Indoor Ocean - My Saltwater Coral Reef Marine Aquarium

[@SerpaDesign]

Sorry about the hiatus last week! I had to finish painting and installing the floors, so we could get this tank in the new animal room. I’ve known about and been planning for this build for a long time now. I’m so excited to have finally done it, though! A LOT of work went into this and I really hope you enjoyed it. The journey thus far has been years in the making. I’ve hinted at it a good bit and some of you were onto my schemes well before 2020, so I appreciate your patience. There’s so much that I want to do and I’m planning for big things, so stay tuned. Also, if I could get a like on the video for FINALLY doing it, that would be cool. Have a great weekend and enjoy SerpaSquad! Also here's a link to Fritz's video. Check it out if you want to see more! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXaogWmcq5qdp5Y

[@melon_collie]

this looks awesome, thanks for making it!

[@moiramarriott4403]

Don't be hard on yourself. You are awe-inspiring, when it comes we are here waiting for your creations .

[@Krano229]

The Bob Ross of Moss.

[@Firepowerfitness20791]

Sweet aquarium

[@emilybitzel7242]

SPECTACULAR.

[@caryelizabeth624]

Can I just say that I love your humble approach to exploring saltwater aquariums for the first time. Even after being in the aquarium hobby for so long and after gaining such a large following on KZbin, you are still so down to earth. No ego, no know-it-all attitude. I love that you are showcasing yourself as a student to saltwater here. Learning new things is one of the great joys of life, and I feel like this video is a celebration of that. 🐠🦀🐌

[@zyloe2585]

Exactly this.

[@burgle66]

Hear hear!

[@ezrafreeman8629]

No you can’t say that

[@cupcakeguy22]

This. Best comment!

[@JustineNelson]

Very interesting noticed

[@patricesimonetan1335]

as a scuba diver, i really like the idea of having your own slice of ocean right in your home. Clownfish are so fun to watch and play with!

[@happychappy27]

They’re also a massive pain in the arse. I’ve had a breeding pair for 5 years now and they’re TROUBLE

[@qualitygoldfish2198]

@@happychappy27 Try dominoes,worst of all,like pitbulls

[@Kenny-yl9pc]

Absolutely 100% I'm with you, and they are delicious! mmhh =P

[@Kenny-yl9pc]

@@happychappy27 If I may ask you, why is it that they are trouble? What shaped your perspective on it? I am really curious and appreciate it to know more about it.

[@happychappy27]

@@Kenny-yl9pc they start off fine as babies when they are males. When they pair up one turns into a female she becomes dominant and aggressive. My female attacks anything I put in my tank including my hand. They have small teeth too so the bigger they get they can draw blood. They know the soft bits that hurt the most too 😂🤦🏻‍♂️

[@calebjones7774]

Just a few tips, always always always dip your corals before putting them in a tank, there can be pests and other unwanted things living in the corals that can easily be removed by dipping them. Also its best to drip acclimate everything due to the differences in water makeup from store to home tank. Also, not as important but I recommend that you place hardscape before sand so it doesn't fall when it shifts possibly injuring livestock. Last but not least, make sure all the things you add to the tank are reef safe as some animals could ruin your corals and cost hundreds of dollars in repairs, if you plan on getting an anemone for the clowns I suggest a rainbow bubble tip anemone as they are known for being safe and can be quite spectacular under the lights as there name implies. Good luck on your tank and happy reefing!!

[@parentingallies]

Yes, I agree about the rocks being on the bottom. There are lots of digging fish that could make the whole thing topple.

[@kiki-drawer2669]

@@parentingallies it can't really topple if it has multiple points of contact tho right? It's got at least 10 points in the sand?

[@parentingallies]

@@kiki-drawer2669 less likely of course, but some fish can move a lot of sand, for instance jawfish, Diamond gobies, and pistol shrimp. They’ll go all over digging things up. I’d hate for the rock to slip and crush them. I’ve always placed my rock first then put the sand around it.

[@serenabissanti9104]

@@parentingallies gobies are sick

[@alihawkins8264]

Another point with the sand I feel like it’s actually better to put rock on top of sand to try and avoid pressure points that might crack the glass. Just a thought 😊

[@Nick-ul1iq]

This is incredible for your first saltwater tank. I can only imagine what projects are to come now that you’ve entered the saltwater world.

