I Can't Believe It - My Closed Terrarium 6 Years Later...

I can't believe that it's been six years since I made the Closed Tropical Terrarium from How to Terrarium Episode 2 (see original video • Make a Closed Tropical... ). In some ways it feels like much longer than that and in others not. I remember the process of building it and watching the video grow very clearly. It was an exciting time in my life, especially considering what has transpired since. This terrarium will always have a special place with me and I couldn't help but share how it's doing now!
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00:00 Introduction
00:27 The Terrarium
00:38 Being Retrospective
01:10 Opening the Jar
01:36 How's It Smell
02:08 Initial Inspection
03:02 Trimming Plants
06:59 Cleaning the Glass
08:13 Replacing Removed Elements
09:37 Adding Water
10:03 An Updated Look
11:14 My Last Update Like This
11:47 New Merch
#terrarium #closedterrarium #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

I can't believe it's been 6 years since I made the Closed Tropical Terrarium from HTT ep2! In some ways, it feels much longer than that, and in others not. Have any of you been around since then? Let me know! ALSO, USE CODE "htt26" at checkout to get 10% OFF your entire order on my shop. serpadesign.creator-spring.com Enjoy the video and have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

[@shadowscythes]

I've only been on the channel for probably close to a year but I've watched almost all of your terrarium builds, it always amazes me how you can have so many yet still manage to come up with unique designs that stand out from the others.

[@Uathankicks]

I believe I’ve been around for 8 years or so. Much love my man!

[@ashketchum08]

Love to see how you've progressed in life bro :) You've helped me through thick and thin with your content and I couldn't be happier for you. Congratulations to you and Alyssa

[@ChaoticLaughs]

Hi Tanner. Always inspired by your builds.

[@ponysayrawr]

I've watching for 5 years and I gotta say I'm scared for big changes, you already have the perfect content 💘

[@sikmunkee]

how many generations of springtails do y’all think there have been?? must be so crazy from their perspective. like one day the sky just tears open and a giant hand moves stuff around 😭😭

[@shamrock5725]

"Look, the prophecy foretold... The hand of the creator has returned" 🤣

[@persononearth801]

At least 7

[@pc5890]

@@persononearth801 technically right but an EXTREME underestimate

[@jeebusyaweirdo3733]

At this point they have religions and legends based on the event 😂

[@chiyocolate]

@@jeebusyaweirdo3733handism

[@ChauNyan]

That's actually insane. I know these Terrariums can last a LONG time, but the fact that they thrive, shows your skills even back then

[@Idkwhattoputhete12324]

@E Van how? Do you have a video link?

[@youtubealt243]

They could theoretically last indefinitely if you have a big enough terrarium

[@Idkwhattoputhete12324]

@@youtubealt243 ok

[@Idkwhattoputhete12324]

@E Van also stop being rude, I don’t think you could do something this good, I bet you can’t even keep your houseplants alive

[@THandP_org]

@@Idkwhattoputhete12324 I grew up with a sealed bottle terrarium my grandfather had made. Different plants would grow, and small animals (I now know predominantly springtails & worms) would eat damaged leaves to compost into dirt to be [re]used by the plants. As weather cooled in the fall, there would be an increase in condensation and tiny mushrooms. Cycle would repeat in the spring, leading to increased growth as days got longer and more sun came through the windows ....

[@jjmetrejhon1743]

It's a testament to the care and love you have, for your animals and the amazing work that you do, that it's all able to have such longevity.

[@SerpaDesign]

Design it right and it does the work for you! 😊

[@THandP_org]

@@SerpaDesign you just described my approach to aquariums! I refer so many people to your channel, to learn how to reconnect with nature. Thank you for all the work you do to make the world a better place, Tanner.

[@ShroomDay0117]

Tanner, I dont normally comment on peoples videos but i wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you. You've provided me with endless hours of entertainment but you've also helped me learn to deal with my own mental health. Following your channel has helped me as i have sat for hours and hours building my own terrariums and vivarium's and at the same time quiet my mind. My head seems to take control of my emotions but since I've started to build my own projects I've been able to quiet all the noise and make piece with my self again. I'm truly grateful for you and your videos. Thank you my friend. I look forward to seeing what you have in store for me next. Much love and respect to you my friend. I hope you have a great weekend.

