No-Filter Guppy Sanctuary Ecosystem Fish Tank

[@SerpaDesign]

I’ve wanted to revisit the guppies for a while now and I’m so excited to finally bring them back into the animal room. Seeing them from above allowed me to appreciate them, but not like this. The way this tank is situated in the room and the larger space really showcases them well. What do you think of the new setup? Let me know and have a great Sunday SerpaSquad!

[@shontellepetersen4445]

Thank you for another great vid

[@sorscha]

They're just so cute. Little underwater butterflies ❤

[@mirai5542]

Hi Tanner! Firstly thank you for giving me the confidence to restart my love of aquariums and helping me further expire my passion❤ quick question- I’m curious why you used aquarium epoxy instead of superglue to stabilize the hardscape? The stones were porous, was that part of the reason why? Thank you !!! :)

[@BobyChanMan]

please do a mantis paludarium under the guppy tank

[@fifi-trixibell1888]

Hullo. Can you make a list of suitable plants for this sort of tanks, can i put bristol fern for example? Thnx

[@fezii9043]

Tanner can you make a closed terrarium for me to live in? Preferably something away from taxes, jobs, and other people THANKS

[@vascocotrim3341]

I dont think that would be legal😂

[@noelrodriguez6625]

​@@vascocotrim3341 not with THAT attitude

[@taxesarescary0]

@@vascocotrim3341 if op consents with it then it’s legal, and it’s pretty clear he would consent to a closed terrarium

[@chrisl1873]

I believe that's called homesteading

[@3l3llala13]

What about your parents' basement, and they seal off the door and declare you as a missing person ?

[@Casmael01]

i love how gently you add the fish so that they don't get upset 🥺 that's how i'd want to be added to an aquarium if i were a fish

[@piteusx8440]

Good for Fritz Aquatics for sponsoring you. They couldn't have found a better spokesman.

[@caderade5586]

Honestly, best fish father on yt

[@mayacalle4657]

i just want to say thank you for teaching me so much about this hobby. without you i probably would have still had a 5 gallon and plastic decor. Your skill for aquascapeing is insane and all your builds look straight-out of nature. Please keep doing what you're doing and again, thank you!

[@kevinfoley7704]

Guppies are such an underrated fish. They are personable like you said.

[@OregonOutdoorsChris]

I would love a video on figuring out which terrestrial plants are a good fit for a setup like this, and which aren't.

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

Ecology of the Planted Aquarium by Diana Walstad is a great book. The tank looks amazing btw 🙌🏻

[@BabyRichardDixon]

yo hiiiiii i am subbed to ur channel, ur vids r so good. You, worcester terrariums, serpadesign and terrarium designs r my favourite ytbers

[@dawnt6791]

I agree! LOVE that book!

[@christinabrown7308]

I appreciate the subtle way you tie in your sponsor. its so nice not to have a jarring cut to an unrelated ad right in the middle. You never do that BS. Even your saltwater project (which was basically a commercial) was very tastefully handled.

[@michoneburris2807]

Thrilled to see the guppies so beautifully showcased! A childhood favorite. Love to see how the dwarf puffers getting along, too.

[@glassyGREEN_]

I am normally not a fan of cube aquariums but you made this look incredible, I love this little ecosystem 😊

[@SuspiciouslyCatShapedPotato]

"i'm not normally a fan of cube aquariums" and I took that personally.

[@glassyGREEN_]

@@SuspiciouslyCatShapedPotato Haha, I am sorry :D

[@karmaroberts6660]

Very interesting! As a country gal…I must admit that I chuckled a time or two when you first referred to guppies as “livestock “. I do however get it👍🏻

[@chancemcclendon3906]

I think it's the waterline that does it for me in this one. He kept it at a low enough level that it creates the rule of thirds effect we see in a normal layout.

[@SannPisetha]

Ecosystem like this is very nice and amazing for understanding the live in it well.

