DIY Budget Ecosystem Pond - Solo Build in 5 Days by Hand

Two years ago, I made an ecosystem pond for my parents using a kit. That pond was fine, but it was quite small. Especially once they got goldfish. Even then, I knew I wanted to redo the entire thing to go larger.
This time, I took a DIY approach in hopes to create a beautiful pond on a budget. All things considered, I believe I did exactly that. Even so, there are additional ways to save as I explain in the video.
Anyway, join me as begin Pond Season 2023!
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[@SerpaDesign]

UPDATE: Here's the pond now after 400 days! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHbZdaaYp7hsesk Starting off pond season right with a proper DIY pond! I’ve been working on this when I could for the past two weeks and I’m so happy to finally have it done. It doesn’t come across on video, but first it was hot, then cold, then it rained, snowed, hailed, etc. I nearly experienced every season in only 5 days lol! Anyway, you definitely can see a huge difference on video, but the in-person view is incomparable from the original. I’m so pleased with how it turned out, but I especially like the waterfall. What’s your favorite part? I can’t wait to see it grow with the fish swimming around in the water. I’ll share that in a future video of course. Until then, enjoy this one and have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

[@MelloBellow]

I LOVE YOU

[@victor_TH]

I love ponds more than anything else in the garden. I have a small one without fish and thinking of making a bigger one. However I am thinking of not using a plastic liner but rather use clay. Do you have any experience with such approach? Also, any trick to prevent snakes from living there? I am in subtropical SEA and I can't keep the snakes out of the pond, nothing against them but this is a well established breeding spot for frogs and toads and the snakes keep eating the tadpoles 😞 I definitely prefer the toads 😛

[@Micahmancer]

lol are you in the midwest of the US? i feel like that's been our weather lately!

[@20Aleksa08]

How cold does it get there during the winter? Would be useful to know if some of us plan on making a pond and don't know what plants and fish we can have

[@SerpaDesign]

@20Aleksa08 Sometimes as low as -20F. If you have fish that can overwinter in a pond, you just have to dig below the frostline in your area; in my case 18". For plants, simply look up your hardiness zone and select plants accordingly.

[@blackpepper8430]

This is the best ‘budget’ pond video I’ve seen. No recommending the top tier overpriced pond equipment, no commerical equipment to dig and move rocks. This is how a normal person could build a pond. And you are the first person to tell me that the regular can of foam is the same as the expensive black pond type. Bless you 👍🏼. This is how I built my pond and five years later it’s going strong.

[@briansaccomanno6225]

The expanding foam question right here. My work has cans of it for $1.50. Gonna get a few now.

[@sheilahenry7279]

Thanks for your letting me know your pond is still good 5 years later.

[@AtlasPro1]

Ever since I bought my house last year, I've wanted to dig a pond!

[@cookiesupreme]

Who doesn't want to build a pond with thriving wildlife?

[@t_s4500]

I made one, it’s so fun to do.

[@kyle_mk17]

Love your content and I'd love to see you make a pond

[@killxxhollywoodxx]

Please help Atlas Pro dig a pond!! Collaboration!! Collaboration!!! Collaboration!!

[@Anukinihun]

Collab? 👀👀

[@_Hamster]

I love how Serpa created a beautiful pond from nothing, it truly is a talent

[@giacomo8875]

From nothing but 2.000$ and some free stuff. But yes he is super talented

[@snekysneks]

I'd say that's skill

[@sdqsdq6274]

@@snekysneks yes , its not as easy as it looks , required some scaping skills or it just look like a pile of rocks

[@u3k1m6]

@@giacomo8875 Yeah but if you hire contractors to build a pond, then that cost tens of thousands of dollars

[@szescioscian]

Miał kase to zrobił.

[@wheelchair_charlie]

Now that's a pond! Gorgeous! You're right, the split rock, logs and flat rocks of the waterfall are the crowning jewels. I love how the pond in whole looks olive green, that will make a great contrast against the bright red goldfish and really make the fish pop out in their environment! Brilliant work as usual Tanner.

