Inside My Flooded Cave Ecosystem (One Year of Growth)

Making a nocturnal, underground paludarium was not the plan when I set out to build a DIY fish tank rack. After carving foam into the shape of a shallow cavern with a waterfall and wild moss, I knew exactly what tropical species would be right at home inside. I never expected the aquarium section would lend itself to amphibious life, but after a year of careful adjustments it has become an (almost) self-sustaining oasis.
Follow along as the fish tank develops the natural way; with no filter, and no co2 injection.
Behind-the-scenes, sneak peaks and a Discord community: / tanksfornothin
Chapters:
0:00 - Opening
0:28 - Construction time
2:05 - Carving a cavern
5:20 - Introducing inverts
7:11 - 3 month society
8:28 - Wild waterfall
10:01 - Loachy personality
12:52 - Bug squad
14:23 - Upgrades
15:55 - Safe zones
17:06 - Blind and boisterous
20:00 - Water vs land
21:50 - Meet the goofballs
24:45 - Nightlife
25:27 - Watching and waiting
26:32 - Diversity = stability
Music:
Kevin MacLeod - Danse Macabre ¹
Baroque - RuneScape
We Always Thought the Future Would Be Kind of Fun - Chris Zabriskie ²
Words You Will Never Understand - C418 ³
Kitchens Are Best for Making Sound Effects - C418 ³
Axolotl - C418 ³
Mining by Moonlight - Kevin MacLeod ¹
English Country Garden - Aaron Kenny
Comfortable Mystery 1 - Kevin MacLeod ¹
Atempause - C418 ³
Black Mass - Brian Bolger
I Will Perhaps Never Meet You in Person - C418 ³
The Curious Kitten - Aaron Kenny
Drunks on Bicycles - Martin Landström
Who Cares but Me - C418 ³
Around - Modulogeek ⁴
¹ (incompetech.com) creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
² (chriszabriskie.com) creativecommons.org/licenses/...
³ (c418.org)
⁴ (modulogeek.com)
Additional sound design by ‪@CoffeeWaffee‬
Additional illustration by Mia Moore (www.miamoore.studio)

[@ThebiggestScatmanFan]

Bro finally remembered his password 🗿🗿🗿

[@Toasty2012]

lmao

[@ObbYT155]

69 likes my dude

[@randomguyanim8s71]

Real

[@DoonaTuna]

😂😂😂

[@MickeyMikeMd]

😂

[@meatmissile416]

This man posted 3 video combining over 10m views and ghosted us…. Thank god he’s back

[@Toasty2012]

fr

[@Niko-px3dy]

He didn't ghost us. He replied to me twice. He's a good lad.

[@gianni.sacciloto]

I mean, if you pay attention to the time frames he specifies during his videos, it's quite obvious they take a long time to produce. Nature is anything but quick so creating a living ecosystem from basically zero, letting it grow and develop so he can make good highlights, takes a LOT of time.

[@elliotjay2273]

Quality, not quantity 👌

[@ballistic350]

Making these videos takes yrs lol

[@DivvyDiaz]

Seeing these videos inspired me, a middle school science teacher, to make a natural aquarium in my classroom at the beginning of this school year. Last year, I started to teach 7th grade science. In my old, cluttered classroom, someone had left a 30gal tank. It held a bag of soil, lab equipment, and whatever trash the kids managed to sneak into it. I didn't think much of it for months since my first year of teaching felt like drinking tank water through a fire hose. It wasn't until I saw your videos a few months ago that I felt the excitement and confidence to fill the aquarium with life. I am not tech savvy at all, so seeing your beautiful ecosystem tanks made me feel like the aquarium hobby could work for me. Better yet, letting nature take the lead for my first tank felt like a better lesson for me and my students. I planted the tank and let it sit for a while, as the scuds, worms, snails, and whatever else overtook the large tank. Slowly over the year, I added guppies, pygmy corydoras, some kuhli loaches, a honey gourami, and some shrimp I smuggled in as well. The adorable Animal Crossing or Yoshi noises for those guppies and pygmy corydoras in the guppy tank video made me fall in love with those fish. It has made my job a lot more fun for me and my kids. Now, as I close up the year, my students are giving presentations on their small ecosystem jar project I did with them, using some mason jars I found under a lab sink, plus the plants and critters that had overgrown my tank. Their projects are testing their hypotheses about snails, scuds, and water fleas as we close the year with a unit on biodiversity. I can't wait to reward their hard work by showing them this video on our last few days of school. All of this to say... tanks for nothin? More like thanks... for EVERYTHING.

