The ULTIMATE Fire-Bellied Toad Paludarium

You have been asking and asking for years now... and it's finally here! Hopefully this build exceeds your expectations because I think it turned out really well. Although this is the first paludarium on the channel it will not be the last. Paludariums are awesome because they combine two of my favorite hobbies (aquariums and terrariums). The possibilities are endless, but this one is intended to highlight my Fire-Bellied Toads.
As I expressed in the video, choosing plants can be easier than you probably think. The majority of plants sold as "aquarium plants" will actually grow quite well in an emerged (out of water), humid environment. In fact this is how they are usually grown before you get them, which is why they have to acclimate to your aquarium. As a result, most aquarium plants are a great choice for this type of setup. Terrestrial plants that grow in soggy soil or near wetlands in nature also work just as well. Do a little research on the plants and I'm sure you can find a batch that suit your taste/intended purpose.
As I kept saying in the video, take your time! There are a ton of variables at play with a setup like this, so it's very important to make sure that your setup is not a logistical nightmare. Although fairly basic, I hope this paludarium gives you an idea of what's possible. Good luck!
Check out the complete plant list below:
Anubias barteri
Anubias 'Golden Coin'
Anubias lancifolia
Anubias nana 'Petite'
Cryptanthus nubicola
Cryptanthus 'Red Star'
Ficus pumila 'Quecifolia'
Fittonia 'Red Vein'
Java Fern
Java Moss
Kangaroo Fern
Peperomia 'Ruby Cascade'
Pilea involucrata
Purple Waffle Plant
Rabbit's Foot Fern
Rattlesnake Fern
Selaginella 'Fairy Plume'
Sphagnum Moss
Syngonium podophyllum 'Creamsicle'
Variegated Acorus gramineus
Variegated Pothos
Wandering Jew 'Purple'
Wandering Jew 'Bolivian'
Water Wisteria
I recommend the below videos if you're new to the channel:
DIY Jungle Vines: • My 180 Gallon Vivarium...
Terrarium Substrate: • Tropical Terrarium Sub...
Also, if you use the code "BobMoss" on www.h2oplants.com/ you can get 10% off your first purchase.
If you have any comments, suggestions or questions, leave them down in the comments! For additional content like this, photos of my terrariums and animals, projects sneak peeks and more, follow me on Instagram @SerpaDesign. / serpadesign
#firebelliedtoad #paludarium #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

Check out the 17 month update on this tank to see how it's doing today! kzbin.info/www/bejne/opDPgYRjrad2Z7M

[@xtracreativity1]

Thanks for your update! I have a question. Why don't you let the fishes be able to go under the plateforme? It's could cause some problems ?

[@michelleforsythdolan8266]

Dude thanks for the update man! I love your videos there so cool and awesome you seem like a really cool guy. You've inspired me to want to get reptiles and make terrariums and stuff but my parents don't want me to😅

[@harrietbathtub6557]

You have a weird voice

[@harrietbathtub6557]

Michelle ForsythDolan f

[@kuffdeeztv2214]

What lizards are recommended for a paludarium

[@kmaguire7161]

"How to Create a Paludarium in 832 Easy Steps." :D

[@SerpaDesign]

😂

[@homiespaghetti1522]

It's worth it though

[@mehmedmehmedovic6415]

😂

[@donut5818]

First, do w4etwywrcnlguicrtgkunrvtvrstvobde%jn,hnf5bder3ud42r3j5y2d4hjkg34dnh72d34ryguic32r4c4ugy5jk. Then, allow it to cure for 7 weeks

[@millsbarrera7857]

Lol

[@Augy714]

You’re like the Bob Ross of vivarium building, very soothing to watch and I know I could never make mine look anything like that....love the work

[@kelseyedwards2817]

Bob "Moss", if you will...

[@CRZ_PL]

@@kelseyedwards2817 that was good

[@CRZ_PL]

you can make this if you just sacrifice some time and effort. if you already have the tank it shouldn't be that expensive to do either

[@MaxskiSynths]

He beats the devil out of his plants when they acclimate

[@mariamorris6987]

🤟🏼😍💙

[@crunchyjointsVR]

Your videos help me so much with my anxiety disorder. From the bottom. Of my heart. Thank you

[@horsepl3122]

same here!!! big thanks Serpa!!

[@amberc6540]

Omg I know.. why are toad enclosure building videos so amazing for anxiety?

