It Took 2 Years to Build This Massive Jungle Aquarium

When I broke the 350 gallon paludarium back in 2022, I didn't expect it to take this long to replace. I had a very specific aesthetic that took awhile to craft and time got the best of me. I also wanted to let it season for a good while before showing it here. There's more to come and this tank is not what it appears to be.
A huge thanks to everyone who helped make this build possible. As stated in the video, I received products for free to make this, but none of that included paid promotions or endorsements. I left all their links below.
BucePlant - buceplant.com/
(Use code "SERPA" for 10% off ALL plants and hardscape till 6/8/24 at midnight PST. This is a non-affiliate link.)
Custom Aquariums - www.customaquariums.com/
ReefBrite - www.reefbrite.com/
Universal Rocks - www.universalrocks.com
Learn More in my Blog
www.serpadesign.com/blog
Follow SerpaDesign
Instagram - / serpadesign
TikTok - / serpadesign
Second Channel - / tannerserpa
#aquarium #fishtank #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

I can't wait to show you what's next for this one. It has some incredible features that take it over the top. What do you think about it so far? Since it's the spiritual successor to the old 350 I wanted it to have a similar jungle feel, just with more scaping and aquatic plants. Have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

[@marikah6198]

This my weekly ritual to watch my favorite channel. The oak tree’s wild twists and bend add movements to the layout. I always love how you do layout. I also like the quality of Buce Plant.

[@michaelboulos3272]

I just came up on a 90g that I'll more than likely try and duplicate this tank as. Can't wait to see next week's vid!!

[@kathleensauerbrei5199]

Oh my goodness, I can’t wait

[@TraumaPunksMamiMusic]

The suspense, the cliffhanger, .... love it and cannot wait!

[@rgilroy1909]

great story line!! BTW, When did mohawks come back into style?

[@zephernaut4103]

Also, while I have the chance,I would like to say that your content is so amazing that it could easily be stretched into 20 or 30 minute videos and I would still love it! A nice break from the short form content that is all the rage these days 😊

[@geoffkkk2009]

Totally agree, I would love to see longer videos. : )

[@ashleeknowlton5805]

I would also love to see longer videos. But I get why he keeps them short. It's a lot more practical from a production standpoint.

[@thmo_]

god yes, I wish this was a 30min video; I'd definitely watch that.

[@josuejimenez1144]

It will be easily as enjoyable as It is if this was 30 minutes long

[@Zackfish12345]

I’ve been commenting this on his videos for a while!

[@angelx9724]

The cliffhanger! Tanner you monster!

[@mantis3dfx]

Yeah exactly. ...Talk about a Homer Simpson "DOHHH!!" Moment, lol 😂🤣😅😂😎

[@Jay_Playz2019]

Definitive proof that the answer to 99% of problems is a great group of guys.

[@gopniksaurolophus6354]

There's something about the phrase "Thankfully the boys arrived" that always makes me grin uncontrollably

[@ashleeknowlton5805]

Honestly kudos to the friend who spotted that that was a great picture. Genuinely they have an eye for composition. ❤

[@user-rk2so6iq9r]

“That should be your new profile picture” “What?” “That.” Made me crack up 😂 this tank is beautiful!

[@ChauNyan]

He has a point

[@ZepHezR]

aw, cliffhanger! Awesome work so far!

[@nicoleduckery4067]

Right!! I didn't realized how invested I was in this build until the video ended. I was like, "What?"😂.

[@ponysayrawr]

The boys!!! Big thanks to the boys! I could cry over the cliff hanger 😂😂 but im sure its great for viewer engagement and I'm looking forward to the rest of the build!

[@maciejkoronski7881]

God bless the boys

[@allbackiceland]

I love that background. He can expose it to the elements, cut it into pieces, even take a wire brush to it, and it still looks perfect.

[@TheSenatorSam]

SO GLAD THE AQUARIUM CONTENT IS BACK!