[@FioreCiliegia]

When i was in a freshman bio class in college the professor ordered some freshwater plants for a microscope study… 3 weeks later we had mystery spontaneous snails. Pretty sure she kept them as pets after the year was out :)

[@tanksfornothin]

That's absolutely wonderful and I'm so glad you think this'd be a good relevant video for them. I have a friend who is working on introducing a planted tank into a young classroom and I might even be able to help work on it later down the line. I'm happy for the kids that have an opportunity to discover things about the natural world at a young age so thank you for spearheading such a project. They'll appreciate you a lot when they look back years from now.

[@RiftyRandom]

I would love to be in this class, I absolutely adore natural fish tanks. The only thing close to this in school was a big fish bowl with a bunch of artificial decor. Keep doing what you do, it’s absolutely amazing!

[@realdermetron]

I tutor biology both introductory and AP. The applicable evidence of life is everything. Thank you for providing evidence of your own experiencences. Even though I don’t have the means to maintain terrariums like this, I use your videos for evidence that fostering diverse life is possible. Thank you for the educational content you provide💚 It is changing young lives every day.

[@Ninjaturtlebomb]

When I saw you hadn’t made videos in months my buddy said, “They’re probably just working on more, look how much time it takes.” I’m so happy they were right. Thank you for the work you do in sharing this with everyone.

[@tanksfornothin]

Your buddy is a wise wizard

[@AllapichaiMaheen]

@@tanksfornothin hi on that The Shallow Ecosystem on My Desk (150 Day Evolution) which type of gobies did you put, and how much gallons in that tank love your videos big fan

[@turtledude83]

I love that the internet has become a place where very niche interests can gain a massive audience. You drop three IMMACULATE videos and vanish off the face of the earth. When you come back, you literally have hundreds of thousands of people at your beck and call despite the time gap. Your work is amazing, and I am so hyped for this channel's growth.

[@daveyjoyce7524]

Ants canada

[@pukel95]

You also get new people like me. I’m only a few minutes in.

[@richardostyles3656]

@@daveyjoyce7524SerpaDesign, Dr. Plants , Jay Swingler , those are grat channels too

[@richardostyles3656]

Fish Tale is starting similar project too

[@Poptart94]

The summoning cricle finally worked

[@mollyrobben7470]

you too???

[@perpeder4370]

Profile pic goes hard

[@PikminEnthusiast57]

@@perpeder4370fr, the raptor makes it better.

[@Calli.ramira_13]

Thank you for all the rituals and sacrificings you've made ❤

[@oddball119]

There was no need for the Minecraft music at the wild waterfall part to go so hard. Gave me chills man.

[@tanksfornothin]

One of my fav bits for that reason

[@saurianfan7102]

I absolutely LOVE the Minecraft Villager sound effects for Kuhli Loaches! It's absolutely ADORABLE!

[@revienknight1164]

The “it’s in orbit now” comment when the frog kicked the cricket on stream sent me 😭

[@awesomecronk7183]

Cricket Aerospace LLC

[@thedster1239]

Real

[@realdermetron]

Crickets are going to go astronomic

[@BobyChanMan]

The editing, the cinematography, the pure BALLS a lad has to have to return 9 months later like he never missed a beat. big ups

[@patavinity1262]

Why does it require balls to upload a video after nine months? It's pretty straightforward really.

[@BobyChanMan]

@@patavinity1262 how long does it take you to get that stick up your ass every morning? You should try going a day without it.

[@LOOTLABELS]

@@patavinity1262jokes shut up

[@melsyoutube]

many creators have revealed the youtube algorithm behaves unfavorably towards users who go long stretches without frequent uploads. so, putting this much time and effort into filming & editing a months-long project, not knowing how the tank will behave, nor if the video will ever reach an audience, does take a strong sense of resolve. @patavinity1262

[@Charlie_N_Friends]

How is nobody talking about how he just pulled the HARDEST EDIT i have ever seen at 27:14 💀 I’m literally in tears 😭😭

[@Lucifer_killz]

The Minecraft nose was perfect I really love this dude he’s just being himself it makes it even more awesome

[@andyinfante5547]

I thought it was RuneScape

[@Lucifer_killz]

@@andyinfante5547 their was multiple different game noises

[@DieMitternacht]

The fish-shaped knob you made for the stand is criminally underrated.