[@AngryMunci5]

You are the hardest working person I’ve ever seen! Working for days in rain, hail, snow, all for an absolutely incredible result. The combination of the rocks, moss, plants, and stream is so on point to nature it’s insane. Great work again, Serpa.

[@PutSomeTwazOnIt]

Rain, hail and snow? It’s spring…

[@cloverhighfive]

I can imagine how crazy lucky and proud your parents feel every time she sits by the pond, rejoicing in the beauty your talent, skills, (and hard work) brought to their yard.

[@Davidmc23]

Hey man I've been meaning to pass this along for a while. Thanks for changing how we, my wife and I look at things like sticks, rocks, moss etc. We have a large property and find lots of "debris" that looks great in terrariums etc. A particularly good find we say would be "Tanner approved". You changed how we see the world and that opened up creative ideas we would not have had without your influence.

[@berthaday3473]

The funnest & ultimate recycling ! ♻️♻️♻️

[@DTMJR1987]

Same! I've walked around my property many times and made ~10+ terrariums so far lol

[@o0ovickie]

How much is it for that amount of big rocks?

[@janicepell2947]

I must tell you, are a gifted narrator. All my questions were answered. Thank you so much for all the knowledge you shared with us all. Your finished project was perfect. Can I adopt you lol. Anyone wanting to dig, a pond don't wait just get er done!!! We have been here 22 yrs and I built mine by hand myself. I love it! My Kio are loving it too. At the time I was a 50 yr old woman. JUST DO IT, You won't regret it at all.

[@sheilahenry7279]

I’m a 63 yr overweight & fixing to do it. I recently retired & want a great project of my own (maybe little help in info.)

[@gwendolynrobinson3900]

I really appreciate you going over the costs and giving advice for what you can and shouldnt cut costs on :) i feel thats a really important part of DIY/instructional videos I don't see super often

[@tismeetarora5153]

We NEED a one-hour video of this pond and the waterfall flowing. It'll be calming and very pretty too!!!!

[@carlacowart4709]

It's only taken me 4+ years to find a thorough step-by-step DIY instructional video on this subject that didn't drag it out with a lot of fill-in mumbo-jumbo! THANK YOU!

[@jenpink4298]

Holy crap! This is gorgeous! The only problem is… If this is an early mothers/Father’s Day present to your parents, you were making the rest of us look like crap😂 Seriously, they must be absolutely thrilled! I can’t wait to see it with the fish in it 👏👏👏

[@coryharry7300]

You’re living the dream, Tanner. Pond is phenomenal - can’t wait to see it again in a few weeks!

[@OscarAvery-kn2bb]

I love waking up to a new Serpa design video

[@metatechhd]

🌿💧🏞 This video is a breath of fresh air! Finally, a budget-friendly pond guide that empowers regular folks to create their own oasis without breaking the bank. It's refreshing to see practical solutions and alternatives to expensive equipment. And kudos for debunking the myth about expensive pond foam! Your transparency and knowledge are truly appreciated. Your success story is an inspiration for others to embark on their pond-building journey. Keep up the fantastic work! 👏👍🌺

[@tygereyes]

What I loved most about this project is how much you love your parents and all the hard work that went into the beautification of their backyard. Of course, I enjoyed watching you tackle the project and learning in the process... though for me it is the time and effort you put into your parent's backyard. Cheers :)

[@blue1eyed9bee]

I really appreciated seeing you work so hard for your mum and the fishies. It's good vibes that I want to emulate.

[@bryane1582]

Great build! Would love to see more frequent update videos revisiting your projects a few weeks after you set them up. Would be an easy way to add even more content to the channel without building a new setup every time

[@feed8647]

Now this is where I´d love to see an update once the plants have fully grown in a year or two. it looks wonderful!