[@VicRodriguez2]

I feel the same way. He showed me how to quiet my mind for hours just maintaining my creations. Shout out to the SerpGod.

[@ebenoid6643]

👍so cool man… i like doing them too! I had so many i ended up making a 10 gal vivarium for isopods and now theyre out of control, i too enjoy having them to just check up on everyday, i can stare at my isopods for a hour a time just imagining what they think about the life i furnished for them. Hope theyre thankful!

[@kihntagious]

I'm really happy for you.

[@ShroomDay0117]

@@kihntagious Thank you Barbyl. I appreciate you and your kind words.

[@shintyty]

I just feel so happy for you! Keep doing what you love

[@arcaninetyfour2239]

I think the appeal of the simple jar terrariums was that they felt really accessible. No silicone, no expensive materials, no drilling required.

[@SerpaDesign]

I get that. I should start outlining the cost of builds more because most of them are not expensive to do. The main barrier is experience and artistry.

[@Amandahugginkizz]

Same. It's a hobby you can do with absolutly no materials needed except a jar and lake.

[@dommy1310]

@@Amandahugginkizzsucks that i live in south florida. not many lakes especially in miami of all places

[@ItsSakuraKeiIRL]

Bottled fresh air ♡ Happy 6 year anniversary!!!

[@rat_dragon]

Man, I remember when you built this! I can't believe it's been 6 years....wow

[@THandP_org]

My original channel was mesmerized when Tanner first built this one, and his "how to source moss for a terrarium for free" [or something similar] where he took us along for a walk in the woods. I was so grateful for these opportunities to connect with nature!

[@Rainbow_Science]

Bahaha, I liked the new shirt design so much that I paused the video, went to the merch store and bought it, before coming back and seeing the discount code 4 seconds later! I don't regret though, the design looks great~

[@MissChelle]

As nature (wherever it may be) evolves over time, it’s a good reminder for us to be grateful for where it began and how it grew. maintenance on terrariums might not need to be done, but it’s a good way to be in the moment & see how far we have evolved in the same time period. Loved the video🇦🇺❤️

[@monsterfroboy]

Nice!

[@G.D.G.]

Me and my baby brother found your channel and we really want to try out a terrarium. Once they reached one year we opened them! Happy to say both thrived. My brother wants to build a more complex one this time. Thank you for bringing us to this wonderful art form! We get inspired by your projects each upload! 💖

[@rhondaborders3452]

Good job!

[@willierants5880]

Dude, you're killing us with this wait and see. I'll miss the update video's if they are indeed going. They were one of my favorite and informative segments. Cheers

[@ebenoid6643]

Haha i feel you there. Hes corraling us into submission😂😂😂 what a cliff hanger

[@boonjabby]

Any fan theories ?

[@willowthewisperer]

The anticipation of the new project... however, I must note that the terrarium updates will be missed. Respect to the OG homies.

[@WilfeFishing]

Hi there, great video 👍🏻

[@jeromeking4370]

New member of the serpasquad for about a week or two now, about 15 videos deep in this new hobby and have already changed my closet into a terrarium workshop 🤣 love your videos!

[@TheUrbanNemophilist]

I always look forward to updates and I know this one is special. Thank you Serpadesign

[@silasfoulon]

I am subd to you lol👍

[@samahreiofeon4533]

Ahh, a nice morning upload 😁

[@emmalinekim9822]

would love to see you do a build for mushrooms or other fungi some day!

[@jlacasse3750]

Awe Serpa, I am so sad that you are pulling away from the basic style terrariums as this was so inspiring and motivating. The more advance builds with pumps and glue are very cool, but so out of reach for most of us. All the best with the future of your channel and congratulations for hitting close to 1.3M, that is quite the accomplishment.

[@t_s4500]

You should make a land and water closed container!!!!

[@rat_dragon]

A closed paludarium or riparium? They're both different you know. That would be cool :)

[@t_s4500]

@@rat_dragon yeah

[@youtubewatcher2640]

Would that create mold? If not how?

[@Troglobitten]

Looking forward to what is to come. But I would love to see you do more of these beginner builds from time to time. Builds like these is what attracts newcomers to the hobby like it did with me. It may not be as advanced or spectacular as some of your recent builds, but they are special in their own way.