[@tanksfornothin]

lol I made it one night when I had no tools around. literally just sanded a piece of plywood into shape and decided to leave it unpainted.

[@919MIG0]

100% .. such a cozy feel to it 😂

[@LordCrate-du8zm]

And when we needed him most, he returned.

[@sparrowsfish]

No kidding!!!!!!

[@rohab]

the fact i found your videos only a few days ago and then went away thinking, you're never coming back BUT HERE YOU ARE

[@tanksfornothin]

You found me

[@THEdogeater]

The fact everything you buy is free or close to it is just so funny to me, and really brings an extra sparkle to your videos

[@tanksfornothin]

free = fun

[@yeeterbriffim1016]

Your first video was randomly recommended to me, and sent me down a rabbit hole of fish tank videos. Today i have four fish tanks and could not be happier thank you so much❤

[@givetanks]

Haha me too, I even started a KZbin channel

[@tanksfornothin]

Mission accomplished

[@Mickwithanumber]

I found his desk tank video when looking at other fish tank videos. Now his are the only ones I care to watch

[@Rg_Dragontree]

Same! Once I watched your videos i also went spiralling down ecosystem videos and i couldn't find anybody better than this guy, so i watched his videos like 5 times each.

[@CandyCornCorgi]

Me too but with antscanada instead 😂

[@WillColebar-ce5tf]

I love that you treat the blind fish like puppies

[@tanksfornothin]

I got the idea because of how they move around sniffing everything like a pack of dogs

[@PHOTON.thief.]

@@tanksfornothinyou should name them

[@TheAgentTexas]

They're chain chomps.

[@hollyRussell-ji9su]

@@TheAgentTexasyo that’s a perfect name

[@Anna-vj9ys]

the perfect balance of editing, narration, music, humor, and simply fascinating ideas!! i have zero aquarium knowledge, but these videos are such a treat. the little sound effects given to all the critters are just so delightful! (like, seriously, villager noises for the loaches??? unexpectedly perfect!) thanks for the video!

[@MrHillbilly]

Those are the coolest frogs! The toe wiggles when they are excited is precious ❤ amazing tank! Can’t wait for the next one in 8 months!! 😂

[@tanksfornothin]

Ayy there you are!

[@Cam-sb5qm]

dumpy tree frog

[@georgewalter6576]

The return of the king

[@georgewalter6576]

King nothin that is

[@Toasty2012]

He's back!

[@dystopianfuture1165]

LMFAO

[@Beefnachos]

I've honestly never seen a loach and I thought I'd never see a dog like fish but here we are. They're adorable

[@tanksfornothin]

Here we are Beefnachos

[@JamalAquariusDavisthe3rd]

@@tanksfornothin Do u keep replacing the crickets or do they breed and make more?

[@tanksfornothin]

I replace them but wouldn't have to change much if I wanted them to breed

[@melsyoutube]

the lil smiley face on the fish door handle that has screws for eyes 🥹 your videos always make me smile right from the start!

[@nathanr5737]

Seen hundreds of videos like this yet this is the first that’s told me springtails can walk on water, incredible.

[@Awindow]

You don't know how many time I have checked for a new video from this guy , the content is just too good

[@1musketeer311]

me too 😭 i love fish but a lot of other videos about fish have very loud music or are super upbeat, which is great but not my vibe

[@eddiej3189]

One thing I really appreciate about your videos is that you also include ideas that didn't work, or things that go slightly wrong. Even just mentioning that you spent a bunch of time thinking up solutions for the door and then realized you didn't have to go to all the trouble. A lot of people streamline their projects in editing to make it seem like everything went completely perfect. I'm someone who can get easily discouraged when stuff goes wrong or I realize I've wasted time; you make that part of the fun, and I find it very inspirational. Glad to see some new stuff, this is amazing and now I'm excited to try something similar myself someday!

