for them. In their old jar (much bigger than most Tupperwares people keep them in) they spent half their time on the lid or trying to find a way out, and opening the lid was like opening Pandora's box. I think I'd have to drag them out of their new home. It's been cool seeing them exhibit more natural behaviours too.

[@MyEva909]

Aww they are so cute 😍

[@frankvolz7021]

This is amazing! I have always been fascinated by the rubber ducky isopods and this is a beautiful and very natural looking way to display and house these incredible creatures. Tanner you are a true artist

[@joceslayback1231]

I love this idea so much. I have a small terrarium with snails. Nothing near as fancy and just plain ole snails, but I really enjoy it. Your isopods will be so happy and so will you, with being able to observe them like this!

[@MsLeenite]

It's always good to see your small friends exploring and enjoying the environments you so carefully create for them.

[@lardya.scrotehead9585]

This is my favourite video from you in a while. I like your other builds but the more naturalistic ones always appealed to me more. I wish you would use more exotic plants though.

[@witchkid83]

I can't tell you how excited I am about the idea of you building more vivariums for inverts. I'm so excited

[@themurrrr]

I’ve seen those rubber duckies before, still adorable, I love them. But those pink springtails are new to me! 😍🤗

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

Wow, a dedicated tank for Isopods. Next level build!

[@rebeccaampuero2347]

I love that you make the effort to know the background of even your tiniest inhabitants. This is a special habitat. I love the cave and the drip is perfect. Thank you for the look into this microcosm.

[@georger9842]

i think this is one of my favourite serpa designs to date! i really love what you've done here and the depth of the cave adds so much interest. it would be really great to spend a little longer with the animals once youve completed their setup, just so we can appreciate all the focus youve put into building their home!

[@wsaploker4267]

Their little tails and heads pop out so cutely in that terrarium! Great job it looks immaculate.

[@JenniferDoRego]

I never thought I would "Ohh and Ahh" over isopods; but I did-they are adorable. Thank You Tanner for introducing me to the great "Rubber Ducky Rolly Polly" they really are cute. Makes me see small life with a different frame of mind. ❤ from Georgia

[@shadowginger7989]

Really cool to see the rubber ducky isopods exploring their amazing new home

[@arthurzackaryabrin]

I adore isopods!!! They are probably some of my absolute favorite critters I own!!! This build gorgeous and I am really inspired to give my duckies a pretty terrarium as well!!

[@BULLFITE]

this is so cool! i definitely noticed a similar shift in behavior when i started keeping my ‘pods in scaped vivariums as opposed to bins as well …. they’re very curious little things! every time i put something new into their tank, be it a fresh bit of food or some new leaf litter or a new plant, they all come scurrying out of the woodwork to investigate 😂 it’s crazy how bold they get when they feel at home.

[@massimomallia4304]

Isopods are so cute 🥰

[@blackie1of4]

The heart and desire to replicate natural habitat for your animals is awe inspiring ❤ You are the BEST KZbinr.. that I come across.. and frequently return for your fulfilling videos 😊 Thank you and God bless 🙏

[@CheesyballzTM]

Love your videos

[@jacobdittenhafer4231]

Same

[@BellesBoas]

I was about to build a display terrarium for my rubber duckies! I’m 100% using information and ideas from this, thank you!

[@jimi6234]

The water dripping down the cave ties it all together! Thank you for showing isos the love they deserve :) Amazing build, as always!

[@antonioconde1020]

Honestly, this is one of my favourite builds of yours. So simple, yet so beautiful.

[@dominicrussell8099]

My house got broken into robbed and thrashed yesterday, been having a pretty hard time coming around from this, but let me tell you man this helps 🙏🏻

[@berthaday3473]

Thats horrible Dom. I'm gonna keep u in my prayers. So sorry ur going thru that.

[@dominicrussell8099]

@@berthaday3473 thank you really, it's nothing that can't be fixed 🤞🏼

[@glennk.7348]

Much better than bins because you get to see them (sometimes) rather than just storing them! Beautiful scape!

[@baileys6346]

I love these builds. Smaller critter videos like ones with isopods are my favorite.

[@BigShrimpin416]

I love Rubber Ducky isopods! They’re so cute! This build came out amazing! I love it! The little tiny handle on the door is a great touch! ❤

[@morneschaap2944]

Beautiful, wow! The dripping cave makes this build next level stuff!

[@daneweintraub]

The tank came out amazing. Always beautiful work.