[@soniaperez2417]

I love your thorough and clear narration of your building process. And, the video editing is excellent: no loud or irrelevant music, no vulgarity, excellent shots timed perfectly with the narration and substantive material for the person seeking knowledge on pond building and landscaping. It was a pleasure to watch, although I am never going to build a pond in my backyard. Your video is that good! Talk about the power of a great presentation!👍🤗

[@mistyriennett5902]

What a wonderful son to do this for your parents.

[@bradrobinson6642]

I really appreciate the cost breakdown you did this time - super helpful for a 1st time homeowner who's interested in installing some natural features

[@IntelligentFerret2822]

every time i am on my phone or laptop, I check to see if this guy has new videos. I love just watching him make the tanks for different aquatic wildlife and terrariums. It just helps me calm down after we see the final product. Thank you SO much Tanner for making these videos and keep up the good work! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ p.s. if we could get in touch Tanner I would be really grateful, but the only obstacle is how far away I live from America, because at this moment I am in England. But if we could just talk and make a terrarium together on video call, I would be happy enough.

[@philcarlino6942]

This turned out amazing! I love the waterfall with the split. That's how I would want my waterfall, too. I agree that wood really goes a long way toward making ponds look more natural. I can't wait to see how you create your own pond. I'm sure all these experiences have got you thinking and you've learned so much. Make sure to rest your back. Take care.

[@JonnoPlays]

Incredible!! Thanks for sharing

[@BobyChanMan]

What an amazing transformation, this expanded pond is breathtaking. I am imagining it all grown in with the trees, like some kind of mystical grove.

[@keepruvthknight]

I think this is your best video/project so far. All your knowledge, creativity and attention to detail is so impressive. How awesome of you to do that for your parents! God bless you. 😇

[@BinroWasRight]

Absolutely gorgeous! You could easily design ponds like this for a living if you were so inclined. Always impressive seeing you do your thing, Tanner!

[@Lycramosa]

I can't even imagine how much work this must have been between planning and the physical labor. It looks amazing! My favorite part is the log in the waterfall.

[@RMJ1984]

It's insane how big a difference there is between the old and new. The old one was just too small and crowded with rocks, it felt more like a rock quarry. This new one actually feels like a lake and it will be much easier to see the fish.

[@mgpvii]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Everything about it...he design, the build, the cost, the explanation, the video. Bravo to you. God Bless!

[@annaraab8853]

We started with a 94 gallon plastic pond. Over several years we ended up with over 7,000 gallons with streams, waterfalls and a home made filter that worked like a charm. 3 years after we finished we sold that house.

[@townrurallife]

Wow, what an impressive project! Building an ecosystem pond solo in just 5 days by hand is no easy feat, but you pulled it off beautifully! The pond is not only budget-friendly but also so thoughtfully designed to support its own ecosystem. It’s inspiring to see such dedication and hard work come together to create something so peaceful and natural-looking. This video has definitely motivated me to try a similar DIY project - thanks for sharing your tips and the whole process

[@laurelbaer1]

Beautiful job! Your ability to execute these huge projects is impressive and inspiring!

[@laurenaderman573]

Thank you! Wow, submit that flowing water sound as a sleep sound! Simply calming!! I am so glad you shared! Thank your parents as well!

[@josephgmann3878]

Wow Tanner what an amazing job you did! If I didn’t know any better, I would think someone who is a pro building ecosystem ponds for a long time put that together. You just keep getting better and better at your craft.

[@sarkozywasthere]

Im something of a drama junkie who's very concerned with social justice so I end up with a lot of videos in my feed that - while interesting to me and sometimes really important - can be a strain on my mental health. Its nice to be able to binge this kind of positivity and genuine love of the craft. Im not a landscaper or terrarium fanatic but it is really heartwarming to see someone sharing something theyre just flat out passionate about and even better to see them succeed so much doing it!

[@CZ0RZ]

Great video! I've been wanting to build my parents a pond for a few months now. It seems really intimidating. Happy to have learned some more about the subject from you.