[@tanksfornothin]

You'll like the next video because something goes catastrophically wrong

[@eddiej3189]

@@tanksfornothin I look forward to seeing how you turn it around! 😂

[@CornelFota]

@@tanksfornothinfore shadowingggggg

[@commanderhurst3283]

Can't wait to see!​@@tanksfornothin (Also I have an idea for the next tank.): It's a prehistoric paludarium. Nothing but Moss, Ferns, Horsetails, and Hornwort plants. For animals we have some stand ins that aren't quite prehistoric, but certainly have a similar appearance. Newts, gobies, khuli loaches, shrimp, Isopods, and Millipedes. Sounds cool right? (This can represent the late Devonian through the Carboniferous.)

[@ella-and-her-cup-of-coffee]

Oh I already know, i will love your next video! When is it coming? In a year? ​@@tanksfornothin

[@GiorgioCeola-ks9zt]

You are not not only an acquascaper or a fish tank keeper, but a professional documentarist too. I love all your previous vids too. Big!! Great editing as well!

[@davindo7112]

I rarely comment but your video style, content, and approach is extremely refreshing in the cesspool of over the top editors, and click bait videos. Truly, you are doing a service to KZbin, AND humanity. Thank you.

[@tanksfornothin]

I appreciate you

[@user-gv7px1dt9g]

watching those 3 videos once a month worked

[@user-ib2cm2ik8k]

ngl ur ecosystem vids are unmatched

[@tanksfornothin]

Let's see

[@ScenicFilm8k]

This man uploaded 3 videos that got over 10 million views and then disappeared on us... Thank goodness he's back.

[@holdenchappell4784]

The Minecraft noises when you placed down the moss was awesome lol. Also this might be the coolest Chanel I’ve ever seen. Love it. Thanks!

[@ObamaMpreg]

I like that you refer to the inhabitants as “everyone”. Reminds me that humanity isn’t separate from nature :)

[@Iszth1]

Such inspiring words. Thankyou... *checks notes* ... ObamaMpreg

[@ObamaMpreg]

@@Iszth1 Obamna 🥺

[@LaikasFriend]

tumblr ass convo

[@Wott786]

@@ObamaMpreg”SODA!!!” - bo jiden

[@PHOTON.thief.]

i am very seperate from nature

[@marighost_]

A cinematic masterpiece. The story-telling, the emotions, the direction and framing. Common tanks W.

[@tanksfornothin]

I'm really glad you like it, thanks for saying so 🌻👻🧙‍♂️

[@evakazoo]

It’s just like a movie or professional documentary but the editing makes it so charming I love these videos, so high quality!!

[@toasttoast8687]

i literally did not want this video to end, thats an incredible accomplishment

[@SirFrogIII]

its happened everyone the moment we have all been waiting for

[@tanksfornothin]

FORG

[@Storystein]

Your videos are an absolute DELIGHT to watch. The cinematography, editing, soundtrack and humor all create a perfect gem, so rarely seen on the internet. Today I learned, frogs are like cats.

[@bombx7777]

There is no other person I’ve ever watched that does everything as satisfyingly perfect as you bro

[@davideschiliro]

This man has patiently made the best channel. I am dazzled by the work, intelligence and love that went into this

[@tokiimam359]

I can not but help myself chuckling every time a creature interacts with another 😁😁 they're soo goofy and funny.

[@combeechan]

This is my favorite fishtank channel. Clear, concise narration. Soothing music. And great footage. Very well edited and produced. Thank you for putting so much careful attention to your videos!

[@isagf4804]

Dude!!! Just this week I thought about this channel and was like "well, i guess that guy gave up youtube :(". IM SO GLAD YOU DIDN'T!!! This was your best yet, for sure!!!

[@Chad101.5]

This video is perfect, the suddle, calm background music when you introduce things and your calm voice. I admit I fell asleep to this

[@mr.rattlebone]

Man Really made us Starve for 8 months just to drop this banger and be gone for maybe another 8 😭😭😭😭

[@snottytoe6957]

I don't think I have ever seen any kind of fish with so much personality like the Loach

[@tanksfornothin]

Kuhli loaches be like 🥸

[@Wuzzup129]

Kuhli Loach: "Hmmm"

[@annandthom]

That was beautiful! Your pride and dedication to your work can be felt! Amazing

[@user-pz9mk7jd2b]

The quality on this video,the information,the editing,the sound effects , this video is a masterpiece

[@victor_LoLs2]

Bro gives us just enough content for us to know he's alive and just enough to keep us in his grip

[@AlexxForest]

The legend returns from the abyss into which he ventured, to bring forth the creatures of the deep world of darkness.