[@AngelaABrown-cd8kd]

Hi Tanner, I don’t know how many times I’ve watched this video but I took notes and want to build a riparium just like yours. In the past I never like the aquarium and having fish in there because of the frequent water changes. Since I’ve learned that riparium is less maintenance and the water can be kept there longer, I bought a 15x15x15 rimless square riparium and wanted to start creating this as soon as possible. Thank you so much for educating us. Your channel is the best in KZbin. Just me, Angela

[@fishingalot247]

Life is stressful. I come here and this is like therapy. This channel is my happy place

[@Unicornspit34]

I am so excited how you present your setup steps. You treat it like car finishing, or how nail technicians have a certain process needed to aquire high quality. Your videos convey so much background knowledge about bacteria, the nutrient cycle and ecology of a miniature ecosystem. It shows to people who think it doesn't take much to take care of fish, that there is the chance to unveil the full potential of the fishkeeping hobby. Fish and other aquatic animals deserve just as much attention, care and maintenance as our other animal friends and that is often overlooked. Thank you so much for being that person who conveys that on your platform!!

[@velvet5922]

Oh wow! I absolutely love this! Using the real plants and the fish. I would love to see more set ups like this. So gorgeous and peaceful.

[@laurabustos6560]

I absolutely love that you set up this whole awesome rimless cube "fancy" tank for a bunch of rando mix guppies. They're such fun little fish! Mine are surfer bums, they spend half the day at least surfing in the flow of the filter. 🤙🌊✌️

[@kajalsingh9554]

I think this new tank is beautiful. Love all the plants. Thank you for all the information, and for explaining the reasons behind your choices. I am learning so much.

[@supermanjcc1]

HI there, I hope this reaches you. I just wanted to thank you for your kind videos. They are helpful to me just to be in the the vicinity of someone that truly cares for their craft, and for their animals. That's what I would call it, KINDNESS. Your're like a mr. Rojers for small terrariums and plants and animals and I'm glad I found your channel. Keep up the good work and thank you! -Jeremy

[@danielcrossman5926]

I really like how open the foreground of the tank is. That open space makes the presentation look large and clean. Great work as always!

[@Wynn1953]

I remember back many years ago my father was into tropical fish tanks and as a result we had a few around the house. So when I finally flew the next I continued with the keeping of tropicals and I put together the best tank that I ever had. I'd managed to acquire quite a large one and it was much taller than I'd had before, so I built it up higher at the back and over a couple of weeks planted it out and I was very happy with my efforts then I started to think about the fish I would like (and seeing your guppy tank helped me to make up my mind) So I researched the habitat of the Neon and Cardinal Tetra's and I changed the way the tank looked to make it look how it should for the above species. It was around five to six weeks before everything was the way I wanted it to be and I went to my local House of Fishes to pick up the order I had placed a few weeks earlier so I took them home and once they were ready I put them into the tank, I had some 35 each of the Neon and Cardinal Tetra's and I was very happy indeed with my efforts. Now I don't know whether you would or not but it's a thing to behold watching those vibrant colours flashing this way and that and I would love it if you were to consider building one. Either way I really enjoy viewing your video's so thank you for sharing ❤😊

[@angiebear8727]

Did that with the mesh bags then fine sand over the top so I could have a safe planted aquarium for my African dwarf frogs. Don’t want them accidentally swallowing aqua soil. It actually works better than I expected so anyone iffy about it should give it a try. It’s also a great way to add height in the back❤ 🐸

[@caderade5586]

I NEED this setup holy cow is this beautiful. Guppy’s have always been one of my favorite fish, they’re hearty, easy to maintain, yet so beautiful. This has to be one of my favorite builds yet, if not favorite overall. Keep up the awesome videos Tanner!

[@lara_xy]

An easy solution to camouflage the light stand would be to paint it in the same green colour as the wall. I love how this tank turned out! I am really fond of your tanks with sand!

[@ggoannas]

Your attention to detail from the tank to the blood lines is exquisite.