[@dougyoud5944]

+1. Great first start, and the hard scape looks awesome. Well done

[@thoughtgaming492]

Just a heads up for future tanks, in salt water its usually best to place the rocks before adding the sand. Lots of saltwater fish and other creatures dig around in the sand which can cause scapes to collapse if they arent on the glass directly.

[@Crybaby-Media]

They’re all epoxied together , so I don’t think it will be an issue. That structure is probably really heavy and stable . But a good tip regardless

[@jlreclectic]

The rock placement is masterful. The glue/sand trick adds the perfect touch, it makes the scene look as if the rocks have been there for eons. Your channel is delightful, watching you all do things you so thoroughly enjoy. Because of you, I harvested some moss from the yard and kicked my plant hobby up a few notches.

[@Viteaification]

just wanna say its so cool to see you building a community with other professionals in the field. most times you just see hobbyists doing everything on their own but i enjoy seeing you make connections on this channel.

[@jurassic_hobbyonmyaltaccou3878]

We don’t blame you for not uploading last Saturday, THIS IS AWESOME

[@ElanAndHisUke]

I’ve been in the hobby since childhood (in my 30’s now) and I have to say this is one of the best hardscape arrangements I’ve ever seen. It’s so fitting and natural for a saltwater tank, it really feels like a scene you might encounter while diving

[@cking8776]

IMPRESSIVE!!! Your approach to projects is so methodical & educational!!! The projects are amazingly beautiful & harmonious with the animals & plants!!! Bless you & keep good going Tanner!!! 🙏💕🐢🐍🐠🐌💕🙏

[@paigeplays3843]

Amazing scape! I recommend emerald crabs. They're small and hide most of the time but as soon as you add food to the tank they make themselves known! They eat waste, leftover food, and even help control algae if you end up having problems with that. They won't bother the fish or the hermit crabs and snails as long as they're well fed. I hope your next journey includes some dart frogs (or tree frogs!)

[@N7Narc0sis]

I will never put emerald crabs in any tank ever again. I've had emerald crabs on multiple occasions actively feed on Softies and LPS despite being well fed. They really seem to be a toss up

[@oxapollyon9914]

@@N7Narc0sis agreed, in my first (and so far only) reef tank, they literally mauled a pacific cleaner shrimp. i fed regularly and properly. i've heard similar stories as well, their temperament and reef-safe-ability seems to vary

[@N7Narc0sis]

@@oxapollyon9914 exactly my experience, they are not "reef safe" unless you can introduce it and keep an eagle on it to prove that your exact specimen will not eat/attack your other inhabitants including coral

[@amatsuki5297]

@@N7Narc0sis it was different for me they didn't mess with my soft coral or lps but they did mess with my acros

[@monikaweld5567]

My 90 g reef tank with 20 g sump has brought me more joy, frustration, energy and entertainment than all of my freshwater tanks combined. I'm so happy that you have branched out into the saltwater world. I can't wait to see your advancements.

[@NickHuber]

This is so great. I've been watching you for 2-3 years as a fish hobbiest. You brought me into the world of terrariums and I love relaxing before bed catching up on your videos. But I've have a reef aquarium for over 12 years and I never understood how you had not jumped into that world. I am SO happy you're doing this, I've always wondered how you'd approach corals the way you do plants. Please make LOTS of saltwater content!

[@kz.irudimen]

Considering how awesome the previous one looked, your new room is going to look absolutely unreal when it is full :)

[@Wyram]

Thank you for taking us along with you! You really captured that feeling of joy when experiencing something new. I can’t wait to see how the tank develops-please update us regularly!

[@preyingpicantis4882]

He has such an ability to capture nature scenes underwater. This scape really looks like he's just put his camera in the sea.

[@kuletxx001]

for someone who is in the hobby for decades and trying out something new, a humble and eager to absorb more knowledge attitude is very refreshing

[@DFangs219]

I've kept saltwater in the past and it was so rewarding. Watching how someone with the creative touch that you have will venture into this aspect of the hobby is extremely exciting and I can't wait to see what happens with this and future saltwater/reef setups!