[@spencerk4077]

Same

[@SolZaer]

AntsCanada is good too

[@Pedroepiphone]

We are not alone :)

[@petrescuework-difficultcas6581]

It's like watching an artist painting. At first you think "Well what a mess, that will never turn out great.". And at the end you're just like "Wow that's beautiful." You, Sir, are truly amazing at your craftsmanship.

[@realchiknuggets]

I didn't even know that first part was a take anyone had. I guess I just trust the process and see how it goes

[@meghankangaamoo]

You should do commissioned work! Beautiful and very natural! I would buy one of your terrariums, you can make a whole business out of what you love!! Sure the toads love it!

[@zevra2489]

Seriously, I don't have near the amount of time to build one of these on my own but I would love to buy a bioactive enclosure for my crested gecko

[@danklyf4202]

Or start a school that teaches us this bad ass stuff. 👌

[@VineyardGHS]

Beautiful yes natural-looking no

[@mettugran]

Meghan O'Brien You should commission him

[@prehistoricorchid3455]

Yes please I really want one but im so choaked on time i'll never ever have the time to do it :"(

[@cupcakekitten1888]

I think having long recordings of your Toad Paludarium with some chill music would be a real treat. I have been dealing with anxiety for the last few months and your videos are so relaxing and enjoyable to watch. You should think about doing some videos that are just watching life in your aquariums or Paludarium go about their day with some chill music.

[@vipervirus081]

“Now it is time to add in the firebelly toads this is their home afterall” **confused frog noises**

[@vixtion9180]

I thought it was for salamanders lol

[@XeL__]

home yea, their cage. still very beautifull

[@crabboh2005]

confused TOAD noises lol

[@lizardqueen99]

@@crabboh2005 toads are a family of frogs, and fire belly toads aren't even toads at all, they're their own family of frogs.

[@nicolas7ruiz]

I didn't like when he added in the toads, I think those animals deserve a bigger environment to live, with the bugs it's fine, but toads are too big for such a small habitat.

[@Zairin.]

can we get a 24 hour live stream of this tank pls. thanks

[@tahminaferdoushy7015]

Yes you can. As long as u have a electricity supply😊 Love from Bangladesh!!

[@tawsif7106]

@@tahminaferdoushy7015 hehe, well said আমিও বাংলাদেশ থেকে 😂

[@semdening]

That toad’s masterful jump 19:43

[@moritzleitermann1276]

So gracefull

[@MonaLisaFire]

SemDening Productions 😭😭I waited for this part

[@makaki6900]

I’ve just commented about this Watch it in 0,25 speed

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Wow this looks incredible! I think I need your patience when it comes to tank builds. Well done! 🤩

[@SerpaDesign]

Thank you! Trust me, having patience really helps!

[@supertnt1239]

Wow I'm subscribed to you Leopard Gecko and SerpaDesign now both have met. Dreams do come true.

[@mvgikk1969]

damn only 4 likes

[@nicksutton9478]

No bullshit.....i watch this too because of my anxiety. Pretty cool

[@halalmemes4515]

Collab pls!

[@lisakn27]

I have zero patience required to do this.."Allow to dry 24 hrs"..I would wait 5 mins and say "Ok it's ready"

[@coldbloodedcompanions8808]

I totally get how you feel. I enjoy desighning encosures but I always just want them done.

[@dognut8211]

Practice spinning the casino wheel on GTA online and trust me, you will gain great skill at waiting 24 hours for things.

[@dpboy8]

A process of months would be done in half a day with me.. though it would never look like this haha

[@Iamaguienapig]

Same. 😂

[@thatoneguy_0218]

@@dognut8211 Lmfao, set your spawn location to "last location" then save it. Then spin the wheel if you see its not gonna land on what you want close the game before it tells you what you won in the bottom hand corner. Rinse and repeat my friend, if you get something you want simply walk out the casino and it'll definitely be saved. This is a simple exploit that messes with the games hard save mechanic. Enjoy

[@jcanino20]

Hi Tanner. For whatever reason, you showed up in my KZbin feed and it's literally the best thing to happen in a while. With all the chaos going on in the country, etc., this is literally the first thing that sort of stopped me dead in my tracks and very quickly calmed me down and gave me a sense of peace! I have already shared it on FB with that sentiment. Anyway, though it very likely wasn't your original intent with the channel, you've made a big difference in my day and in my mood. Let the binge-watching begin! Thank you. Stay safe, and I look forward to more! Cheers!

