Definitive Guide to Growing Houseplants in an Aquarium

[@SerpaDesign]

I've been working on this one for months and am so excited to finally share it with you! I've been using plants in this way for years and it's been so helpful to me. I hope that this guide helps demystify the process for you. Have a great weekend SerpaSquad! Learn more about the plants: www.serpadesign.com/riparian-plants

[@claymantaylor]

Can you try doing sea monkeys

[@kavindudilshan7108]

Make a vampire crab paludarium

[@AnomalousURL]

Thanks for the content. Your hard work is definitely appreciated. Keep it up!

[@rgilroy1909]

min 3:41 graphic is the BEST description of each zone. PERFECTION

[@Digitalhunny]

Certainly hope that you _do_ have an Amazon store set up on your website with links to all of the stuff you recommend to us? I'm not finished watching the video yet, or I'd go check for myself. IF you aren't set up with a partner program, you could be losing out on a lot of money! If you're not doing this just yet, I'm _pretty sure_ your wife would love a 2 week vacation to Hawaii, alone with you... perhaps? THAT kinda money. 😂😂 edit: Are those lights on the ceiling of the tank room good for plant growth or just normal light bulbs? We live in Canada so, I'm always looking for better, stronger lights for these blustery winter months. You know, stronger bulbs that could feed more plants with having to install less light fixtures in one room? edit 2: On you plant list, hope that you've listed some plants don't tend to thrive in dry, desert scapes. These are the plants that prefer high humidity &/or wetter substrate. Plants like, spider plants & Boston ferns _love_ when their substrate is practically wet soil most of the time.

[@ellajohnson3276]

I am literally building a tank at the moment using your IKEA tank setup video as a guide with the intention of making it a riparium setup. This could not be more perfectly timed. Thank you Tanner! 🐸

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

I always love when things work out like that. Good luck on your project, Hope it turns out how you hope it to! Tanner has inspired me to do all sorts of stuff over the time I've been watching him. I found him from aquariums but he has sent me on an adventure learning and setting up all the other "ariums" and it's been great fun

[@stoneysscapes7544]

​@DanJT10if you have a chance to get green neons instead of or even both of them that you should. IME through the years , health issues are hot the only reason green neons are my favorite ....they have better schooling tendencies, providing that you have 12 + but the minimum is 6 + !!! 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

[@DestinRugers.S]

I just completed the Ikea tank. My glue job looks so ugly compared to his, but it's holding up really well!

[@j3rs3yjak3FIU]

​@@DestinRugers.Swhich size did you make!? I'm really close to doing it myself, just working on setting up a good work space so I don't make it more difficult for myself.

[@tomw5733]

Me too! Sat looking at my empty new 350ltr tank and thinking exactly the same thing. How synchronous 😊

[@barbkrienke8400]

It is so great that you added information about plant toxicity. I have cats, and it’s important to make sure that I use non-toxic plants. I’ve been using a variety of Calathea. Not sure if you are interested in adding additional information about hardiness (or if you have the same experience as I have). But I’ve found the rattlesnake calthea to be more hardy than others, and less likely to drop leaves into the water (where they melt). Great episode!!! I love that you included options for different “planting methods”! Thanks so much!!!

[@juliemill22]

What do you mean when you say the leaves "melt"? I noticed that was said in the video and my thought was that the leaves decay, but will that negatively affect the tank? Is it very bad for this to happen, or is it just something that would be good to avoid if you can? Thank you! :)

[@capuchinosofia4771]

@@juliemill22 the decaying leaves will rot (melt) in the water and leech all the "bad stuff" thats usually removed by plant or waterchanges. When a leaf or more melts, then, it leeches a lot of that bad stuff and the spike in those can be bad for the fishes in the tank

[@juliemill22]

@@capuchinosofia4771 oh ok, so it’s like it puts the bad stuff back in the water that the plants are meant to take out? That makes sense, thank you!

[@karenlee3198]

The clearest explanation ever of the difference between all the terminology. This video was super helpful!!

[@valdemarjrgensen8072]

I'm just annoyed that he strictly speaking is following an incorrect (but often used) definition of vivarium. Using the wrong definition doesn't make it easier to understand when you then run into a situation where people does use the terms correctly.

[@pyleaquatics]

This is hands down, the most useful video about plants growing out of an aquarium that I have ever found! Thank you so much! I plan to get a couple of my aquarium setup with plants growing out of them.