[@allihearisblahblah]

This was the best surprise when I refreshed my subscriptions page, so fascinating and relaxing every time ❤

[@zjisterre]

Exactly, had the same reaction when I refreshed my subscriptions page.. 😅

[@analloshappyness]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@simonjakobsson1004]

You can cap of the dirt by using sand instead of gravel. This will keep the dirt from the water column. I have tried it myself, and it works great. Love your stuff!

[@hannahcarter2989]

I've kept several walstad type tanks and have been struggling with keeping them clean due to how easy it is to stir up the substrate. I dismantled my most recent tank after the fish passed, but am missing having a tank. What a great idea for a future tank. Thank you as always for the passion and inspiration!

[@yoult]

Sadly Walstad tanks are basically ruined when the dirt gets stirred up because it then releases ammonia to the water column :(

[@ignatiuspauta5612]

I think you should make the cap substrate (sand/gravel) thicker, I usually make it 2-3 times the thickness of the dirt layer and I've been having success. Using a finely strained topsoil without big organic material chunks also help

[@allusernamestakenlol]

Yo Tanner, I really appreciate how much you went into detail with this one. Feels like you explained a lot of stuff I was wanting to know. I learned a lot

[@dabblingwithbonsai]

The light almost looks like MD build! Always nice to see you fellas doing things from scratch! Love the set-up - and the tank looks lovely 💚💚💚

[@hushpuppyandfriends5115]

wow, amazing set up! Just gorgeous! I wish I saw this video BEFORE last Sunday. That bag idea is fantastic. I was taking out my old gravel, but changed my mind & only removed maybe 5 pounds I added pond soil 1 full bag, then 50 pounds black sand to my 38 gallon they now have an estimated 30 gallons for swimming, the substrate is 4 inches deep. The tank is still cloudy, but it is clearing up. I have kept guppies for 2 years now. I started with blue ( 2 fe/1 m) and green dragons ( 2 fe) then got Black Moscow guppies ( 2 fe/1 m) then purple dragons ( 2 fe/1 m) and then a few weeks back, I got purple Moscow 6 juveniles The fish are so inbreed for special look, I wanted that mixed diversity to keep the blood line healthy I love dragons, but the male fin is so weighted down , I added Moscow to counter it guppies are wonderful my co-workers are amazed at their beauty and I have given 30+ guppies to 2 co-workers to shared in the joy!

[@josheoXD]

I love all of the technical information that was added In with this video!

[@sarahwatts7152]

I particularly love the peace lily in this scape, it just looks so right

[@Biscuits..]

Thank you so so much for the rundown on bacteria and it’s benefits! I had no idea floating plants helped with ammonia levels and all that jazz, will definitely add them to my tank soon!

[@falcolf]

Oh my gosh this is ridiculously inspiring.❤ One of the things that turned me off about aquariums in the past was how incredibly high maintenance they are - but this setup eliminates so much of that! I may yet try having an aquarium again now. 😊

[@CK-solutions]

It was a small detail, but I'm glad you mentioned how you divided your substrate - and why. I've been wanting to try something similar to a Walstead eco-tank, but wondered if I'd ever have issues with soil making it to the water column eventually. I actually wanted to get Malaysian trumpet snails, but knew they'd totally mess with the sand-capped layer of topsoil. I had wondered about netting the soil instead, which you've demonstrated wonderfully. So thanks for helping me visualise.

[@justicegreen4055]

Love this, not only is this an ecosystem, you seem to be back in your groove. LOVE IT. GO SERPA! I hope some hobbyists that need feeders develop similar systems. This provide quite the bounty.

[@dronepilotflyby9481]

Nice explanation and setup video. Back in the 90's there was a company that made a plastic 3D backdrop that you used silicone to attach to the back glass of any aquarium. You added a pump at the base of it and water was pushed up to a stream at the top that ran down into separate descending pools along with a hydroponic area for plants. Roots would grow into the main tank for food. It was call the River Tank system. I had one running for years and it was fascinating with how well it worked. I finally gave it to a friends young daughter.