[@karenlee3198]

No rubber duckies (in Australia) where I live (actually I don't think we have any cubaris species) but soooo zen watching this build. I keep some common species and am so inspired! Now for some more space in the house... thanks!!

[@geoffkkk2009]

Loved this, I think it could have been much longer though. The rubber duck isopods are awesome. Thank you. x

[@dndndndndn419]

They are so cute 🦆 it’s fun that you get to see them more now - and in such a beautiful setup

[@quilesnixon1626]

I know that im not the only one who used to be so amazed by isopods in elementary school

[@mattsoup4121]

Usually your builds are gorgeous but don't feel 100% naturalistic because of scale. This is my favorite build in a long time. The plant choices and hardscape make it look absolutely fantastic. It's like a bonsai cave. Nothing feels oddly sized or shaped and it just feels 'right'.

[@lindakurgpold-digitalartis9981]

I think this is one of your most beautiful setups! ❤️

[@bigstyleart]

This is absolutely beautiful I love the cave. You really nailed this one.

[@semjart]

I am so incredibly excitedfor this new chapter 😍💕 the possibilities!! Thank you again for this masterclass in composition!

[@theresehopkins1581]

Your displays are beautiful and inspirational ❤..... those rubber duckies sure are happy with their new home!!!😊❤ Thank you for sharing this wonderful latest idea of yours!!!

[@kjirstenboucher9682]

Your build for these lil guys is just so beautiful! Thank you for sharing! I hope they love their new home and thrive in it.💖

[@kaybee_en]

Thank you for showcasing isopods, esp rubber duckies 🥰. If only I had even just your motivation let alone all your skills to do this I would love to showcase them this way. I love watching them and wish, so many times, that I had a proper way to see them.

[@xfatalxflawx]

Love isopod content!

[@Irod526]

Yeah, Serpa, there is a common thread and sentiment here of longer videos, and they do not require a long creation video, just a set up your camera in front of one -literally any!- of your creations and let it record for hours! You do AMAZING work!!

[@captainkeeliforever4184]

Love this! I hope you keep doing more Invertabrate set ups, I love them! Maybe Thai Micro Crabs and a Bamboo Shrimp set up!

[@PhotosyntheticVibes]

I love seeing the isopods showcased on the channel! I have a couple recommendations for the substrate based on my experience: Crushing up a ton of leaf litter and mixing it into the substrate is ideal in contrast to having only a surface layer. This allows more air to enter the soil, provides more surface area for them to nibble on, and more leaf litter = more pods. There's no such thing as overdoing it. I find that the surface layer leaves serve better as shelter and perhaps a humidity "blanket", so I use tougher, long-lasting leaves for it. Also, rotted wood (the spongey stuff) elevates any isopod substrate to the highest level. I add as much as I can and (controversial as it may be) don't sterilize it. This innoculates my substrate with native bacteria and fungi to create an established environment almost immediately, which promotes colony growth. My C. "Rubber Duckies" began breeding about a month after I bought them despite many claims that it can take around a year for them to start. Just 5 months later, I have about 60. Many people would argue my method carries some risks, but I've had nothing but success with it :) (Side note, the orange springtails have been officially identified as Yuukianura aphororoides, a Japanese species that has been introduced to Europe. They were originally collected from Spain, so it caused a lot of taxonomic confusion)

[@audiovisual_404]

Isopods are my favourite animal, like, ever. Especially Rubber Ducky ones. This was such a joy to watch!!!!

[@madeleinealexandra4828]

Rubber duckies and isopods in general deserve their own wet, shady attention spotlight 🥰🥰 the fact you gave them their own cleanup crew warmed my heart 💗 💗 I moved recently and am going to set up new vivariums, you're giving me a lot of inspiration with this one

[@thomas1848]

One of the most natural, cohesive, and beautiful vivarium I've ever seen and its for isopods. Unreal.

[@rs8751]

So cute!!!! And thank you for mentioning the plant species!

[@user-zx5ql8hm8l]

Anyone else watch these videos to fall asleep and his voice is so calming I fall asleep 5 minutes in and have to rewatch the videos again from different points for a week straight to actually see the finished product..

[@1polvomagico]

I love how the whole piece is flowing down to the left, creating a sense of direction in an otherwise static frame.

[@tinasnow2937]

Incredible!!! You never miss with your vivariums. I feel inspired to start an isopod tank myself :)

[@rens2998]

wow!! lovely! id love to see more tanks inspired by their natural habitat!