[@sunriseeyes0]

I love the graphic showing where in the landscape the different vivarium types showcase. That is super helpful! 🌱💗🙏🏽

[@ratsika3]

3:41

[@plixplop]

That diagram a few minutes in is the best explanation of all the different -ariums, I never quite got it before

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

Lowes has started selling some of their house plants already growing in water. pretty awesome, the roots are already converted and you don't have to clean the potting soil off !

[@sandglowpets]

Oh wow, nice to know!

[@squamsh122]

This was much needed content. There is a decent amount of info online, but nothing as thorough as this.

[@starr_ship]

Resources like that plant list that are Tanner-curated will help make a LOT of us feel more confident in our choices; thank you for that! Video is timely too; I have been keeping turtles and have been learning the hard way that you really can't use plants that don't grow vertically if you actually want to keep them. My plan B was an over-under bog filter in a separate bucket with the bottom stuffed with hornwort and pothos rooting down into it to keep the turts away from them, but the pothos is getting a bit much to manage and it's time to make some better decisions on plant stock.

[@ramonsita625]

This is the most elaborate, easy to understand explanation video I never knew I needed. I’ve been following your channel for a couple years now and I just never get tired of watching them, I feel like I always learn something new. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@СветланаЖелонкина-ъ9щ]

Это лучшее видео для начинающих строить свой аквариум! Великолепно! Спасибо вам огромное за проделанную работу🙌

[@annepettit3855]

You read my mind-I’m about to set up a 75 gallon for a turtle and make his current enclosure an aquarium so this is the most helpful thing ever ❤. Thanks!😊

[@sandyloyst1811]

Tanner, very informative and enjoyable video. The editing and camera work were amazing. We all learnt a lot. Prayers and love from Ontario.

[@Glass_Half_Full]

I've been looking for a guide on which plants to use and I'm so thankful I found it. Big thanks!

[@barrkorrd27]

A riparian plant list is so helpful, it's something I've googled/searched for so many times and was never able to find a clearly understandable list. Maybe it is my autism but I am glad to have some type of reference to look forward to in the future to easily see what I can try in my aquariums!

[@synthraofficial5366]

The timing for this is perfect! I've been looking into something like this for the last few days! Thanks!

[@MainlyMiniTanks]

Thank you for posting a new video on Saturdays. I am always excited to watch it!

[@stanglemeirwb]

I've been wanting this exact video! Setting up a new tank soonish and definitely going to use this.

[@mattdamsel2176]

The timing of this video coming out is crazy, and the fact that it showed up in my algorithm is ever crazier, as I was literally researching this stuff just before finding this video. Thank you!

[@nataliayev]

This is an amazing video, I’ve been interested in this stuff for a long time but it’s hard to fully understand when it seems like all I can find is bits and pieces of information. This brings it all together. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, I know I will be using this for my tank!

[@shoretrader1]

Wonderful tutorial. You are a natural teacher. This should be pinned on top for future reference.

[@scottrini6889]

It's a great day to see a new video in the morning! Thank you, this is great!

[@Psychoclaw]

I have been wanting something like this so badly and your timing is perfect! I'll be moving from my tiny apartment into a house soon, and want to get a 55 gallon riparian tank with harlequin rasboras going. And thank you for including pet safe options. I have five cats that will appreciate it.

[@TheSugarSickness]

I've come back time and time again to this video, as I add or alter above water plants in my tanks. It is by far, the most comprehensive video I have come across. I would absolutely love to hear more about how riptariun style tanks affect the need for water changes etc, and I'm hoping one day, you will release another video going into that in more depth. Thanks for the fantastic videos, this one and so many others ✨

[@thejerseyherper5320]

Awesome Video Tanner!!! Loving this new type of video explaining your tips and tricks in long form detailed videos!

[@JTrizzleFizzle]

I didn't realize how much I'd learn from this video. I really like seeing your designs, and these how-to/guide videos really help understand your thought process and decision making.

[@LordMerji]

I gave up understanding the differences years ago, but this explains it perfectly.

[@namyac88]

started doing this 5 years ago when i found your channel! me and my wife have been obsessed ever since and have covered two of our living room walls!