[@T_Greer]

So awesome! I'm glad you stated that 100+ is small for saltwater. Too many people think little tanks are easier, which we know in the aqua-world is the exact opposite. Great seeing Nate in the video, I hope you do more projects with him, maybe even some POV narration while filming you work

[@basfinnis]

That looks stunning. Lovely job 👍

[@skyaltr]

For a beginner this tank is beyond amazing and beautifully done. I think that tank setup would look really cool with SPS like acropora and digitata long term. Not the most beginner friendly coral unfortunately though. I'm super excited to see how this tank turns out. Happy reefing!!

[@bryce4085]

It's such a monumental step seeing your go from fresh to salt, the doors are wide open now! I'd love to see a zoa garden, Micromussa, and goniopora in your tank at some point in the future! In terms of livestock I think a goby and pistol shrimp combo would be awesome! 💙

[@juandiegomoreno9803]

Not a lot of reef keepers use macroalgae. But I love it, it’s just like plants in freshwater. Keeps nutrients low and looks beautiful. It also provides food and shelter for the tiny cleanup crew in the tank, copepods. With a platform this big, including macroalgae in the tank could really encourage many fishkeepers to explore saltwater

[@ChauNyan]

Been waiting for salt water ever since you got the pea puffers!

[@SerpaDesign]

Let's go!

[@ieatcarrotstew1234]

it’s cool that people can be total experts at something and beginners at something else! it makes life more fun

[@michaelkartman3543]

You guys did such an excellent job. This is an absolutely stunning tank that takes scaping to the next level! Literally can’t wait to see what you do next in the saltwater realm. 👌🏻

[@S11ushie]

Honestly, ive never truly understood the term breathtaking until this video. Getting to see the process and then the final spectacle, was truly amazing. Youre truly gifted, the tank you have created is incredible

[@minh3640]

Love all the ideas you create with nature.

[@Sosoland1]

Tanner successfully convincing me to NEVER dip my toes into saltwater aquarium keeping 🤩You did stellar and I commend you for that, but I'll stick with herps and vivs, thankyouverymuch~

[@BonnibelLecter]

That hardscape looks fantastic, Tanner! And it's super cool that you were able to get help from Fritz and lovely coral from Tidal Gardens for this. You obviously put a lot of care and consideration into your other projects, and that has certainly helped some beginners, so I'm glad you were able to get that help here as you begin something new. I can't wait to see what you build in the future.

[@johnmanrow2667]

You are off to a great beginning in the saltwater side of the hobby! There has been many advances in the hobby and industry since I began keeping saltwater fish in the late 1960s. Best wishes in your new adventure! I enjoy keeping freshwater as well as Marine aquariums. There is always something new to learn! Take care.

[@LC-wh5dd]

Perfect timing! I’ve been planning out my first saltwater tank recently

[@theaquascapecorner]

Same!!!

[@dgrwd]

Same for me 🤣

[@HashtagTheKate]

Xenias (xenia elongata, soft coral)are so much fun. They are like a tiny tree and each branch ends in a tiny feathered hand that opens and closes in a rhythmic manner. They are super beginner friendly! Cant wait to see how you grow in this new avenue! Welcome!

[@jbktiger]

As someone who has a couple salt water tanks (95 and a 90), I cannot wait to see how you progress in this side of the hobby. Super exciting and happy to see how you get into this!

[@howardmandel7930]

When I had my saltwater tank, my favorite fish were the flame angel, yellow angel, and blue tang. Stay away from triggers as they may feast on your coral. 😅Looking forward to sharing your reef adventure. Don’t become too frustrated. Go slowly with stocking and do frequent but small water changes.

[@travismorton9727]

Once again, mate, this is just stunning. I love how you've built in how you worked with Fritz to get the tank going. I've always appreciated how you approached sponsorship--mentioning what was provided to you (but that you'd be using it anyway) and things like that. But I loved seeing this, too--How you talked with them, and we got to see how excited they were. This wasn't just a mercenary thing. They clearly love you, love working with you, and were really just happy to be a part of your work. I've little doubt I'd feel the exact same way! You make this hobby seem so accessible and easy, even in a big project like this one.. I can't wait to get started myself. Thank you so much, again. ❤

[@KellsTV97]

The tank looks INSANE!!!! So cool to see you branch out! Keep it up!