[@ishaantv1265]

Mate I swear every time you make something it’s a banger

[@bundlesofjoe]

LOVE buceplants glad you partnered with them. Best company for aquatic plants in my eyes

[@cristiaolson7327]

Can't wait to see the finished tank! Your channel is one of my favorites on youtube, and has given me so many great tips, techniques, and ideas for my own vivarium and aquarium builds. I've always loved the naturalistic "miniature world" look, but your builds are definitely next-level.

[@scottmoyer4024]

Great build as always! I love when the boys pull up and all pile out of the back seat

[@TigerMa75]

Can’t wait to see the next video - another beautiful tank. Such talent - well done.

[@amandafletcher8680]

A wise woman once told me that glass is meant to break, its just a matter of when. That has helped me let go and accept the inevitable. Thank you, Cynthia, even though you will never read this.

[@QKsilver58]

1:58 LMAO Tanner's blip into existence 2:08 as the profile pic for the channel killed me. Honestly I think the cameraman is at least half right; I think it'd be super cool to see you proudly in front of one of your beautiful setups as the official pfp - but I think his point was actually the clear look of joy / relief / happiness in your expression exactly at 2:03, as that's typically my expression while watching your new uploads haha. Love the art Serpa, you're killin' it!

[@julierobertson148]

Thanks for not using "just" (that I noticed) related to anything involved in this monumental creation. No work as beautiful and captivating as yours could result from anything but intense planning and excellent, experienced execution. Making us appreciate what your projects involve is one of the reasons i love your videos. Can't wait for the sequel!

[@metaldesire4]

Caught a glance of the reef tank at 1:52! I'm really looking forward to an update on that.

[@blackie1of4]

I admire your desire to create these near perfect habitats for the animals ❤ I believe that every pet lover/animal lover should strive to do the same.. or don't bring so many animals home if you can't give them adequate housing! I know.. that's unrealistic.. but on a serious note.. if you limit yourself to one or two exhibits.. you CAN enrich them over time! Yes.. I have felt sorry for many animals that I've seen in captivity 😢 Especially if they were caught in the wild!!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and passion with us.. ☺️ Can't wait for the upcoming videos ❤️

[@SophieNoNotThatOne]

OMG, I CAN'T WAIT FOR PART 2!!!! the tank already looks so beautiful (as always!), but I can't wait to see the finished product, and I bet it's amazing!!

[@Emfinity]

Cliffhanger! Love it! See you next week!!! Can't wait! The tank looks amazing already!!!!

[@stampinturtles]

What?!?! Noooo! I want to know now! lol. This is epic and beautiful and I can’t wait for the video with the fish in it. Your builds are pure art! ❤ Thank you for sharing this with us. God bless!

[@mikeycbaby]

I just am so impressed how far you’ve come over the years.

[@MiguelJuanez]

This is why I love KZbin at the moment.

[@thatnerdtori]

This setup is worthy of a major aquarium! Incredible!

[@zephernaut4103]

Just liked before watching. Completely certain it will be of the highest quality!

[@duaneepps7346]

Just to help communicate, with larger projects like these I have no issue with you using multiple videos. Always great seeing the vision come together.

[@loriw2661]

The cliffhangerrrrrrr!!!!!!!! I can’t wait to see it in its final form. So far, it’s gorgeous!

[@BucePlant]

Impressive execution. Happy to have the opportunity to assist you with this amazing project. Can't wait for part 2!

[@philipkingsford5477]

I have been so invested into your channel, series and videos that I just wish I could do what you do one day. I don't currently have the ability to create my own type of aquarium/vivarium/paladarium etc. But through watching your videos I believe when I get the chance I would be quite sufficient in creating a healthy environment for life. Thankyou so much for your fantastic videos Tanner! You are the best and most informative KZbinrs in your trade of small ecosystems builders and I appreciate your work immensely.

[@Heterogeneity]

You can start small with a 1 gallon jar while you dream of giant tanks! I started learning about making balanced enclosed ecosystems from watching the earliest Serpa videos. I live in a 400sf cabin and I'm seriously disabled so I don't have a lot of room or resources to put toward them. Four years ago I started with a 2 gallon acrylic aquarium and a bunch of stuff I found in my yard or near my house. I would love to do bigger but what's within reach is quite awesome and has taught me a lot.