[@theJBJ]

Even though it wasn’t a build video, this is one of my favorite vids in recent memory! Thanks T

[@meanderinmelancholic]

I'm a teacher for a living, and I just have to say that your tutorials are excellent! As someone very interested in getting into the hobby but who definitely needs protocols to get started, I hope you make more. :)

[@maxxedtfout]

Sooo excited for this!

[@bergzoid1]

One of the greatest videos I've seen of houseplants in planted tanks - I could confirm some of my hypothesis I had prior trying in my aquariums, Thank you so much!

[@mellfraze8112]

I recently picked up a couple large tanks because they were free & I've been wanting to try some kind of terrarium or paludarium design for a while. I've learned a lot from your design videos over the years & I really appreciate you took the time to make a simple explanation of the basics so I can just reference one video.

[@goobster6257]

I always knew my love for houseplant was gonna help me make the move to building enclosure, a set-up. I never knew when though! That video is definitely my pivoting point !

[@nbox1234]

This is a great video for anyone thinking of setting up an aquarium. It can also save you money from acquiring expensive equipment.

[@brianwbid]

Honestly, I've been watching for a few years now, and this is exactly the video I've needed. Thanks for all your hard work making these videos and an extra thanks for the plant list.

[@captainlovebug]

Your filter sponge sandwich was such a good idea. My Monstera Obliqua is THRIVING with this method

[@michaelboulos3272]

Possibly the best timed video on yt as I'm currently setting up a turtle tank 😊

[@ephemeralanomaly8456]

Oh my gosh, thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been wanting to include plants like this to my tanks, but already had them set up and didn't want to dismantle them. I like the setups I have, aquascaping-wise, but hadn't thought to incorporate hardscape to account for riparian plant growth at the time. I am so glad that I kept the little pots my aquarium plants came in. I'm definitely going to use this method.

[@malins4573]

Loved this! Plants is my main interest in tour videos. 😊

[@fimpero994]

Literally exactly what I was looking for ! Thanks

[@soundtransgender]

Your content invites me to play, experiment, and see everything with fresh eyes. You don't just show how to make things; you ignite a spark, reminding everyone that creativity exists every day, whether trying a new technique or simply embracing the joy of the process. I reach for tools more often than ever, eager to bring your ideas to life. Thank you, Serpa Design, for unleashing my creativity and helping me find sanctuary in my home. Your videos are a constant source of inspiration, and I eagerly await each new upload, knowing it will be another step on my journey of self-expression and mindful living.

[@cindystimson3632]

Thank you so much for this video Tanner. I've been wondering what the difference between these are for a long time. I know I should have looked it up but I hadn't done so yet. Also I am planning to build a ripairum once I accumulate everything I need. I learn so much from you.

[@drexdqueen]

THANK YOU!!! I'm just starting to experiment with houseplants and wished there was a guide! Thank you so much!!

[@corvus6779]

This video has been a blessing, honestly. I got a lovely white fantail goldfish (hes about the size of a house key, fins included) maybe a month ago and he's been growing up in a 10 gal with two mystery snails while I set up his new home, a 29 gal complete with driftwood, river stones, and the dirt-in-mesh idea you've shown in previous videos to avoid messy substrate. I have a ton of plants too, both aquatic and above water that I'm so excited to use. And today I got my beloved fish a new buddy, a gorgeous black oranda goldfish. He's setup in a bucket right now, but in about 2-4 weeks the two of them will be introduced to their new aquarium to thrive for the next few years.

[@yutub561]

I've used my 3d printer for every setup i've ever made. highly recommend getting one if you dont have one. its perfect for things like custom plant baskets and fountain pump boxes

[@vituperation]

That would allow some truly wild setups (pun not intended). Things could get incredibly elaborate above and below the waterline. _I'm_ certainly going to use this idea 😅

[@julianaquascaped]

Thank you for this video! I love having plants in my tanks and I've been wanting to have something other than pothos, but like you said, it's hard to find ones that aren't toxic to cats and dogs and I have one of each. Very much looking forward to checking out the list on your site!

[@Digitalhunny]

No freaking joke, I joined this channel the other day sincerely hoping that _just_ maybe one day, in the future, he'd make THIS exact video. Haven't even been here for a whole month yet & my wish has come true, so soon?! As a plant parent, I thank you & my small collection of 125 plants thank you. I'm digging out that old aquarium, pump & filter, right now! I've got some work to do for spring. 🤗💕

[@pandugofast]

I'm really looking forward to the Penguinarium

[@RicGrylls]

I just set up my first aquarium and was looking to get into growing plants out of the top. This video is perfect thankyou

[@caughtafaygo]

yall save this video because what a great learning tool. awesome vid Tanner and thank you sir!