[@aSinisterKiid]

This is going to be awesome. As you said, Saltwater tanks are a different kind of difficult to setup and run compared to freshwater and require a whole different learning process to become familiar with. I think you will really enjoy the challenge and all the different ways of accomplishing your goals. Salt tanks are incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it. The dazzling colors and endless variety of amazing creatures will have your brain constantly fantasizing about the next "thing" for the tank. There is excitement around every corner and I can't wait to see the adventure unfold. Good Luck !

[@jikkermanccini]

I'm loving the scape you've chosen, it's brilliant and absolutely not what I'd expect from a beginning reefer! I'm excited to see what else you do with the salty side, there are so many niches and environments that hobbyists don't emulate with their tanks, but are amazing sources of inspiration! Check out estuarine environments with silty water and lots of little inverts, and deep reef slope tanks with incredible large-polyped corals and bassletts.

[@majora748]

So cool! I love the pair of clown fish, they're so fun to watch! I also like the snail and crabs, hermit crabs are so smol and cute, and the coral is nice and calming to look at. Thanks for sharing!

[@Psychoclaw]

Such a beautiful start. I can't wait to watch it grow and thrive over the years. Thanks for taking us on this journey with you!

[@difax9935]

Salt water setups are beautiful but I love the mass of green plants in a fresh water tank.

[@lukewelken8968]

looks amazing. im so glad youve started id love to see your journey. it takes long to see some results but its worth it. my system has been running for 3 years and it always seems to get better and better each day.

[@dpeterson5630]

This is so gorgeous!! I love how different the saltwater scape is from the freshwater ones, and how you gave just as much (if not more, as you learned) care into scaping and providing the animals with the best home you could!

[@ratwasnotbad4230]

Time passing and years going by is always terrifying and depressing to me. But the thought of seeing your saltwater hobby, and this tank, develop and grow, has me looking forward to the passage of time. Nice work!

[@saltyfresh9712]

Those Orange storms are beautiful!!!!! Best of luck and remember to not get discouraged, lots of up and downs in the saltwater hobby.

[@wesspangler]

Cool tank! I think you would love fairy wrasses, and I recommend taking a look at all the cool varieties. The Cirrhilabrus Solorensis (often called "Solar" Wrasse) is my fav. Cheers!

[@cowboysrme]

I'm really looking forward to seeing how is tank is coming along!

[@vortexer13]

What an awesome design for your first reef tank, you have so much room for amazing corals, definitely check out gorgonians, nudibranchs, and maybe a sea apple! So stoked to see how the rest of the animal room comes together!

[@maryhairy1]

My tank finally settled with blue bird wrasse, clowns, anemone, feather duster tube worms, shrimps. The tank had an amazing backing made of grit & sea shells stuck into the glass wall. To season everything took 6weeks & by then I had brown algae being swept along like a man’s beard, to everyone’s envy. What I had was an internal pump which worked efficiently until the anemone decided to stick itself to the pump output area. It was a suicidal decision of anemone. The way you’ve done the assembly of all components is way more complicated than my tank. Your finished result is fabulous!

[@cristiaolson7327]

The hardscape design here is totally amazing, some of your best hardscape design ever. This tank is going to look absolutely incredible as it matures and those corals grow in. Have you considered adding any plant-like macroalgae in the main tank, in addition to the sump, to help with the nitrogen cycle and fill in the space while the coral are still small, or are you thinking you want to stick to strictly coral/fish?

[@Azooscott]

Glad you jumped in! I'm particularly fond of nano/pico set ups, and started with a 3 gallon tank 15 years ago. Now I take care of a 1000g tank!

[@tomsgreengallery]

I have been waiting for a long time to see you start up your first saltwater tank. Am very glad your finally getting into it, can’t wait to see what else you discover in the salty side. A whole different world in the saltwater hobby. You should try some bubble anemones, and definitely look into zoas. Some of my favorite corals

[@rolisreefranch]

Welcome to the dark side. I made the transition to salt 4 years ago from planted tanks. I still maintain a 29 gallon planted tank and love both types of tanks. You've opened up a whole new world. Your hardscape is world-class btw. Better than anything I've managed to make, but as the corals grow in it becomes less important. 95% of my rock is now covered with SPS coral in my main tank after a year and half of growth. It's very rewarding to watch it grow in, despite it being challenging, but that's part of the fun IMO.