[@TheWanderingFinnegan]

When someone knows how to use their words, it gives me a tingling sensation. With sentences that don't end in dangling prepositions, everything is all warm and fuzzy. 😉

[@AquascapingAmazing]

You have invested a lot of your time, effort and intelligence to create a masterpiece in both sound and image. You are a great Inspiration for perfection

[@Ltan92]

I needed some good aquascape content in my life and my boy came out of retirement to provide the goods, bravo good sir.

[@triangles550]

It only took 3 human sacrifices. He’s back!

[@jeremyfrost2636]

You gotta pump those numbers up. Those are rookie numbers in this racket.

[@Beefnachos]

Yes milord right away milord

[@triangles550]

@@jeremyfrost2636 Sorry. Oh well, my neighbors don't contribute much to society anyways.

[@jeremyfrost2636]

@triangles550 I was just making a Wolf Of Wall Street reference lol.

[@triangles550]

@@jeremyfrost2636Oops

[@Nevario1]

You, by far, make the most enjoyable and entertaining tank build and naturalistic habitat style aquarium videos. I'm so glad you've returned! As the shrimp's expressions stated: :O - He's back! :) - New video! :( - Video over...

[@tanksfornothin]

Thank you shrimp. You can keep the piece of plastic because you are so polite.

[@afla]

When this video popped up in my feed, I never expected a tank building video to turn into an engaging documentary rivaling big budget wildlife shows 😂, instant subscribe and I'm gonna binge watch this channel, consisting of 4 videos.

[@dodedraws1379]

This is stunning. Such detail and amazing editing + voiceover. Funny and entertaining and ahhhhh fish. Please do more. These are seriously incredible. It really shows everyone how beautiful the world is, even tiny parts :)

[@Darnss123]

He has risen

[@knpark2025]

I knew this channel was not on a normal hiatus. It's not a hiatus if each video takes literally months to make. I am happy to learn I was right!

[@solstice_soda701]

I love the foley work and all the arrows/ words following the movement the wait was definitely worth it

[@HangmanOfficialUploads]

Found the channel today and I gotta say, you really strike the perfect balance between jokes and seriousness. I appreciate this stuff, man, keep it up! Eager to see what else you make.

[@MartyFox]

This channel, maybe more than any other on this platform, embodies the principle of “these things take time”

[@danasarcos779]

The production on this one is WAYS better, not that the previous ones were bad. Just speaks volume in how well made this is. Well worth the wait

[@paintbrushjewel]

New favorite channel. I just got my first community fish tank and ive been learning so much, especially from your channel

[@GutterGremlin64]

bro made a fanbase and bounced, and reappeared with this. this man is insane (in a good way)

[@GutterGremlin64]

thanks for the heart!

[@andrewcurtiss9306]

This is by far the best paludarium build I’ve ever seen. It’s not only informative and entertaining to watch, the quality on these videos are incredible. Thank you for the amazing content

[@mx6fe3]

This is high quality documentary filming. As a budding tank afficionado, this was beyond outstanding to watch. Thank you.

[@dannyyonkers2162]

This is probably one of the most amazing tank videos I have ever seen.

[@ros7754]

Mate this channel is amazing, it's so well done, i honestly cant believe this is only the 4th video, love those little sound effects and dramatic story telling!

[@pradipayogyartha328]

The cinematography, editing, sound effects, cave build, cool critters, and more.. tanks for everything my dude

[@paul3v767]

That was a fantastic introduction to the frog, basically nothing short of high cinematography. Really nice video, and even nicer cave

[@smalltreefern]

the frogs are so cute i can't! also this build is just amazing!! please make more. your care and obvious skill remind me a lot of serpa design, yet the way you create these builds and of course your editing style is very different - and i highly appreciate both!