[@chantalfrommontreal8787]

The difference between all these words in '«arium» are now much easier for me to understand now thank you

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

A fantastic beginners guide! Thanks for sharing.

[@AwkwardBirb]

I feel like this video has given me a college level course in this hobby! This is really amazing, thank you for sharing ❤

[@thomasvaughan294]

Thanks, i saw the thumbnail and was laying in bed thinking, "it would be nice with an easy list of terrestrial plants I could use" I've searched online and only found long winded, vague lists. You read my mind!

[@gabejohnson97]

You really knocked this one out of the park, man. For financial reasons, I'm really trying not to get too deep into the tank realm, but you are really making it hard on me XD

[@codyunderwood4993]

A fantastic breakdown of many of the more complicated aspects of this hobby! Shared this with my friends so that perhaps I don't sound like I'm speaking a foreign language to them when I talk about this.

[@amasenak]

This was super helpful, thank you! You have inspired me for years, and I'm finally going to make a riparium. I've learnt most of my knowledge just watching your videos, your content is great. Not many things can hold my attention fully, while teaching me , entertaining me and inspiring me at the same time.

[@JupiterJamie]

Awesome video! I used to breed fancy guppies 15 - 20 years ago and I came to love growing my plants along the back edge of the tank. I had great luck with different types of pothos but mostly I looooove syngonium. I haven't had a fish tank in the last 10 years, just house plants and terrariums built for my mourning and crested geckos now.

[@thedirtprincess3293]

Ive been binging your videos for a couple of weeks now, and this is THE. BEST. VIDEO! More like this are always welcome from my point of view. I know very experienced people may know all this, but its a wonderful overview and explanation where every other creator has only given bits and pieces, but not put the whole thing together. The graphic for terrarium to aquarium was Out. Standing! If any of the OG Serpa Squad knows of a Serpa video that talks about water quality management and different options, including for us poor newbies, I would love a link. ❤❤❤

[@_Myriad_]

What perfect timing! Im building a setup with my dad and while weve both kept fish all my life ive never ventured into riparian style setups, so this is very well researched and well presented information to help us finish that project! Having a list of plant types that work is so handy, ive googled before but ive found myself overwhelmed quickly 😅 grateful for this video tanner good work!

[@PaulGreve-w6e]

I can't believe that this video came out right as I bought my first aquarium! Thank you!

[@wittacism]

great video! I'm planning out a planted turtle tank and I'm glad to have this list as a resource!

[@lilycat1547]

Love the video! Getting ready to build a paludarium!

[@tabathatammaro9187]

FANTASTIC VIDEO! THANK YOU!

[@thehairywoodsman5644]

if you're using the hang on planters, instead of using lava rock or sponge , use marbles. this will hold the plant up where you want it and if you wish to remove the plant, the roots slide easily out of the marbles...unlike lava or sponge.

[@marikah6198]

Thank you for the info. This will be useful for planning my filmy fern tank.

[@yzettasmith4194]

I'm so glad you indicated plant toxicity on your list. I'd love to make tanks, but I have cats. Knowing which plants to use is a godsend.

[@jorie42]

Thank you for this!! The timing is perfect because I've been thinking about setting my aquariums up with some riparian plants to help with filtration, and now I know exactly where to start.

[@aquamoment]

This is exactly what I needed, i have a bunch of plants and I am going to move real quick... So then I will make a living wall and underneath on the floor there will be a 200x50x70 cm tank... And water from the tank will flow over the wall... 💪🏻💪🏻

[@sharim]

I’ve been away from your channel for far too long, and I’d forgotten how great your videos are! Informative and educational content, spectacular builds, narrated by your soothing voice, now shown in your amazing new presentation area. Your production value and seamless editing have increased tenfold. This Serpa Squadder is back for good, no more straying for me!

[@JVSfit23]

Finally..this is the exact video ive been wanting for over a year. One the different types of ariums and what kind and how to use plants in said exhibits

[@SophiaHamp]

I'm just getting into setups like this so this video couldn't have come at a more perfect time. Thank you!