[@nukecorruption]

seen a bunch of these ponds at various places, never really wondered how they were made but now I know. thanks random yt recommendation

[@kymberlysteiger8125]

It turned out stunning 🤩 those are some really lucky fish! Your limitless creativity never ceases to amaze me…you are so freaking talented!

[@xXAshHoleXx]

Have I ever had any interest in building a pond in my yard? No. Did I still watch this entire video? Yes. I still don’t want a pond in my yard, but I feel like if I had to I could build one because of you. Thanks for doing a great job at being informative, yet entertaining! You do amazing work!

[@Jahonay]

Amazing work as always tanner. Looks like such a good pond. Really inspires me to consider how I would do it if the opportunity presents itself to me in the future.

[@minniemat]

Love the sound of the waterfall...I could listen to that all day

[@thadanaya9990]

Absolutely amazing bro. Years ago before my mom passed we thought she was coming home from the hospital, so I wanted to do something like this with her yard in the back to surprise her and lift her spirits. I started on it, but never finished in time for her to see it done unfortunately. But I took a bunch of the plants she had in and out of her home to raise and take care of at my home. I love taking care of them, imagining she knows I'm trying to do a good job keeping up with them like she did.😅😅😅 I'm a long time fan of your channel. All of your work is jus unbelievable. You're so artistic and creative. And your parents are blessed. Keep it up bro.

[@puglygirl1010]

I've loved your channel for a long time and so much enjoy watching your skills and preferences grow! One of my favorite parts is the "how-to" aspect to your channel, however things get a bit muddled for me when talking about equipment and mechanics, I would absolutely love to see the drawn out plans or diagrams you have for the nitty gritty parts of your builds. Thankyou for all the knowledge you've passed on to all of us so far!!!!

[@harpress]

This is an absolutely gorgeous pond. Also kudos for showing how to make an _amazing_ looking pond on a budget! I think this pond wouldn't look out of place next to your bioactive pond made by the pro-pond-making-team! Makes me think I'd want a pond too! Too bad I don't have a garden XD

[@Vanillaflavouredcheese]

I love Tanners shoe choices, Vans are great.

[@Vanillaflavouredcheese]

He also got some new vans old skool's in the Salt water video

[@ModernBuilds]

Amazing!!

[@GlamGoreChaosQueen]

Would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see an update on this now that it's had some time to settle in, and for the plants to grow.

[@doesnotexist6524]

It only took you 5 days to build this? Dear God, you're a machine.

[@jameshutchinson3672]

RIGHT? This guy is inspiring.

[@Frazzlenodazzle]

I have a pond I dug when I bought my house 20 years ago. I have been cleaning a filter box with pump about every other day in spring and summer ever since. Now im learning about building a bog filter (still confused) and I will enlarge it some also. Its about 6x 9 and 3 ft deep at deepest so my fish over winter. Im in Michigan. You have really inspired me to create a nicer surrounding area. Mine is edge then like a brick patio. No plants.

[@ahmar4417]

Dude said the end result was decent 💀💀

[@hlynurbjarkason7317]

What?

[@phantom_pixel]

I mean if you wanted to pay someone to do this, "a professional" this would easily be 4,000 and up. More likely 5,000.

[@mechatarian]

😂 yeah a humble way of saying "it turned out dope af"

[@butterbetty5875]

wonderful! Nature exists in the "garden" created by your creativity and careful work. I wish you success in this work in the future.

[@terryenby2304]

So beautiful and that sound is so calming! My childhood home had a waterfall so it makes me feel so relaxed! Your parents are very lucky to have a son build them something so lovely!

[@heylisten5329]

This might be your best pond video yet. Amazing looking pond. Thanks for sharing so many details & insights around your build & thank you for sharing pricing!

[@lindachenoweth9002]

I've had my 7'x13' pond for 20 years and still love it. Same liner by the way, I can vouch for longevity. and the first pump lasted 20 years also, just replaced it last year. I live in the PNW so our temps very rarely get to 0 deg. But when it does freeze, the pump keeps the water flowing so there is at least open space where the water falls into the pond. I keep koi.