[@icarlyIV]

Hey bro May i suggest setting up a live cam of this and or your other vivariums or what not it be cool to just peacefully watch your critters do their thing :) especially since in my case space is too limited for these set ups lol

[@SerpaDesign]

I probably won't set up live cams, but I do want to do full videos shot like the end of this one showcasing my setups individually. I think that will be pretty close to what you have in mind.

[@icarlyIV]

@@SerpaDesign Yes :)

[@lauraallen7755]

Yes please, I would regularly watch an hour or more of this set up or an aquarium

[@madeleinerunyan9192]

@@SerpaDesign A full video of your paludariums, aquariums, and/or even vivariums OR a live cam of your paludariums, aquariums, and/or vivariums would be a amazing to watch and fall asleep to or calm anxiety or just enjoy. I'm not allowed to have a frog paludarium, fish aquarium, or a viviarium because my mom hates all pets but dogs (I don't know why the vivarium was not allowed), but I enjoy looking at fish and your builds immensely. You don't have to because this is your channel, but I also would love to see a live cam or a regular video series (or just video series) of the living creatures in your builds... even if it's just an isopod in a vivarium.

[@protocolsavage8506]

Yea serpa, man I would stare at one aquarium with some music like this for probably 45 minutes straight not gonna lie.

[@69Sugah]

I enjoy watching ALL of your creations. And if I were an amphibian, reptile or the like, I would totally enjoy the space you'd made for me to live and thrive in. Even your terraniums look like something out of nature that was captured in glass. You have made me want to try to make a terranium with a water element added. Thank you so much for sharing. 😍♥️

[@ginacardarella]

thank you for saying "patience" I think the planning takes the longest and letting things dry before moving on

[@dutchvanderlinde9708]

While buying weights and dumbbells Employee: Working on your summer body sir? SerpaDesign: (hesitantly) uhhh yeah, *fitness fitness fitness muscles muscles muscles* Loved the setup btw 💯💯

[@redred1161]

I_got_lumbago omg uncle?

[@redred1161]

Dutch Van der Linde hey Duuuutch.

[@shariahansari]

It's really like you bought a piece of nature in a glass box to your home. The amount of meticulous effort and detail that goes into it is astounding:)

[@lindseybunny25]

I would honestly love to see a time-lapse of this like over a course of 24 hours. Watching this on its own was super soothing to watch.

[@TipTut]

Just found this channel, fantastic production quality, information and style! It's so inspiring to see how passionate you are! Bravo!

[@bobandrews705]

In a word “Overwhelming”. Your talented beyond description. Great work!

[@btdarterschannel112]

Tanner, you've created another better-than-zoo-quality display!! Absolutely amazing!! 💦🌿🐸👍👍

[@lorchid23]

Wow, fantastic job‼️ I've been mulling over converting my 50 gallon aquarium for a couple of years and I just learned more from watching your 23 min video than I did from three books and half a dozen articles on the subject(s). Thank you, your tutorial was greatly helpful

[@nancyfahey7518]

Me too. I have a 125gal tank that sprung a leak and is just sitting there saying, "h e l p m e"

[@Kevinrhoe]

SO GLAD I FOUND THIS CHANNEL!!!

[@Antoninorosetta]

Tanner is definitely an artist!!!!!

[@risyadramadhan6584]

Man oh man, i aspire to create a masterpiece like this at some point in my life! Very neat looking set up, well designed, calculated execution and just perfect. Love it.

[@SerpaDesign]

The paludarium is finally done! It's so satisfying to see a project that has been months (4 months+) in the works come to fruition. Hopefully you all enjoyed this build and learn something new. If you liked this setup, then stay tuned because this won't be the last. Have a great day! ✌️

[@Idk-qh6xg]

SerpaDesign you should keep ants i in hobo you could make an awesome terrarium for them but this is just a suggestion but u should try it 👍🐜

[@beast_mode5729]

Does the water get yellow by the cocopeat /husk i also made a paludarium and it keeps getting yellow

[@aquanews9633]

Всё очень красиво, но как обслужить/заменить помпу!? Она полностью закрыта декором!

[@SerpaDesign]

It wasn't super expensive, but it did take a really long time to make. I'm glad you enjoyed the build! 😁

[@SerpaDesign]

Maybe some day. A lot people want to see me keep ants, so I'll consider.