[@lionessoftor4139]

This is exactly the video I needed. I have plants in my aquarium but I'm wanting to get some to grow above the rim. Thanks so much!

[@EveIllTrees]

Thank you. I just addded a mini monstera, and another plant to my aquariums on the top, yesterday after watching. I was never really sure which plants would work for that.

[@ozonejamnerd]

This is information GOLD!!! Thanks for a clear and informative explanation! ❤

[@blondeshort906]

I absolutely love the description of the different forms in the beginning of the video. Thank you!! You’re one of the only channels of this type I follow and I never fully understood the different terms so this was super helpful. Great video as always.

[@preacher2121]

This video is great! Very helpful guide. Currently setting my first planted Aquarium. Please do more videos like this focused on education and how to guides.

[@ForLorNVuLgaR]

I loved this type of instructional video, you are great at explaining complex things making them easy to understand. Please do more of this type of videos.

[@AlextheguitarFreak]

This was an extremely helpful video, thank you!

[@SumanEXE]

Thank you for all you do! The fish keeping hobby will forever be better because of you and creators like you

[@sillyjellyfish2421]

Thank you for this infodump! It's nice to get all kinds of informations about different setups and techniques used in them in a single video!

[@lafawnscott-me1ff]

Thank you for this. When I had to research this, it took forever and wasn’t as extensive a list!

[@DontMindRyan]

I think this may be the most useful video you've ever made. At least in the top 10.

[@caileyanneumrysh1680]

THANK you for including a toxicity option in your plant list for those of us with munchy turtles. I'm thinking of doing a net pot within a larger net pot to make a "cage" and protect the roots against my red eared menace. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@loribell6453]

Definitely one of the questions that has come to mind frequently as I have been watching your videos. Thank you for the list and other details! 🙏😊👍

[@HolyCanolei]

This guide is awesome! I’d love to see more like it in the future. It’s so helpful to hear you break down the different concepts for newbies like me!

[@hadiDAYIhadi]

that was one of the best videos I've watched. covered everything in a very clear and simple manner. full of infos and also never boring. Great work. so sad I've seen it so late!

[@mmlei7540]

thank you for this guide! I just started a 2.5 gallon tank. i am trying to bring my little maranta back from the brink of death (he's clung on for months but no new growth). once he grows big and strong I might try to put a little at the edge of my tank. I appreciate the toxic/non-toxic labels too.

[@BobyChanMan]

These care guides are some of my favorite videos that you put out!

[@jasonacevedo5629]

Awesome video Tanner and an invaluable link !!! I already use plants this way but there is still so much I can get from this video, and an amazing benefit for hobbyists new to the hobby ! Thank you

[@AquaJoyClub]

Wow, what a great and comprehensive video. I was thinking of doing this, but didn't know what plants to choose from. Thank you for building a list of appropriate plants!

[@ImHavingaCoronary]

Great presentation Serpa. Thanks :)

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

I have been wanting to add plants to my aquarium. I just wasn't sure how to attach them to my tank. Now I know. Thanks Tanner.😊 Gina

[@Eightbyte]

This channel has inspired me so much, I'm planning on making my first waterfall setup soon. So so grateful to have found this channel, and thank you so much for continuing to make such amazing builds!

[@pjk9225]

I think it's interesting how there has been such a shift in gardening/ plant keeping, just from what ive seen growing up. My dad is what you'd call a "traditional gardener", he made amazing displays of continuous blooms throughout the year with a wide mix of annuals and perennials suited to our garden zone. Now though, what I find most fascinating is the context of the plants. How do the different plants in an environment work together to create that environment? So i find myself using a lot more native plants, or making arrangements in pots with plants that are all from the same area and I try to mimic those conditions. Between the rise of the NoLawns movement, native gardening, and other movements about improving our cities, there seems to be a massive bubbling undercurrent of respecting nature that is great to see growing!

[@Riane1313]

I love this guide and your channel. I learned a lot about terrariums from this video. I am grateful for the info you shared. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for this project.

[@carolebraswell982]

This was the best, most informational video I have ever seen! Thank you so much for making it!

[@novastardust5117]

Thanks for making this video! I wanted to add plants to my guppy tank but I was having trouble figuring out which plants would grow properly in a riparian environment, so this video is really helpful