[@Triliton]

You really took it all a VERY high notch up with seawater! Love it! Crabs, clams, seagrass, kelp, starfish, anemones, sealettuce. You can get it all, the ocean world is at your feet! Merry xmas :)

[@olliek6709]

I love how the hardscape turned out, it looks like an alien creature with legs that slowly crawl across the sea floor. My old school had lots of salt water aquariums (we had a great science teacher) and I remember how mesmerizing watching the anemones with clown fish darting in and around them was. I look forward to seeing this build mature and when I hope one day I can make something like it, maybe I should ask my old science teacher for help. Love the video!

[@jeffrywithanachchi1811]

This is amazing for your first tank! I am yet to set my new tank soon and I feel way more motivated to go for it. I think you'll love mandarin dragonets because they have wonderful character and are a really cool addition to a tank. Although you'll need time to cultivate copepods and amphinopods to feed them because theyre picky eaters. Good luck and can't wait for the next video!

[@ChauNyan]

Yeah, Tanner is definitely a motivator. I used to maintain a lot of fresh water tanks, but never a salt water one. I'm always intimidated by it.

[@slc1923]

I so enjoy watching these videos. His calm voice and in-depth explanations makes for an involved and entertaining watch. And yes I am addicted.😊

[@NixieMelody]

Can we get an update to this tank soon? I would love to see how it came together over the last few months!

[@frankwarrington]

Out of all the saltwater builds I've watched, this is by far the best. Thank you!

[@bettertomorrow2625]

It's beautiful, Tanner! The corals are stunning! Saltwater tanks take more effort to get started, but they aren't too difficult to maintain. I've had many over the years. Have you considered adding sea anemones since clownfish are symbiotic with anemones? It would add another element, they're really beautiful, and they have great movement which you mentioned is what attracts you to one thing over another.

[@claytonanderson1122]

I grew up by the ocean and now live aways away from it. Its always been a dream of mine to have a marine tank so i could bring the ocean home to me. This looks so amazing and it most definitely will grow out!

[@AilurusFulgans]

If you want to see some interesting feeding habits get an anemone for your clown fish. The clowns will feed the anemone.

[@alicecarroll4711]

I really enjoy it when people with the same hobbies and passions come together and work on an amazing project like this. I really loved this video.

[@haakonstrm1684]

How is it that everything that this man touch becomes beutiful? 😂 insane man keep it up Tanner😊

[@jmarshal]

What an incredible tank! That hard scape is just perfection. The coral, the two sweet clown fish, the snail and crabs, just gorgeous. Knocked it out of the park!

[@TheBlakeEverhart]

I don't know how I got here, but I've been on this channel for about a year. I don't know if I'll ever dip my toes into this hobby, but man do I enjoy watching you do what you love!

[@allysammy7715]

This is why you are my favorite creator, thank you for approaching everything with curiosity and humble attitude. So happy you have clown fish! They are popular for a reason. I can’t wait till I have enough money to set up a tank like this

[@opethmike]

The hardscape is an A+ design. It will provide tons of habitat for fish, and also excellent coral placements. Great work so far!

[@oliveoil6251]

I will probably never have the money, space or discipline to have a saltwater tank myself so seeing it on this channel really makes me excited !I love saltwater fished and setups

[@ELPOLLOLOCO5472]

Long time lurker, long time saltwater keeper, you did MARVELOUS. My favorite corals are still and have been since I started mushrooms, zoanthids and palythoas, and fireworks cloves

[@Yshtola.]

that footage near the end looks majestic, the lighting and coloring the tank just pops, wow

[@skullsquad900]

I've wanted one of these practically my entire life. Love seeing this come together

[@sunkra8824]

If you're looking to get more into crabs, there are these beautifully colourful Vampire Crabs for your more tropical setups! Also, very beautiful first saltwater tank! Can't wait to see it flourish.

[@piteusx8440]

This is why your community is so loyal. You do it right for the animas. Smart and slow ... responsible.

[@sophiahanes66]

Stunning tank! My Dad has a salt water tank and sometimes it is nice to know your not the only one obsessed with aquatic life.

[@michaelmelo8075]

I think you will do a great job with your reef tank with all your attention to detail. The best thing you can do with a reef tank is to be patient your results will be greater in the end.

