DIY Arid Desert Bioactive Vivarium for Blue Beetles

[@SerpaDesign]

I had a lot of fun with this build and it makes me even more excited for some future projects that I hope to do in the next few months. Also, the beetles are so fun to have around and I’d highly recommend giving them a try if you ever come across them. Anyway, enjoy the video, have a great weekend, and let me know what you think of the project!

[@emilybitzel7242]

WONDERFUL!!

[@edwardbrown3551]

Do your other animals react when adding new ones to the room

[@robinwilssens4960]

Living in Phoenix... this is so awesome! Those beetles are also fantastic!!

[@green_heart_epics]

I love dem critters :) Inspiring video, would like to build one myself.. any suggestions for interesting colorful beetles / insects??

[@christianschneider5603]

Absolutely incredible, and awe inspiring. In the future, would you be able to do more arid setups?

[@morganw.4711]

One of the things I love about Tanner is that he doesn’t consider any of the animals in his care as disposable. From the springtails all the way up to the biggest reptiles, every creature is given the best possible environment so that they don’t just survive, they thrive and are happy. It’s inspiring and beautiful

[@jennibennett9724]

Unlike a certain 'KingOfDIY' who dumps his fish after just a video or two.

[@jamiecollister2002]

Agreed! The blueberry comparison was unbearable. I love this video and am thankful to have him as a content creator in this hobby/lifestyle

[@jaygilliland3371]

True! =]

[@aph1dqueen]

​@@jennibennett9724 wait, seriously?? I haven't heard about this until now

[@zabirmhmahdi4203]

​@@jennibennett9724 where did you get that from? He returns fish that he doesn't feel the need to have, other than that he does sometimes over stock tanks while he manages space for the others.

[@helianthusphoton1178]

one thing that i'd love for sure is a quick bio on the animals you're working with at the beginning of each video. like their common and scientific names, their lifespan and size in the wild and in captivity, and anything else you'd feel is important to know about the animals. absolutely loved this one!

[@realfishtacoboy]

Love this idea!

[@ReginaRegenbogn]

Yes, please! General care (just a quick info) and especially the scientific names would be much appreciated. I love this build and have never heard of these beetles. Please keep us updated occasionally :) Maybe a roomtour every few months?

[@wmhfv992]

This is such a good idea! That would really help viewers understand whether or not they could realistically keep the same animal(s) based on their climate, budget, etc.

[@christianschneider5603]

Great idea!

[@xenaM22]

I was wondering about them too, and what do they eat? How long do they live and if they breed, do they lay eggs, or carry them.. etc. It goes without saying, that the enclosure is fantastic!

[@Chinesetakeout382]

I find that the quality of someone’s character can often be determined by the care and compassion he puts into the smallest creatures. And my guy gave some beetles the most beautiful arid setup I’ve ever see.

[@semjart]

I agree. It also shows in his language around his animals. Truly wonderful ❤

[@mlml]

Beautifully put! I was going to say the same

[@inventiveowl395]

glances at the two plants on a shelf - yeaaah... Should probably water those.. Been a few weeks..

[@kampfgeist7703]

Agreed. I even try to give my feeder insects a great home. It's nothing like what he did as it's a bin but it has dirt moss, rocks and bark for the bugs to hide and thrive. I try to give them a natural home instead of just having them in a tiny critter keeper with Cartoon.

[@esotericLobster]

I love the setup! As someone studying entomology it makes me so happy to see people giving insects the love and care they deserve. What adorable little creatures!

[@corbinbrooks7261]

Hey man I’m here to say that you have inspired me to become a biologist I’m 17 going into college this fall majoring in biology I appreciate you making these videos🙏🏻

[@teasorceryr3633]

Awesome! I’m sure you’ll do great!

[@e.walker]

Tanner is a great inspiration and his designs are top notch! Good luck with your studies and as a professional Biologist myself I welcome you to the field.

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

Congrats on finding what you want to do, and good luck! Tanner is an inspiration to many, I'm always amazed with his work.