[@joshpiercey8477]

Hey tanner, another great setup! I just wanted to let you know you have been a huge inspiration to me! I found you one night browsing random KZbin videos a few years ago and you unlocked an addiction that was locked deep inside me! A few years later I now run my own business creating setups like these for people and helping people create bioactive setups :) I even had a chance to create a giant display tank for another local business. Keep doing what you're doing tanner and be an inspiration for others! Thanks!

[@LizaKixs-yg9mc]

No matter how old you are now this is awesome thank you

[@mattnash3437]

Finally got back into indoor fishkeeping after 5 years since my last setup! Largely inspired by your content. So grateful for the information and amazing cinematography that paints a vivid picture as always. ❤️❤️

[@krisbaker9427]

Tanner, you have gotten so, so good over the years! Thanks for allowing us to learn from you.

[@petejeau]

Great setup - A true eco system, not just an aquarium. Liked how you explained the advantage of the terrestrial plants over their submerged counterparts. One thing I didn't see is how the tank sustains enough oxygen in the water column and processes oxygen exchange as there was no breaking the surface tension to facilitate this that I could see.

[@ryanfrank4299]

The mesh bag thing is genius!

[@thereecedanielsson5311]

I recently found this channel and it's the greatest thing since sliced bread 🎉 If your videos alone were to be prescribed for mental illness the success rate would be at least 99.999% (according to very accurate mathematics) 💚 The level of geekiness 💚 The oh so pleasing quality of filming and editing 💚 The master level aesthetic and handiwork 💚 The ethics and treating of and genuine interest in the animals no matter how small THANK YOU!

[@carolebraswell982]

I absolutely love how this turned out and I am inspired to make one for my guppies!

[@Witchfoot.Incorporated]

You are THE ONLY other person I know that does this besides me. ❤

[@noelrodriguez6625]

Tanner, i love these videos and wish i had a basic understanding of certain practices like woodworking and knowing how to use the right tools, and plant care. How would you feel about a series where you covered the basics of how you build the frames, enclosures, shelves, how you varnish, etc.? I think it would be really cool to see you focus on one particular subject per video where you go into detail about why you build things from scratch the way you do and i think some people who have no experience in woodworking like i do might really benefit from seeing it

[@SamanthaB293]

I love this idea! I wish I was more comfortable around building stands and stuff for all enclosed pets.

[@_sandy_]

that would be good but i'm sure theres heaps of other dedicated youtube channels to very basic woodworking stuff out there have you tried looking?

[@mohawho8251]

100% agreement level

[@nakomtsuu8433]

hes our dad

[@alexiscondit898]

The guppy pond was one of my favorite setups you've done. This is nice too, but I hope to see more on indoor ponds as well.

[@Emg2463]

funny story about my daughter's tank that she had when she was little. She had a couple of guppies in there and one day she was waving one of her fingers around in front of the glass and one of the guppies was right at the glass watching her finger. It then swam quickly over to another guppy in the tank, they had a little conversation and then both of them swam over to where her finger was waving.....and they both sat there and watched her finger wave around. lol...who says they don't think and converse

[@TheAgentTexas]

I love this design, I was at first thinking anubius in the bottom, but the swords are probably better as it mirrors the above water setup well. Also, thank you so much for the education on low tech. There is a lot of chemical science in there that I didn't really know that well. That bit about having plants above the water is especially interesting.

[@VueYT]

i love eco-system tanks, it's a good challenge to get everything perfect

[@boledle]

Fish and plants under your care live better than the majority of humans on this planet ...

[@MsLeenite]

The guppies seem to be quite happy, and why not? You created such a beautiful and healthful place for them to live.

[@yoult]

Hi Tanner, may you make a video with your experiences using "house" plants as soil-less riparian plants in an aquarium? Limited informations lead to most people using the same plants over and over (peace lily, pothos, monstera,...), while a lot others might be interesting alternatives. Personally I'm very curious how Calathea and Alocasia do long-term. Cheers!