[@jopossum]

I love so much when people make dedicated habitats for isopods ❤

[@hiimhonez]

This is one of the nest builds so far. Love your work!

[@buildingbrenham]

The rubber ducky isopods started singing like song birds as soon as they were released into their new home...simply amazing. That's a sign of a well-designed tank. ;)

[@ColdbloodedCompassion]

Love this! Really thought I was one of the few to keep my isopods in enclosures as nice as any that my reptiles have. Thanks for this one Tanner!

[@snail226]

so happy these little guys are getting the love they deserve! i’ve always loved isopods, my first tattoo was one! keep up the good work brother! o7

[@AmandaFlaggDesign]

WOW! It's tiny but this might be one of my favorite Serpa Design builds! Something about the Salaginella unicinata combined with the mini pinecones just make it all feel to scale with the duckies. They're so cute and it almost feels like the whole thing is a miniature diorama :) love this one

[@sombrerofish47B2]

I’ve watched a lot of terrarium builds, this is by far my fav!

[@ProfJCsCritters]

I've often wondered what you would do to make an isopod display tank. Thank you for filming this!

[@Out-to-Pastor]

Dude, that's beautiful. I wonder if the limestone drip eventually forms stalagmites and stalactites. Obviously, that takes an incredibly long time, but it would add nice aesthetic to the tank. I think it is a cool project for your tanks. Build feeder tanks next to them for their preferred food.

[@amandadonegan2137]

Depending on the limestone stalagmites and 'tights could form a lot quicker than you think! Theres extra mineralised limestone in there too

[@amandadonegan2137]

Depending on the limestone stalagmites and 'tights could form a lot quicker than you think! Theres extra mineralised limestone in there too

[@muted__dreamer]

they were so happy about the new home it made my day this is the kind of content i need more of, absolutely adorable little guys

[@casandraolund9006]

I absolutely adore isopods. I’m so happy those little duckies have such a great home

[@tiskky7385]

i'm so jealous we don’t have these cuties in Australia

[@Howtoeatrocks]

Maybe not duckies but we have so many cool isopods and other fun and cute insects

[@IRISnGEN]

The Salamanders would love to be one of those next species that gets a home.

[@marikah6198]

Always enjoy your videos.

[@alexiscondit898]

You have perfected your craft. Truly inspirational.

[@spiderrico250]

I LOVE when you do builds for invertebrates! I can't wait for the day you finally give us a Tarantula build!

[@linkpwns13]

omg im obsessed with this!! you got me to fall in love with isopods quite a few years ago and to see you doing dedicated builds for them now feels really exciting, i cant wait to see how this project progresses!!

[@tetsuo3673]

this cave is one of your best features yet, imo. goes to show that improvement is nonstop even when you've been in the hobby as long as you have.

[@bryce4085]

I'd love to see a little series replacing all the bins with little enclosures!

[@ValexLM]

Yas they are amazing creatures please give us more isopods content

[@blakehoward2804]

The dripping cave idea was perfect for the isopods! Not as high powered as a waterfall in case the little isopods wandered into the stream, but definitely added interest to the tank!!

[@ittybittybatty]

I have some isopods I got from my parents yard and I just think they're so cute! This setup looks awesome!

[@fanienright2809]

I would love to watch you building more like this for other kinds of isopods. They are so adorable!!

[@graefx]

The duckies tumbling into their new home reminds me of those videos of baby pandas just rolling and bumbling around

[@Morrynlupine]

I've been waiting for someone to do a build like this! It's absolutely awesome to see the rubber ducky in a vivarium modeled after their natural environment! Absolutely taking notes for when I do my own in the future!

[@user-ns2yb2cq6j]

Whenever I watch his videos a certain type of person comes to mind. Phenom. Adult prodigy. Genius extraordinaire. Anything of the like. He’s got to pass down these talents but finding a protégé would be like 1 in the millions. Exceptional work!

[@amandadonegan2137]

They looked like tiny guinea pigs in that wonderful habitat! 😍😍

[@xrosethegreat9048]

This is a dream enclosure for a dream isopod- I've been wanting to keep cubaris sp rubber ducky for ages now and this is the exact kind of set up I've always had in my heart- it feels like such a shame to house them in a bin when the reason I want them is for their cute appreance. Im forever greatful to see an experienced keeper has already done something like this!

[@awsomeness]

What a delight to see such a beautiful home for the little guys that are so often an afterthought. 💚