[@dappercoat249]

Congrats on getting in & good luck!

[@Iloveflowers2024]

That is wonderful. Congratulations! Also you yourself are inspiring to others too. To know what you want to do and get into college is inspiring. I wish you every success in your studies and in life. ❤

[@loganhicks3850]

i would love a video of just b-roll of all the critters in their habitats with soothing music over it!

[@jeremyfrost2636]

Seconded.

[@WickensWickedReptiles]

this is a really cool setup. Those beetles are dope.

[@Natu_Visu]

I just had a random urge to look for desert-themed beetle terrariums, so I searched up "desert terrarium" and this is the first result I get! It's strange because it's exactly what I was looking for, and it was JUST uploaded 30 minutes ago!

[@jonithomas192]

It was meant to be! I found this channel a few years ago because of a diy pond video lol

[@Natu_Visu]

@@jonithomas192 Haha, must be! Nice, I have just subscribed today. :-)

[@4705_will]

You should add living stones in some of your future desert style vivariums they are really cool and funky looking succulents. I have a few and I absolutely love them.

[@themallimalli]

Ugh, I hate them xD I never understood the hype for them... They look like ugly butts to me 😂

[@aureasmortem]

As someone that lives in dry hot Arizona, this set up looks amazing! The reddish sand really brings the right feel. And while it's true that the plants would usually be more spaced out (or under a tree to leech water and get protective shade) the fun part about having an Inspired-By set up is that you have artistic liberty to spice things up how you see fit. I think the amount of plants is perfect, it's like a condensed section of desert.

[@trialbyfirepyrography321]

Love it! It's funny, those beetles are an accent to their own vivarium. That blue color really pops against the background scape. Beautiful job.

[@bennygambla3491]

Some of my favorite videos of yours are your non aquarium builds. Fish are awesome, but seeing some less common species like these beetles or spiders and praying mantis (as you’ve done in the past) is very cool to see. Great work as always, you are the gold standard with scaping and animal care!

[@janinebean4276]

Wow I love the red/orange sand against the blue beetles, it really makes them pop!

[@qualityegg]

Really cool Vivarium and such funky little critters! As someone else already mentioned, maybe you could include some more facts about the animal or leave a link to some information? Your channel really helps making people curious about animals and their habitats. At least for me the question of "could I keep an animal like this?" arrises from time to time. You providing some more facts about what keeping the animal entails would add to that

[@barb56]

Unfortunately most care information about these beetles is not the best but they're not hard to care for. Just make sure they have burrowable substrate (not just sand), keep them on a low sugar diet and keep them a little above room temp and they will be a lot happier than in a box of sand lol

[@matthewhale1572]

Its not hard to do your own research. Just type "blue death feigning beetles" into youtube or google.

[@CaptainCudds]

I've had my beetles for almost a year now, and I love them. I'm glad to see them get some recognition since they are very easy to care for and are very fun to watch and hold. Would love to move them into a setup like this one day

[@grackleaudit]

The desert look is really cool, I love the use of succulents in this one. Amazing job!

[@hanagenefreecs4667]

Djdnwhvahatwge

[@DippedInInk]

IDK why but i love watching these videos. It takes a lot of research and dedication to do this. Also patience.

[@jurassic_hobbyonmyaltaccou3878]

I’m still amazed by the amount of ideas and time you dedicate to these videos, we love you and the animals Tanner keep it up❤

[@aralynrivers7162]

I work at a natural science museum, and we have some of these on display in the insects exhibit. I really fell in love with them and now I want to get some of my own and build them a beautiful home like this

[@SLAPMYGORILLA]

The vivarium looks great, but those beetles are just gorgeous

[@AnubiteOnline]

Honestly one of the most interesting scapes you've done so far! Arid and non tropical enviroments require such a different type of scaping and this one for some good beetles is worth it!