[@MinxFox]

My favorite part is how everthing man made looking is well hidden. Sorta unrelated note but you got me back into fish. I'm loving my mini pond that I customized after following your video tutorial. I have a betta in it. My husband and I are already talking about building a pond in the backyard. It doesn't help that my favorite plant nursery also happens to sell koi and I stare at them and the beautiful ponds every time I go haha. Thanks for showing us all how possible it is to make beautiful, functional environments for our fish and other critters.

[@KGTropicals]

I just had the best idea ever, your next pond build should be in North East North Carolina! The soil is sand so it's like digging a hole at the beach and I've heard some really cool people live there!! Just sayin.

[@SalaziNazz]

Wow, creating a pond from scratch in just 5 days is truly impressive! 🌿🌊 Your dedication and hard work really paid off, the final result is mind-blowing. Keep inspiring us with your amazing DIY projects!

[@sarahwatts7152]

I love the new waterfall! The flat rocks make it less hurried

[@jennyhoman195]

I’m thrilled to have come across this video! I can’t wait to build my own. I’ll watch for sales, collect materials and then use the majority of my budget to hire some help ❤

[@SeymourBalz]

One thing I missed seeing and do recommend, is a sump! Ponds tend to fill in with silt. By having a low spot to pump water out during cleaning really helps. I made submersible filter/pumps by using submersible pumps wrapped in fiberglass screen buried in finer Gravel. The Gravel supported my biological system and screen kept media out of pump impeller. This ran for years, And made removal for cleaning easy.

[@stevecarr323]

This is the best DIY pond video I've ever seen. I have built two large ponds, and after watching your video I learned somethings I did not know. Time marches on and I do not have the strength to dig or place big rocks, so I probably will need a contractor for my next pond at the house we just bought. Great job!, liked and subscribed.

[@schuyler6583]

The split waterfall is divine, I could listen to it all day.

[@WaitWhat99]

🏆 Absolutely stunning 🏆 Its been a pleasure watching your skills improve every year with experience. Thankyou for letting us join you on your journey.

[@VictoriaLeeCreates]

This makes me so happy. I've been dreaming of flying out one day to my mom's house in San Juan Puerto Rico, to do something special for her like this. Idk what I'll do yet, I just know it's with Nature 😊😊😊😊

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

It's a nice touch to include the cost of materials. I'm impressed with natural style of the pond and waterfall. Tanner you definitely have an artistic eye. 🙂

[@59twilli]

Thank you, this video made this project very accessible for the diy challenged. I can see how I could do this in easy stages myself. The shopping list is awesome!

[@Cherb123456]

I was honestly so used to murky/natural green water ponds that one with such amazing clear water like yours looks from another world! Wow! Beautiful! And thanks for the step-by-step narration, great video!

[@maureenentwistle6421]

You are terrific. I have sent your videos to my son-in-law so he can build on his large piece of land. I love you for doing this.

[@shaliekk]

I LOVE that the yard goes up hill!! It frames the pond perfectly 😊

[@moldy13]

beautiful! you are my guru, tanner. i have learned so much from you. thank you for sharing your expertise with all of us.

[@jmarshal]

I wish I had the room for a pond. This is so beautiful and tranquil. The sound of the water running into the pond is magical. I’m going to be installing a frog bowl as that’s as much room for water feature as I have but the frogs will appreciate it!

[@MinxFox]

Have you seen his awesome video where he gets an Aquascape Mini Pond and makes it look super cool!? You should! I followed that video and I keep my mini pond on my back porch and have a small heater in it so that the betta fish I put in there doesn't get cold. It is AWESOME!

[@Lint_Julep]

Fabulous! So usfeul to get a price breakdown and your advice on cost cutting measures is so valuable. Your knowledge and advice makes a person hopeful that they could build something like this too. Thank you very much for making & posting this! Much appreciated : )

[@jefferymuffinsbobmarley6128]

i honestly liked the look of the original waterfall alot, it looked alot like the streams and creeks we have all over here in colorado. but you reaaally stepped it up with the upgraded waterfall!