[@AmericanDrinker]

Agreed

[@eb5671]

They are better

[@Zveebo]

Completely agree - the super complex builds are okay, but the simpler once are way more enjoyable and relaxing to watch

[@brehmen9912]

Yes, I agree .

[@andymorel4645]

I am from new Caledonia, I am so happy you talk about it. My grandfather worked very closely with the park (zoo) in new Caledonia about the native birds. And yes we have so fantastic gecko, very hard to spot them in the wild.

[@fishypetkeeping]

You're the Bob Ross of Terrariums and Aquariums. I get so impressed by all your works! Also, the shirts look fantastic 😄

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Wow 6 years later . alive and looking good 👍 👍😊 !!

[@rebeccaampuero2347]

Beautiful terrarium.

[@woodfield9584]

Since I love the channel so much, I'm not sure I want change. I hope you still give updates on how all the animals are doing.

[@pico-reefoperator8005]

Thank you for the video about the exceptional long-term project. I wouldn't mind seeing videos like this more often. I find the years-long development of these small biospheres at least as exciting as the videos about new projects. Best regards...

[@anitawessels3932]

Congratulations on your 6 years....you are showing that space never should be the issue .

[@judymckerrow6720]

Thank you, your terrarium is so cute🌺💚🙃

[@jrbp33]

Awesome to see you and the terrarium(s) still going strong after all this time, youre motivating me to up my game with my terrariums...i typically just let mine be and go wild but just a little more effort from me will go a long way.

[@AwkwardBirb]

You’ve got me nervous with all this talk of change!! I of course want you to grow and expand your interests and channel any way you like, and I’ll stick around no matter what, but I’ll be sad if you’re not making tiny beautiful landscapes anymore.

[@ofekdaabul7673]

one thing I really want to see in the future on this channel is a whole room terrarium, like a whole room covered in plants, I think it would be cool

[@voicessamples7396]

That a dream of mine. Basically a tropical indoor greenhouse

[@ChauNyan]

Technically, it's "a room full of terrariums".

[@emmitstewart1921]

It could be more easily done than you think. Go online and locate the plans for a spray booth frame made of PVC pipe. Some plans even include a door that closes to keep fumes inside and a vent to pump them out of the building. A vent will be needed to prevent too much heat buildup from the lighting. Extend the plans to fit the available space in your room. Modify the plans to include a grid of pipes across the ceiling of your plant room to drop LED grow lamps. Go online to a greenhouse supply store and buy greenhouse sheet plastic and the clips hold it onto your frame. Take up any carpeting in the room and replace it with waterproof vinyl tile such as you would use in a bathroom. Build your PVC frame and install the lights. Install the vent in the ceiling to draw out the rising heat from the lights. In summer, vent to the outdoors to keep them house cooler. In winter, vent to the inside rooms to keep the house warmer. Install benches and trays to catch runoff water or bring in planters as pleases you. Easy, peasey, but not cheap. With lights, benches, and/or planters, several hundred dollars at least.

[@got2kittys]

With a person in it.

[@RomnysGonzalez]

The merch popping off !! The new designs look amazing!

[@matz4k]

I love those updates

[@KageBlink]

It would seem that my terrariums would need a trim as well! Gonna miss these videos, but always excited for what you do man. Can't wait.

[@robertforrest7956]

Congrats 🎉🎉Tanner You've come along way, and taught us much over the years.... Thank You!!! 🥳

[@jenb6412]

You are amazing and your channel has inspired me so much. I built my very first jar terrarium about 4 years ago and it's been completely sealed ever since. It's still green and growing but the moss has almost entirely taken over. I'm still not sure if I want to open it and clean it up or if I want to leave it to see how long it lasts. It stil has springtails!! Thank you for such an amazing, educational channel. :) I hope you keep going for a long time!

[@WilfeFishing]

The second I finished watching this, I went and cleaned out my terrarium lol😂

[@daigorostaurenghi5072]

Me too lol

[@TerraLand]

Really 😂

[@devidevil108]

So like... yknow how snake discovery just had the 2022 build off? I think they should invite you straight for the winners competition 😏 cause we all know you're the GOAT

[@johnsonjay60]

Wow. U Rock man!