[@KallMeKaii]

2:24 "do you lift?" SerpaDesign: No. I make ULTIMATE paludariums.

[@jacksonsmith4706]

This was probably the most relaxing video I've ever seen in my life

[@susumagoo4880]

Absolutely stunning!

[@dumoulin11]

That is a very impressive set-up and those are lucky toads.

[@phoebedickinson554]

this is art. it looks like you took a chunk of nature and put it in a tank, so beautiful

[@anonymoussourcesofficial5375]

_Possibly the most awesome creative work I have seen to date, thank you for sharing your creative talents._

[@JTBReptiles]

Awesome, I doubt that there are many firebellies as lucky as yours!

[@DBT1007]

umm... what about firebellies that lives in the wild? compared to the ones who lives in the wild, this toad is unlucky

[@malnutritionboy]

@@DBT1007 do they have predators?

[@malnutritionboy]

@@DBT1007 many people like to think that cows would be happier in the wild. Well no they will be extinct from predators. Too domesticated

[@DBT1007]

@@malnutritionboy umm pls don't generalize all animals. some animals are better in the wild. Some domesticated animals for hundreds of years are not suitable in the wild condition. Such as the modern chicken, pig, cow, sheep. These animals are modified to grow fast and fat quicker. They not for survival in the wild because they'll be an easy prey for predator. But they can into wilderness.. but need some time for them to adapt. btw, about that cow thing, Look at some wild cows. Bison, muskox, wildebeest, etc. They can survive without human. domesticated animals for human needs (especially the GMO animals) are different from normal animals. Got it?

[@malnutritionboy]

@@DBT1007 i already said cows not wild "cows" those aren't cows. Pretty sure muskox are extinct. Got it?

[@DrOctagon]

I could happily live in here. Great job once again!

[@silviavoss6411]

Those fire bellied toads are so happy in their new paludarium it's so natural as alway's and clearly suited for the toads as well, beautiful creative outcome.

[@ChaosPeace2000]

You’re attention to detail is blowing me away !! I’m so impressed . I know nothing about any of this but I love frogs .

[@crhea97]

How to make the fire belly toad Sistine chapel

[@SerpaDesign]

😂

[@crhea97]

It's true is better than a zoo display

[@SerpaDesign]

Thank you I appreciate that.

[@millsbarrera7857]

Lol

[@llamar6070]

Your videos are oddly relaxing, I nearly fall asleep every time. 😌🙏🏾

[@pamelakasper6212]

Amazingly gifted. Thank you for sharing your art.

[@timhammons8067]

Am I the only one who cried...? This is so beautiful.

[@reuben6144]

Can you make one for turtles? I think that would look amazing

[@gator3186]

Amazing vid, I wasn't intending on watching the whole thing, but once I started watching it I couldn't stop. lol great work! Keep it up. 👌🏾

[@scQue]

Same. I don't keep pets or anything. This video just queued up after something else I was watching. And 10 minutes in I found myself asking "Why am I still watching this?" But I couldn't stop. At the 20-min mark, it dawned on me why I was committed: while I wasn't doing what I was supposed to be doing, I was intrigued by the production design (it's a surprisingly well produced video), your voice is not so mellow as to put me to sleep, and (and this is key) I didn't feel like I was actually wasting my time. This video made me feel relaxed, but not sleepy while cramming information I didn't know I wanted in to my brain. (I'm one of those guys who can't do board games or puzzles because they stress me out: I feel like I'm wasting my time. This video was the opposite of that.) Who ever is helping you with your camera work and editing is doing a great job. If that person is you, then you have quite a career ahead of you! Biggest critique: a disembodied voice can be offputting to documentary viewers. Be sure to catch a shot of you talking to the camera at least every 5 or 10 minutes.

[@zachmorello6592]

That is art, plain and simple.

[@bjjbrawler1]

That Manzanita branch was no mistake! It was MEANT to be placed there! Very nice, I love this tank.

[@kyleritchart3611]

I've found that after I trim down the edges on any work I do with foam, I take a heat gun to pretty much any surface and edge. Gives it a really natural and nice looking finish. It's really easy to overdue it but it turns out looking really nice.

[@FollowingFinnegan]

I love good cord management.

[@mrsbodeutsch]

Following Finnegan hahaha!

[@manderse12]

Wow! This looks amazing. Your patience and craftsmanship really paid off.