[@juliahelland6488]

I love the pond design. I have a perfect natural space in my yard that would make a fantastic pond site. Thanks for sharing this with! ❣️

[@minagica]

Nobody could make a more excellent pond with a waterfall. Like omg, such fantastic work!

[@itsoktonotbeokay]

An amazing build!! That split waterfall is absolutely stunning and I love how deep the basin looks. The fishies are gonna love it too!! Well done Tanner, well done 🤌🏻

[@gaytor10]

The first one was good, but I love the re-do, and the natural elements of it all! Amazing, and thank you for sharing! :)

[@danielbrazell]

This guy consistently makes stuff that looks awesome, tells us that he didn't like how it looked, and then remakes them into something that somehow looks even more amazing! Wild

[@TheHeadown]

I can´t think of anything more relaxing, and at the same time interesting to watch than your videos doing builds and explaining along the way. Thank you for all the great content over the years.

[@robertbakerii5469]

Such a huge difference. Your mom will love it! Good job.

[@1World1Love]

I finally subscribed after 2 years of watching you. You said some touching things in this video and I realized that you are a good guy.

[@clairelt7]

Looking forward to seeing updates, so satisfying how clear the water is

[@sydneycarportsprofessional7265]

Your channel deserves more recognition.

[@conniesetter1430]

Really nice design for a lovely pond! I'm sure your parents appreciate your hard work too. I had made a pond in our backyard several years ago. In our eyes it was beautiful and the fish liked it too. Unfortunately so did the blue herons. When the raccoons discovered it, they enjoyed it to death. Literally. One day I saw the aquatic plants strewn out on the grass, sunbathing. The rocks and wood were everywhere. So was the liner. 😔 sigh 😕 We have some fish in one of those drop in tub thingies to have a bit of a water feature. I'll live vicariously enjoying your ponds. Thanks for the video. 🙂

[@laurabustos6560]

You're letting the secret out!! Big box store clearance plants😂. My go to! ✌️

[@animalintrovert3758]

You were rockin that bucket hat! And I mean it in the best way.

[@suzil7687]

Once again impressive as all get out! Can’t wait for the stocking and adding greens video with warmer weather. Well done!

[@mossbased]

Literally yelled “YES” when I saw this on my recommended SERPA POND BUILD VIDEO

[@obsessivepeace2762]

We need a night view of this pond. Btw as always, loved your little pond

[@redravenriot3650]

A gorgeous pond once again, those goldfish will be living good!

[@DrumFilterRau]

Thanks for the video!👍 However, there are more efficient ways to keep your pond clean. Installing a drum filter can save you a lot of time and effort. It provides excellent filtration with minimal maintenance, as it operates automatically. Plus, it only costs about half a dollar per month in electricity, which makes it a very practical solution. The simplicity of upkeep and the efficiency of the drum filter really set it apart for anyone wanting a crystal-clear pond with less hassle.

[@sanchez840509]

This is perfect! You've given me so much inspiration. Can you make an update showing the fish and aquatic plants? Id love to see how it's doing now. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. ❤

[@geraldhand5047]

Absolutely beautiful, you are a genuine artist, and I'm sure many people would pay well to have such a beautiful pond, I envy your talent, keep up the great work, God bless

[@zsworld6609]

My sulcatta dug a huge hole in my backyard in Arizona so all i have to do is form it and get the materials. thanks so much for this video. love your work

[@cindys.4409]

Gorgeous backyard feature, but looks exhausting to make! Your parents are lucky to have you!

[@teasorceryr3633]

Tanner, I am gobsmacked. What an amazing artist. Love love love your work.

[@natitougaku7912]

Omg that is amaizing! You did it perfect. First one was unreal and good but now ... i even do not find words. You progressed with time and now we all can see result. I am sure you parents are proud of you and your gorgeous work. I love it.