[@philmorris7419]

Are you ever going to stock the 600 Gallon behind you? It''s such an amazing build and would make an amazing home for an awesome creature!

[@woodfield9584]

I've been waiting for that.

[@Lucas-wq2ks]

That's pretty cool!

[@pennywright1507]

So pretty, love your work! Thanks for sharing your art 🌸

[@oakmaiden2133]

Wish I had those oak leaf trimmings!

[@garrickanderson5204]

Can't wait to see what this mystery "behind the scenes" project is!

[@ArthurMac15]

😏

[@marcfitzgerald8068]

Him retiring

[@sharongould2689]

it looks really nice after a good trim up!

[@Hoodiemastery]

Amazing terrarium🙂

[@jamesbryan1644]

So appreciate your videos. Thanks for posting.

[@voiceofalkimos6853]

I'm getting so hyped about the "Big changes" and I keep getting left on a cliff hanger

[@tomaszbalawajder7284]

hi!!

[@zaman8032]

Congratulations!

[@vildhallon4709]

So cool to see how far you've come

[@deannknox9499]

I totally agree with you about this being and art form! You have such a passion for your creations, I am so glad I found your site! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@seancripps4897]

Thanks for everything over the past 6 years Tanner ! Love your work

[@SincereSentinel]

Good job man. It thrives.

[@shiggydiggyjones9953]

Bowl cut Tanner flashback! I remember that look. Its crazy how long its been since I found your channel. Heres to more years

[@kevenaar]

Yes! I'm the first one watching another great video of yours. Keep them coming👍

[@hannahsimpson313]

You should make a jar that you just put all of the dead leaves and clippings from all your clean ups in and see if any of it thrives. Set it up the same way with soil and maybe some rock scape, springtails, and then just the plant and moss clippings

[@alexanderballance2996]

I can’t believe it still looks so good!

[@sgvcreations]

Wow, beautiful!

[@crondor64]

Today my sister and her boyfriend visited me and I taught them how to make native terrariums using the knowledge I gained from the original terrarium videos you uploaded including this one. We all made our own terrariums and it was a cool experience to share. It seems almost like fate that you uploaded this today. I was actually telling them about how I learned everything from your channel as we worked. Thanks for all the knowledge and entertainment you've shared with us over all these years man!

[@BloodShadowe]

Yay, a terrarium update! Excited for the new content, too. Thanks for the video!

[@rachelburnell9532]

Been here since the beginning! We all love & respect you Tanner ❤️

[@DoubleDsAnimals]

Tanner you should look into red cherry tetras they are expensive but the right set up will look awesome!

[@dirtywhitellama]

Hope your channel doesn't change TOO much, we like it for what it is. But if you're excited about it it'll probably be cool!

[@mlocverm]

it really brings back so many memories, and the terrarium is actually the reason why I love this channel from a long time ago!

[@kiuakakirstine8257]

I made a terrarium last week in a jar a bit bigger than yours. It looks like it’s thriving but I don’t have springtails in it - don’t know where to get them. I’m not sure if I’ve done it the right way. I have Leca as a false bottom, a net of black tulle, charcoal from my sisters outdoor fire pit smashed into to small pieces and potting soil. I’ve found different kinds of moss, twigs, small cones and rocks with holes. I only need ficus vine - they’re so pretty and makes the terrarium look so beautiful. I hope my first terrarium still thrives in six years, that would be amazing! Thanks Tanner, for the inspiration - it’s very calming to create a mini ecosystem. Peace & be wild ✌️

[@SerpaDesign]

Sounds like you did alright to me. If it still looks good in a few months, you've likely done it right and can expect it to last that long.

[@Mlygrl]

Been here for over 3 years. You’re the man. Just a chill vibe guy with beautiful work and no doubt this channel goes up fast from 1.3 million. Thank u for uploading

[@SammyBoBammi52]

Thank you for creating such beautiful content and art. Your designs have inspired me over the years in my own creations and work. I got my first aquarium started because of you and am looking into creating more once I have more space! Im so exited to see what this secret project is!