[@suzaynnschick158]

Dear Tanner, I'm eager for the next installment! It would also be delightful to have an update on your backyard pond. Thanks for all of the beautiful, informative videos.

[@michaelboulos3272]

The ol' cliff hanger, eh!? 😂😂

[@BocksGames]

I'd honestly love to see you take one of those little Zilla Micro Terrariums (the flat pack acrylic ones) and turn it into a paludarium with a full-on water feature. Mostly because I want to do that myself and I want to see you do it first, lol.

[@sociallysatanic]

you are so good at posting the moment i wake up. great start to the day. i was looking forward to you rebuilding this.

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

Oh man its always good when I get my first cup of coffee and see that he's dropped this week's video. Sometimes I wait for the kiddos, depends what it is. One of them LOVES moss as much as I do. 😂

[@Tomy_Yon]

It is 2:30 PM here in Belgium.

[@kellyedwards421]

The editing and effects on this video are so CLEAN!

[@sharim]

So glad to see a resurrection of the old Paludarium, even if it’s a wee bit different. The hardscape looks amazing-you have both a skilled eye for placement plus your experience-all those years of on-the-job-training! The plants, while seemingly infinite, really rock the joint! Oh no, a cliffhanger! How can you! I MUST binge!❤

[@WingMom-ek8ft]

Nooooooo Cliffhanger! LOL

[@TankItEasySG]

Can't wait for part 2! Your diy skills are second to none!

[@GoldCoastHinterlandWildlife]

I reckon you should have a go at stocking some Australian Rainbowfish into like a rainforest creek jungle or something, that'd be so awesome. Great Video

[@angelarobertson7004]

Leave us hanging much!! I. Can’t. Wait!!! ❤

[@tessastaubly8148]

It's crazy that it's been 2 years since you moved, it feels so recent. Love the setup, can't wait for next week.

[@clifflifekeith2490]

I look forward to eating breakfast and watching your videos every Saturday

[@stanleywoznick1102]

I love your videos. The only thing wrong with them is that they’re too short. I want more more more. Don’t want them to end!

[@DemDiddyDizzy]

Honestly I'd love a step by step guide on how you build your stands at some point! They look so amazing and it'd be cool to be able to make my own one day

[@adnanmukaddam1]

Sometimes I think you’re a wizard and you build all this from magic in your hands

[@LifeinJars]

Wow awesome scape, can't wait for the fish and other potential critters

[@johnnydubbsaquascaping]

Hello from Aus, Bloody awesome mate, that is one hell of a set up. I cannot wait to see the finished product 😀

[@bakerfx4968]

It ended just as I was getting super invested :( I wouldn’t hate longer videos haha

[@businessraptor127]

When we start manufacturing new worlds, I want to live in the SerpaDesign Sector.

[@Sandra-lk5yt]

Oh my goodness! Cliffhanger much Tanner 😂🌿 can’t wait to see the next video! It’s looking awesome so far!

[@rileyh2675]

I love this project honestly just because mega tanks are super cool. Your channel has been super inspirational for me, I've definitely made my lil 10 gallon betta tank look alot better with some of the concepts.

[@Heterogeneity]

I like how it's easy to transfer the good ideas from the big impressive builds even to my teeny 4.5 gallon ecosystem aquarium. My low maintenance snails and beginner plants are happy as heck due to stuff I learned here.

[@pukkandurr]

What a clifhanger! Can't wait till next week!

[@fantomreno7589]

2 years in 10 minutes is crazy, respect

[@niimo262]

Always enjoy the content, Serpa. I am currently building a turtle paladarium for a southern painted turtle I rescued while I was at work! Love all the ideas and designs you are able to pull off and how much they have helped me throughout my building and creative processes :)

[@kiraa.4529]

I can't believe there is a cliffhanger on an aquascape channel. Looking forward to the next one!

[@kwackytankslap9339]

This is going to look amazing. I'm really looking forward to the final results.

[@cathyfrankland9158]

Ooh, Tanner, you tease!!! Next week it is then, I am so curious to watch part 2, I hope this week speeds by!!!

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

Anxiously awaiting the next episode!