[@glassyGREEN_]

Awesome built as always. You always find such interesting animals. These beetles are so cute 😊

[@olivereisenbarth5476]

I never thought I'd be interested in terrariums, but this beetle really looks great and interesting. Like a mini tanker bug from starship troopers.😂

[@LilaElizabethD]

Way to capture the minimalistic but stunning beauty of a desert landscape! As someone who has lived most of their life in a desert, it is so fun to see you bring a desert’s unique beauty to life in your scape! Thanks for sharing!!

[@CrunchyFern]

Yooooo blue berry beetles let’s gooooo hahah

[@t_s4500]

I’ve always wanted you to do something like this. It looks beautiful and I already can’t wait for the next video.

[@MainelyFlies]

I never realized how cool arid setups could be until I watched this. Well done!

[@jackpacker6960]

Recently been trying to think of ways to enhance my leopard gecko enclosure and this has really helped. Such a beautiful Terrarium!

[@6kang971]

These little blue beetle are some of my favorite animals ever. Loved the whole build and can't wait for your next desert style build!

[@stampinturtles]

That one rock looks like a mountain lion face. Such a cool Terrarium and those beetles are fun to watch. ❤

[@RomnysGonzalez]

This has to be my favorite thing you ever did. This is just perfect top to bottom is the most beautiful inclose project

[@Aghul]

This enclosure looks so stunning! You really outdid yourself here!

[@spazza7260]

I would love if this setup was on live cam with some relaxing lo-fi playing…..I would watch that for hours 😊 these beetles are so interesting

[@S1gilByte]

When doctor plants and serpa make arid vivariums with the same species on the same day, it’s a good day.

[@TimoAgain]

Plot twist: dr plant is serpa designs alter ego

[@S1gilByte]

@@TimoAgain he hasn’t done a face reveal, this conspiracy may hold some weight

[@mntryjoseph1961]

Cool! I had never heard of Blue fainting death beetles before this build. Thank you!

[@Heidileh500]

Really interesting to see a setup that is so different than the ones you usually do. Looks awesome!

[@kelimar3014]

This is a sweet build, the ruddy brown of the sand and grey browns of the rock really set off the beetles and plants, it makes the whole thing pop visually. It’s nice to see you doing an insect build, would be cool to see you do more. With summer coming around the corner it would be really neat to see a pond build with a focus on invertebrate life, scuds and wild snails and maybe something like a giant water or some dragonfly nymphs bug as a centrepiece.

[@IronArk65]

I never knew I would love beetles, they look awesome I have to get some.

[@nickelkeep]

My little succulent-loving heart is all about this Vivarium! Thank you for taking the time to make this video and share it with us!

[@TL13579]

One of your bests! Love the concept of a desert vivarium.

[@neilv.4237]

This is freaking awesome. Those blue beetles a very cool looking.

[@kjirstenboucher9682]

Being that I was raised in a desert environment, and that I was always a wildlife nut,...this reminded me of my childhood. What a beautiful setup!

[@azzikko2688]

Beetles with succulents is such a good idea... they look perfect together! So cute!

[@realfishtacoboy]

It looks amazing!! Also, i would really like to see what the finished product looks like in the animal room as a whole. A little zoom out would look so cool imo

[@melissaplatero9654]

just when i think you can't outdo yourself, you really just blow us away! it's inspiring

[@McPilch]

OMG YES we are getting ever closer to a TARANTULA HOME!!!!! 😁 Saw these blue beetles on Aquarimax Pets the other day.. they the new craze? I understand why!! Anyway, back to the video! 😅 Okay, what a fantastic home you've given these guys! Rus from Aquarimax Pets will be super jealous haha! Kudos for dipping your hands into different types of biomes and flora/fauna.. excited to see what you've got coming up!!

[@scottdaniels3033]

The mystery of life isn't a problem to solve, but a reality to experience. -Dune I appreciate how common sense escapes us when building or working, and we miss the little details, then we got you to remind and inspire us.