[@itsMalma]

Your channel is growing cause you put care and love in it like your pieces

[@maxinebodden193]

Thanks for sharing, 6 years, it's been a wonderful journey.

[@miniscenesgb]

Beautiful jar. Mine are all pretty new so it's good to see how to do the maintenance without spoiling the. it looks lovely shen you've finished with it

[@horsense2]

This is fantastic, thanks! I have a 2.5 year old one with similar plants that needs some maintenance. This is exactly the info I needed.

[@FishSpotRonnie]

Really looking forward to the behind the scenes project 😃 I've only been watching your channel for a year and a half but I really can't wait until the next video is realised everytime!

[@BinroWasRight]

That was the perfect amount of maintenance. Somewhere in between vacant lot and perfectly manicured garden. Stunning work as always!

[@mandyluna]

I definitely want to try this!!

[@parmerapps69]

Man, it's amazing to see not only how far you've come in your artistic abilities, but also the wholesome community that has grown up around your talent. The most impactful difference between now and six years ago is the people you've inspired to begin this living art. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world! ✌ By the way, I find it ironic that I just happened to be rocking your line art t-shirt today. It's one of my favorites at this point, so I guess that's not surprising lol.

[@tabathatammaro9187]

I am very grateful for you Tanner. I have learned SO MUCH from you. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us next! Peace :)

[@brad3741]

It's crazy to see this video all these years later. The original video of this terrarium is what got me into terrariums and got me back into plated tanks and jars. I still have one terrarium jar going from almost 6 years ago.

[@pazamataz]

Thanks so much for introducing me to terrarium - I have loads through my house now and they bring me immense joy x

[@rebekahstahl1018]

Can’t wait to see!!

[@vinzdahprinz152]

very inspiring!!! after six years… Wow!!! You are inviting me to do my own, with your guide, Thanks

[@melissaaldosari8024]

It’s beautiful!

[@JhunDumsTVXj]

Wow amazing ideas

[@stoneysscapes7544]

Hey Tanner , Congrats on so many things that you have accomplished in your life & the subscribers are a great way to know that what you are doing is beyond my abilities to give that any judgment of how Awesome & very special it is to have 1 million & now another 300 K PLUS !!!! Yeah I know I have been enjoying the channel & this upcoming black Friday will be 4 years and I'm thinking that you have some good ones that I still have yet to see but like all great channels , creation is the way to separate from the normal and that's why you are able to take these incredibly unique/ 1 of a kind ideas for your far from normal and the best ones rarely ever are !!! Can't wait to find out what you are doing next? Indeed I hope that it involves you building some items that you can sell as a Serpa Design Limited Collection and no one would be faster than me to get out the card and order but we will find out soon and again I will just say Congratulations Tanner ☮

[@jem99b]

Can’t wait to find out !

[@willyroo8570]

Damm for a second i thought this channel was in the grave and i got sad but then i realized the vids only been out for 10 mins

[@kebekha1670]

So I went back and watched your video on building this terrarium. You have come a long way. Very weird seeing your left hand with out a ring! Keep up the great work.🌱

[@Achilles_Heelys]

I was going through a rough time. This channel always puts me at ease and allows me to see things at a different perspective. Thank-you, Tanner. You beautiful human

[@SerpaDesign]

Sorry to hear that, but I'm glad I was able to boost your mood a little through my videos.

[@JordanBeagle]

11:25 How can he leave us in suspense like that!? Haha

[@bobeardington4044]

I started watching your channel a couple years ago and began to make my own terrariums. Love everything about it, even if my wife thinks I have gone insane 😂Thanks for everything

[@ImtheLico]

Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us!

[@briansilva6160]

Really glad I ran across your channel years ago. Cheers to 6 more years

[@tonyhinderman]

Whatever comes next for you im excited!

[@thomaschrzanowski7807]

I am making a terrarium for my brother this Christmas. Your videos are helping me a lot. thanks!

[@aquascopic9867]

Amazing and inspiring video.

[@ballisticviking0292]

happy to say I have been here since the beginning 😎

[@londoeblack]

Two thumbs up! Great video. Thanks!

[@lemoneyesalt5513]

I love the small terrariums and moss so much

[@onionfield5306]

Your channel is really inspiring. This was an excellent video.