[@JonnieB.]

What an amazing looking setup. Excited for the rest of the details and inhabitants.

[@lornacy]

Ahhh! A cliffhanger! It's really lovely as always 😊

[@Tobi-pp2wz]

Lol the bit with ur friends was so funny 😂

[@geckoleaves]

Amazing video as always, Tanner! Your inspiration is unmatched.

[@rafameza4186]

This is absolutely beautiful

[@aquahobby1982]

The Final look ❤❤❤❤❤❤🤗🤗😳👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 ..... will wait for the plants to fill in

[@norbertthoens3561]

Da hast du eine ganz tolle Arbeit geleistet! Das Aquarium ist super geworden!!!! 👍👍

[@Josef_R]

You didn't do anything appropriately on this tank last time, but you got it this time! Now this tank is accordingly AND appropriately done.

[@AaAa-je5eo]

It Took 2 Years to Build This Massive Jungle Aquarium A SerpaDesign made quick work of that

[@codycomer4623]

Not the cliffhanger ending!!! 😭😂 I was gonna watch next week anyway I promise lol. The tank looks amazing. I love these videos and they always make me a bit sad I live in an aquarium free apartment

[@nancydenmark1614]

A cliffhanger! I can’t wait for the next episode. LOL, so far this looks great. It’ll be nice to see it stocked. Lots of interesting features with this build.

[@siggyvdz8213]

Looks like a cool group of friends you have !

[@joetheagent]

ooooh the foreshadowing! Good hook at the end, Tanner!

[@hideflen6078]

I’m so excited to see the finished tank!

[@ttoctam3]

A cliffhanger? Love it

[@lindseymercuria3971]

Nooooo! I can't wait! Man, this is fascinating and gorgeous. I look forward to the next video!

[@natashabuckley8413]

Not you leaving us on a cliff hanger!!! Hahah this was awesome. Great work as always.

[@user-bj9nw5wf5n]

Thanks for a great video Tanner! I can't wait for next weekend.

[@Cora-ex0tic-critterkeeping]

A cliffhanger!? Can’t wait for next Saturday!

[@AdamSaltFPV]

Aw man, what a cliffhanger! Can’t wait to see how this one pans out!

[@randihardy6642]

Gah! Cliffhanger!! Excited to see where it goes from here

[@alexanderjohnson2309]

Ooooh cliff hanger episode!

[@TealCheetah]

The Boys piling out of the was a great bit, haha

[@woodfield9584]

Can't wait to see those fish again.

[@whimsicallychrissy]

NOOOOOO, not a cliffhanger! lol, On a real note, I love it so far and can't wait to see the fish added in the next episode/part!

[@dericbenoit7169]

Im looking forward to this series! Ive been building a similar setup for about 2years, if you're doing what i think you're doing! Very excited to see

[@chrissyosborne3879]

Talk about a cliff hanger! 😳 This looks amazing! I can't wait for the next video.

[@QualiLap]

What an amazing looking aquarium. This vid is top notch.

[@Aedony]

AHH THE CLIFF HANGERRR

[@danielvelez4001]

Really awesome set up

[@angel1cdoll]

totally excited for this project

[@Hannah-CatLady]

WOW THIS IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

[@yashtapase3821]

Yoo thats a big boy tank right there 😮❤ I cant wait to see the fishes in it 😍

[@assiahinarkansas]

Great start!

[@loyalyakul]

You left it on a cliffhanger! But it looks amazing so far, can't wait to see it grown in with livestock

[@tajmunson]

I need you to get green ankles and Bahaman anoles. Don’t put them together but get them they are awesome and super interactive and just overall so much fun. You can also fit 5 in a 20 gallon tank, they usually cost around 8 dollars, and they are just beautiful lizards.

[@LandonBreland]

Cool! Would love to see something built with axolotls in mind!

[@syndican_]

LETS GO ANOTHER VIDEO!!! AMAZING WE LOVE YOU TANNER

[@ananthrey9031]

oooooh mysterious and cliffhanger Tanner is a nice change-up

[@thisbechris]

Love buce plant! Great stuff.