[@stardoll1995]

I would very much recommend you go to Plant(Tube) for this, there's SEVERAL informational video on plants you can securely grow in just water, Alocasias are a good only water option from my experience with one I've changed as an experiment to just water but I'd urge to look into it with people who know more about his than me!

[@beezusKritso]

Not strictly in an aquarium but I've had success growing Calathea and Alocasias in hydroponic setups

[@rimibchatterjee]

Does caladium work as a riparian plant?

[@susanpaulson9010]

Glad you aren’t leaving I’m inspired to try a small terrarium.

[@mikepatterson9351]

Not sure if it was intended, but this video was a how to on beneficial bacteria and some of the sciences behind it. The hydroponic feeding of the plants with fish water is something ive seen in the plant and garden hobby, but this brings it to another level! I always find the more natural, less added technology to the ecosystem makes for a better setup and life for it inhabitants.

[@dawnt6791]

LOVE this! I'm a huge fan of low-tech, low-maintenance setups, and this one is gorgeous! Glad to see you used something besides pothos and peace lily. I love those 2 plants, but there are so many plants that can be used, and I think only a couple of other channels I follow even branch out from them regularly. Love the diversity of your setups.

[@chriswheeler6092]

I've never tried using soil in a tank. I would consider it because these days I am into the plants more than the fish. I like how the build turned out. It makes me think about getting guppies again.

[@veronica5896]

Loved the previous setup, and love this one even more! Lucky fish! Thanks for sharing!

[@bonniedunbar6717]

I could fall asleep listening to your voice! Very calming.😊

[@woodfield9584]

Very pretty. Guppies were my first fish.

[@fluroflash2803]

Every video I think you can't top the last and yet you do! This is definitely one of my favourites

[@walterwhite9394]

Your guppy pond was amazing and I'm glad you've revisited them. I made a similar pond and might consider this tank thanks.

[@dominiqueparizel-smith8259]

This is so beautiful, your artistic sense is worthy of the greatest painters and sculptors. I am impressed !🤩

[@esotericLobster]

I think a stalactite setup would be cool, especially under a shelf like the one you have in this video! You could challenge yourself to make a top-heavy hanging build with as little on the bottom as possible. I think it would be a fun change from the usual "build from the bottom up" scapes. Thanks as always for sharing!

[@conniesetter1430]

That's a beautiful place for guppies to live! I had guppies in an outdoor ~75 gallon~ pond . The local Flicker Woodpeckers were happy to dine on every single guppy.. 😔 Great video! Thank you. 💖

[@bbybone00]

Yes, Serpa Design has wonderful instructions for making the tank yourself, he is also great for my technical reporting class homework. I appreciate your clear instructions and personality.

[@TuanCaCanh]

Beautiful aquarium.

[@raftastrock]

Love the new setup, I was a big fan of the previous one (and still want to make something similar if I can), love all the information you include plus thoughtfulness in your videos. Take care and peace!

[@jojobro123]

I love it when tanner posts, ur makes educational and super informative on everything. Thanks!! You have helped many people

[@paulstingray]

Just add a filter and heater Perfect 🎉🎉

[@jmarshal]

I liked the old setup because it was in a planter that anyone could get their hands on, so the overall cost was much lower than having to source a tank. But it did limit the view of the fish as they were only visible from above, between fronds. So both have things going for them.

[@seeing8spots]

I love guppies, experienced fish people tend to poo poo them but they're fun, active, easy fish who are also gorgeous ❤

[@mitch-te5ss]

ive been on a binge watching all your videos, and man, im so happy for you about the whole move! you deserve it man, really. and the quality of your videos after being in the new space is even better than i had anticipated!! you should be proud

[@latentheinz]

You are an inspiration! Thank you for all of your videos 🙏

[@eastoforion]

wow that calathea medallion is gorgeous!!