[@thegreatkeljb]

Can you do a feeding video for all of your animals? That will be great

[@emilybitzel7242]

(I miss your old studio.) Thrilled for your new beginning though! Love to you and your fam and Thank you for the great inspiration.

[@Plantmomcowgirl]

I love these guys! I used to take care of a group of them and they’re so fun! I’d love to see more inverts. Under appreciated for sure! Halloween moon crabs….? Thank you for sharing!

[@redjulia9655]

What do they eat?

[@alpoh]

This is just STUNNING! There's something about arid enclosures that just draw me in more. They're less common in the hobby, but they're all so unique and detailed.

[@Kai_Crashh]

This terrarium turned out very cool, but what do you feed the bugs???

[@zillamir8624]

I was wondering the same thing 😊🌱

[@kody_dryden-conway]

I know that some people feed them like beetle jelly but I don't know for sure what he feeds

[@jondingwall5941]

Tanner, your on point narrative and spare laconic commentary really delivers on a strictly professional manner and makes for a truly engaging viewing experience... Thanks !

[@tavinprice2310]

Are you considering doing leopard gecko or hognose snake? They both allow for very creative and versatile arid tanks

[@bustybryan3157]

This Chanel saved my life, if I never found this hobby I honestly don’t know where I would be. Thank you for keeping me sane Tanner🙏🏽❤️

[@janzetstra7915]

It looks lovely my man. Have you ever thought about keeping ant especially in a setup similar to this?

[@iSam3000]

The production value is just through the roof

[@Chooch8877]

…those aren’t the Beatles…

[@michellejarvis7878]

Wow. The desert inspiration was gorgeous and you got it so close. The succulents were the right touch. Your creativity and design sense are amazing. The videos are so calming as well. Thank you.

[@michaelw24401]

Bravo, Tanner! That is, by far, the coolest vivarium I have ever seen. I am both fascinated and repelled by the big blue beetles. Only you, dude; only you!

[@Troglobitten]

It's good to see a vivarium build again. The aquariums are cool, but I love vivariums just a tad more

[@wolfloverboy1176]

i am a 12 year old boy, and you have inspired me to make little ecosystems in jars, thank you and good luck with the beetles

[@rolfathan]

Honestly, this is one of my favorites you've done. Something about it, just reminds me of some of my favorite places I've been on road trips.

[@cb_moments86]

A beautiful Vivarium and a gorgeous beetle. Wonderful video thank you for sharing.

[@randihardy6642]

Oh my gosh those beetles are so cute! That is not a phrase i have EVER said before, lol, but they are. Love the scape! I have a lot of succulents and this was fun to see.

[@ArchvicGames]

Goergous! I was wondering when you'd pick some of these guys up. You actually were a huge inspiration for me, I didn't have the time or capacity to care for any herps back then despite obsessing over your vids and the bioactive movement, i picked some up for myself! Going on nearly 4 years now. They're amazing, easier than almost anything to keep and as entertaining as a fish tank I watch them (embarrassingly) for hours lol! I've got them in a 75gal, with a few other desert beetle species, a large harvestman as well as 2 sonoran, and 2 texan millipedes. The Sonora, Mojave, baja and Chihuahuan deserts host some of the coolest plants, its been a long process but I've mostly got a biotope going on and I learned almost everything entirely from you! Not to get too fan boi here but thank you for literally changing my life!

[@stephanier.680]

Deserts are one of my favorite biotopes. So glad you've made one, and with an interesting occupant as well!

[@tsukechick]

BUGS BUGS BUGS! I love this! What good little blueberries! The succulents and airplants look great too - I really look forward to seeing this build's progress.

[@dragonslayer19695]

Love the Desert theme.

[@beejls]

OMG are they adorable! Walking blueberries that play dead. Another beautiful job. I would be proud to have that in my home

[@starbyray7828]

WOW I really like that setup especially the overall orange colour compliments the dusty blue beetles and makes them pop!

[@liamjaramillo778]

I grew up in a desert place, and this made me smile. You got a perfect.