[@penginno]

You have insane talent at injecting life and adding narrative to these animals

[@CadanL]

I like all the noises you have everything, really shows off their personalities! I wish I took this approach to fishkeeping when I got my first tank lol

[@cronchcronch4136]

I have four tanks, and it was a massive struggle to get them stable. The only reason I managed it was I went completely rogue from normal fishkeeping techniques, and BOY does it feel validating to see someone else doing the same thing with success. We, or at least, I, are always happy to wait to see some new (or old) wiggly friends

[@tanksfornothin]

Yeah it just takes time really at the end of the day lol

[@user-cy3yq4cy1m]

I love this video. I was so sad that you hadn't posted more videos, but I'm so happy for all the voiceovers, the little emoticons on the creatures and the whole story!! I was hooked from the beginning!!!

[@vitortrevisan336]

My favorite tank/aquascaping/palludarium/andeverythinginbetween channel is back! I watched you previous videos several times waiting for the new one to come, thank you so much for your IMMACULATE work! I love the voices, cute sounds and lines from the inhabitants

[@vitkozusky6630]

I can safely like this video even before it premieres, knowing it will be amazing.

[@AspenFrostt]

was so worth the wait

[@onteri]

YOURE BACK LETS GOOOO

[@lucasshirley8873]

I don't care how long it takes between posts. Please keep making new videos. You do a fantastic job

[@missysweigert2451]

Genuinely would watch a 24 episode season of your work. ❤

[@nicholasolmstead3764]

This is the best channel in fish keeping, maybe even the best channel on KZbin. Please keep up the work at your own pace you obviously know what youre doing when it comes to art.

[@eloracle]

I don't think I've ever seen an amateur video along these lines as professionally done, with perfect foley work, excellent music cues, emotion, storytelling and sharing of knowledge as yours. If you aren't, please consider a career in nature documentary making as you're a natural.

[@kjpdjb]

I'm seriously impressed with your skill sets. I'm a newbie here and glad to have found your station.

[@user-xw5wp6fx8z]

Wow, i never thought a cave ecosystem would look this cool, Great job!

[@LAT.R]

Literally laid down to sleep and out of no where thought "... I wonder how Tanks is doing?" only 7 hours after this release. What pond magic is this man up to?

[@tanksfornothin]

I was enjoying my freedom from frog prison

[@Melaprilia]

That was one of the most beautiful videos I’ve ever watched! The shots, the writting, the music, the ambiance… it was perfect! Worth the wait!!!!

[@fionaallman-treen2328]

I kept fish tanks for years and this has opened up a whole new world to me! Absolutely GLUED to every second, thank you 🙏

[@SofiaGarcia-lz4ow]

This was amazing! Your editing is so well done and professional. I also loved the cute froggos ❤

[@LB-bn1oe]

I love how you did both above water and below water, then took it a step further and added frogs which use the entire ecosystem as their home

[@emmabradshaw4652]

I absolutely love your style of fish keeping/ ecosystem creation and upkeep. It's very needed in this community and it's exactly how I'm trying to keep my little ramshorn tank

[@siboullettej1949]

The frogs being exited to eat is so cute !

[@randiaeshliman6015]

The barking cave fish 😂 especially with the large chunk of food in his mouth had me grinning 😁

[@binbopper]

i been waiting for your return, your original 3 videos sent me into a fish frenzy and now we have a fish tank. i watched those 3 vids countless times its so good your back

[@tanksfornothin]

Please take this offering of 33% more video as an apology

[@binbopper]

@@tanksfornothin the quality of your videos makes the wait worth it 💯

[@Jillstation]

editing, sound design, storytelling, cinematography, this is really art

[@ttk786]

Came for another awesome tank building video, walked away with a nature documentary 10/10

[@KidNamedDevon]

This video is literally so dope in so many ways man, thank you for all the hard work that went into it !

[@Agridulce_Doll]

❤❤❤ Great you came back! Thank you very much for so much effort and dedication! Thanks to you I started my aquarium and thanks to you I have peace of mind every time I come home and see them ❤

[@tanksfornothin]

That's what happened when I got into them. I can't not share it with everyone!

[@sophr.6702]

Omg he’s back! I’ve been needing some more tank content 🎉

[@snowscapeddreams6300]

The loaches with villager noises and the wobbly sound effects 😂✨

[@AustinThomasPhD]

The loach sound effects are top-notch.