[@megalodonm]

Probably the most refreshing thing to happen to reefing in quite a while.

[@londonpurcell8061]

So happy you got into saltwater. I started mine in November, and think it's the best decision a hobbyist can make!

[@brentroth5372]

Nice to see you get your feet wet in saltwater! The tanks looks great. A few things to keep in mind for others starting the journey: 1. You can absolute forgo sand. This will limit some fish and Inverts you can get. However, for more demanding corals this can be preferred; as bare bottom tanks handle higher flow better and cleaning the tank is surprisingly easier. The vast majority of Corals and Fish don’t actually need sand; and the dr-nitrifying bacteria and other useful microfauna will colonize the rocks. 2. When drip acclimating you should use an ammonia absorbing medium if the fish has been in the bag for awhile This is because the ph of the water in the bag is lower than the aquarium.

[@miss__anthropy]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the hardscape!! And would love to see more crabs of all different varieties, they're fun little critters. Looks amazing as always!

[@skotmiller8465]

I raised Seahorses (My personal favorites) over 50 years ago, and, believe me, we DID NOT have the cool stuff you have today. Mixing, balancing, and more mixing and then daily testing (by hand), to keep the salt level correct was a lot of work. But, the Seahorses thrived and even mated (I became a "daddy"). Your hardscape is very attractive . I wish you the best in your new endeavor.

[@orewatowi]

I am so happy for you, Tanner. I am overjoyed to see you try something new and have a great time. I’ve been watching your channel for years, and it just warms my heart to see you come this far. Take care ❤

[@KIANkillsps]

I personally love the characteristics between a pistol shrimp and watchman goby pair. Their symbiotic relationship is such an amazing experience to watch! I would highly recommend.

[@johnpatterson9219]

Your hardscape is spectacular from all sides and the setup is primo. Your vendors - Fritzaquatics and Tidalgardens - where over the top!

[@GrimTheYeeter]

As someone who loves the oceans and the animals that live there, this was an amazing video to watch. Can't wait to see what this tank looks like months from now.

[@Fabian46838]

Hey! Nice to finally see you starting in the reef hobby! One tip, inverts are much more sensitive to water quality than fish, therefore these are suggested to drip acclimate as well. For corals just temperature acclimation is fine

[@meganjane4897]

You are such a talent at what you do, I cannot wait for you learn about this new world and create the most beautiful reefs and scapes!

[@mirtagordillo3486]

I'm so amazed of all the aquariums you have done Tanner I have been watching your videos since you done both ponds at your other house and by watching you and others when I get another house I'm planning on getting aquariums some fresh and saltwater tank so now that you got a much bigger place I will be glued to my phone to see your next build I wish you so much luck on this journey 💜💜

[@weston8751]

That looks like an awesome build! I was happy to hear that the rock was a more eco friendly manufactured rock

[@DeltaKiloExotics]

Duncan coral, fungia plate coral, green polyp toadstool leather coral, zoanthids, mushroom corals...so many cool easy corals...some day i will get back into it, wish you all the best, really beautiful reef you got there..

[@midwestmonsterhunter6034]

I can't wait to see this tank a year from now that thing will be a show stopper! Keep up the great work!!!

[@michaeldaly5792]

I love how positive you are! It feels like every video I leave smiling and having learned something new about animals

[@abbysbud1]

Just GORGEOUS!!! Your hard scape is perfect, your coral choices beautiful and your fishies…too adorable for words!! You’re an amazing young man and your dedication to giving it your all..and it shows! Great, great job honey!

[@ahmetmutlu3779]

Masterful design. Your are one of the gurus to me in this hobby and I am already excited for your future reef tank projects.

[@alexanderballance2996]

This is definitely one of my favorite videos from you! I can see all the effort that was put into this video, and it really shows in the completed build.

[@robhickeyy]

This was an awesome video. I could tell how excited you were to learn, how open you were to listening, and not just how much you care about making beautiful scapes, but how much you care about the tiny creatures inhabiting them. Good stuff!

[@leop4726]

waiting until this tank is full of more colors! This is awesome! I am too afraid to start saltwater but I am happy you started yours! Will always keep on following this tank!

[@yooneunhyesarang9245]

This is so awesome in so many ways! This is the one art in life that me myself don't know that I need one!