[@_Myriad_]

Very cool lil fellas! And very interesting scape😁

[@puppycolin]

I love how you narrate your videos, very good command of language and soothing to listen to.

[@roselana5497]

Serpa! You are the best! Your new room looks amazing and me and my family love watching all your videos! So inspiring!

[@denofsouls9564]

Love these beetles, I’ve had my group of 3 for two years now, and they’ve always been some of my favourite inverts

[@9The0Unknown7]

Those beetles seem neat, something I would consider keeping if I kept my home warmer. Thank you for the detailed build!

[@mandimilkshakes3328]

Really liked this build. I've been struggling with making arid bioactive set ups and would love to see more desert/scrubland builds. Proper substrate and keeping plants alive have been the most difficult for me. Your videos have helped me so much with my tropical vivarium. I hope you do more like this too.

[@nicrodel]

Bdfbs are the best! Interesting way to do the hinges with glass, definitely gave me some good ideas for my own tanks

[@palatina6626]

This is one of my favorites so far! Well done. I love beetles and their habitat looks awesome!

[@spectralan0maly]

i just did a tank inspired by this video. i had an old tank and light stand, a temprate substrate mix, and some decomposed granite. after i bought a new bulb and some escavator clay, a used the dg to make a new substrate. i used rocks and branches from ouside and some succulents i already had. had i fantastic time making it and im so excited to stock it soon. i dont have your skill in making scapes and i know some nicer hardscape elements would have elevated things but for a budget build i think its pretty fantastic. love your work. hope you do more arid builds soon.

[@taxesarescary0]

The thing I love about this dude is that he makes the enclosure as optimal for the creatures/animals and plants as possible awhile making a good and aesthetic exterior!

[@willowmarie218]

These beetles are so cool! I love how you always recreate the animal's natural environment and do it so beautifully

[@violetbyers6818]

I LOVE this one, I love all your setups but arid setups have grown on me the last couple years as I've tried to figure them out for a couple of my own animals. Seeing Tanner arid setups just get me so pumped and inspired

[@AGPullen]

As an Arizonan born and raised, I love this one! I'd love to see another desert themed vivarium in the future!

[@linden_e]

I wish you would design for every zoo in the world!!! I LOVED THIS ONE! The music was amazing too... That guitar at the end...

[@klasandersson7522]

It´s a deceptivly simple looking vivarium, but verry well thought out and with a genuine feel for the details and the thought you put into it! I really like it, it is as good as it gets!!! 👍👏

[@casandraolund9006]

Arid regions are my favorite places to visit. What a fantastic recreation - perfect as always and those beetles are amazing and kinda cute too.

[@thexyz8429]

This was really cool and different from your usual lush green and wet spaces. The music was also super fitting! Felt like those beetles where about to meet at high-noon

[@contr4naturam]

It was so cool to see you do an arid setup, I especially like the inhabitants! I really dig the way you did the handles on the tank too, the triangular shape makes it look stylish imo

[@davidrobertson4184]

An absolutely lovely departure from ur normal, lush content. Beautiful.

[@spectralumbra1568]

I've never heard of blue feigning death beetles before now, but they have to be some of the cutest insects I've ever seen.

[@barb56]

Amazing scape. I coincidently got some of these beetles yesterday and I absolutely love them!

[@Hiking_and_Travelling_Spain]

Love this! Beautiful, and respectful with all the little life in there.

[@AleeshaSattva]

This is my favourite setup you've ever done!!!

[@kimthompson1618]

I have absolutely no interest in beetles, but I watched every second of this video. Loved it. I really love your aquatic builds, but this was amazing.

[@brendalloyd1903]

and those blue beetles are really lovely!

[@rosesilver4773]

Thank you serpadesign for finally putting out the exact video I have been pining for ever since I got my own BDFBs. I've used the bearded dragon video as reference before but man. This is it

[@herpboy99]

I remember talking to you about death feigning beetles at a reptile expo a while back and have been eagerly waiting to see this build! Did not disappoint!