[@Bobbitthehobbit]

I bet MD Fish Tanks is loving this since he loves both Walstad's and Guppy's

[@plantlifeproject]

This tank reminds me of the quote, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” (Leonardo DaVinci?). Your work has been a HUGE INSPIRATION to my riparian tanks. Awesome job, Tanner!

[@conniesetter1430]

Beautiful project! As always, well done! I had put guppies in an approximately 50 gallon tub pond. One of those drop in things so they would help control the mosquito larvae outside. Well... the Common Grackle and Flicker Woodpeckers found them to be delicious. 🥺 Will only keep guppies inside, in a covered tank. Decades ago my Grandmother's parakeet started to dine on Winifred's and Ralph's babies. They were my first guppies. 😔 Thanks for another awesome video! 😊

[@zeb33369]

Never kept guppies, but this aquascape with the terrestrial plants and no electric filter really hits the sweet spot for me, had to sub😁, looking fwd to more

[@Roseles89]

I'm glad you made this.. After we move here in a few months I wanted to get a guppy tank going. I missed having them (though I just had standard non fancy whatever the petshop had.. little no color grey ones YEARS ago). This time I wanted to go all out and do a planted set up and get some fancy and brighter colored ones. I haven't looked into types too much yet (will be doing more research after the move of course).. but my current dream is dumbo ear fancy fins. I saw them in some video somewhere recently and fell in love.. but again.. research first.

[@barrylay5692]

Dude it amazes me that you’re able to find so many cool and unique ideas every single day!!!

[@OshineTheOranguTANK]

7:47 i love how the little guppy came up to say hello

[@Hoodiemastery]

As Cory from aquarium co op once said:”There’s nothing better than a big tank with one type of a bunch of fish”

[@howhigh0521]

New sub here. I just learned how to poor fish in a tank from u. I like how you do it nice n slow so they can make their way out nicely instead of dumbing

[@imnana6589]

Idea for the bottom! What about a floating terrarium? Like take a vertical tank, smaller then the space so there's a little bit of room, and hang it with fishing line or something that will blend in (painted like wall) and have it float in the middle.

[@mysticala2026]

The final product looks so cool!

[@JamesRoss-fi8hj]

I find your videos so educational

[@rickardwahlberg1081]

That setup is awesome! Would like 2 see a following up video in 3-6 months of changes and modifications?

[@rachelmottram4682]

Stunningly beautiful! Have kept fish and houseplants for many years but this has given me the inspiration to try them together. Wishing you all the best with your amazing setups. 😊

[@SamanthaB293]

Beautiful!!!! Guppies are so pretty and fun to watch. I've never had that many in one tank but they look awesome as a big school like that!

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

Beautiful as always…the guppies look very happy!

[@AQUAPROS]

We both did guppy videos on the same day :) lmao ❤

[@benabel2067]

Thanks for sharing your guppy ecosystem. I really enjoyed!

[@mondogeckosexoticsandoddit5866]

I've always been a big fan of containing soil in mesh bags. I find them at my local Walmart in the laundry section, called dryer bags, they come in multiple sizes and have plastic zippers.

[@gannoli]

Tank looks great!! Have you looked into Father Fish's method? Very similar to Walstad just with 1" of soil and 2" of sand, no gravel. Then you plant into the first 1" of sand as to not disrupt the soil layer. Only I problem I see with your mess bags is if the plant roots grow into them and then you try to pull out the plants, will likely move the whole bag with it.

[@jrshaffer87]

i recently purchased a bald cypress sapling. I am keeping it very wet-footed in hopes of using it in a tank soon. I also got some horsetail today. I think I am about to redo my shrimp tank with it. This video was GREAT, by the way! I send friends to your stuff all the time.

[@melodiesandcreativity3097]

Thanks for the book recommendation if you have anymore send it our way if your comfortable with that. The tank is beautiful yet simple which adds to it's beauty.

[@Texas_Takeover]

Always enjoy a new Serpa video!

[@glassboxfish]

The indoor guppy pond is the video that introduced me to your channel, so it was nice to see what became of it