[@patsmith3876]

This is amazing. The number of different materials blew me away, and the way you used these materials displays your artistic abilities. I saw the video you did with Kenan. Beautiful!

[@JT-qh2up]

Am I the only one impressed that he wrote the word "Front" upside down 3 times flawlessly?

[@ODA-392]

You mastered de arts of Controlled Biospheres. Excellent tutorial, pro insight and joy for de Soul.

[@miniwaern]

Ahh Narration that serves as complementary for blind people who cant actually be WATCHING a youtube clip! LOVE those!

[@TyTheRegularMan]

All of your videos are fascinating and satisfying, but this one (so far) takes the cake. So beautifully, expertly done.

[@LucaBuca11]

Holy crap this is one of the most beautiful tanks I have ever seen in my life!!! Amazing👌🏼👌🏼

[@jenniferlerch7836]

You have a true talent for design. It is amazing to me how much work goes into your habitats. It is like you went out into the forest and just cut a cube of it out woodland floor and encased it in glass

[@vukpik]

You are 100% crazy... that's what makes you a true artist! Wow!

[@kristyp2585]

This is awesome, youre so talented. I dont have terrariums, fish or reptiles but am mezmerized by your videos. Would love to try something small to start. This build is zoo quality!

[@AshleyWragg]

This is amazing. Thoroughly enjoyed watching. Thanks!

[@linxxion8247]

Came to watch the end result, watched the whole video. You got a very pleasing way of talking, and the paludarium is beyond amazing!

[@nyangata7278]

Words cannot describe the joy isopods bring me. They're so weirdly cute.

[@h2okeeper106]

Stunning habitat as always, very inspirational. Ive learned a lot from your content throughout the years. My crested geckos habitat was made after watching some of your videos a couple years ago. Thanks for sharing!

[@fionnafanning189]

Wow this turned out BEAUTIFUL. Excellent editing and narration btw. I kinda wish i was one of those toads, they got such a sweet home!

[@kacperosssproductions3200]

It's safe to say you make one of the best terrariums in the world keep up the great work!

[@Patrick-vc6zk]

I love your DIY vines, they look so good the way you weave them together!

[@KainoaBlackeagle]

Excellent video and exceptional work! Love the music and your calm voice is an added bonus when teaching as you do. Great stuff!😁👍

[@scotth9881]

I always enjoy learning how you create these amazing habitats. It really looks great.

[@SerpaDesign]

Thank you! I'm glad that you enjoyed this video.

[@scotth9881]

Thanks Tanner! Your response is greatly appreciated!

[@sarahb1397]

Wow, just SUPERB! A real work of art! Thanks for sharing your gift!

[@jj_5w498]

Beautiful home you've made for them! I had firebelly toads about 10+ yrs ago. Their terrarium was actually pretty neat, however this... would have been the best! 💚

[@kokkinikautichilipipperia9242]

1:27 some ninja moves right there

[@airmanfpv964]

there is a difference of a good aquarium and a cool aquarium

[@Tjoppy]

Amazing. You've created a little toad paradise. Well done!

[@chuglyc]

You are an Artist my friend. Absolutely gorgeous outcome. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@JurrassicAss]

Your creations cure my depression xD

[@laurenwatkins818]

You're amazing! The utmost respect and admiration for your craft!

[@joeanthony2879]

Incredibly gifted young man! Magnificent artistry!

[@sirbellamo]

Expanding foam is amazing

[@TertiusOculusOris]

I've never wanted to be a frog, until now.

[@unkownfilipino9798]

Unless you go to a worst human ever that rarely feeds you keeps in an empty 5 gallon tank does not clean the cage

[@lorrainepurple]

wow it looks amazing. Awesome job. I love watching your videos.

[@_akalman]

I love your use of the vines with the smaller ones wrapping around the larger ones

[@nosalad695]

Stunning man, the final look makes all the work worth it, anything that good takes time, patience and effort. Can’t wait for next ones

[@sheep3854]

My god thats amazing. You sir are a true artist

[@MsOceanRiver]

Beautiful build, Tanner. Lucky frogs. I'd be happy to live in that environment if only it was my size. 😁

[@melaniewallace1403]

Love it. Thanks for putting it all together. I know it's a lot of work setting one up and then more work making this video. Appreciate you very much for it. Great reference to get your own started.

[@Yeetmiester]

That thing is amazing! 👊😁👍

[@kendra_t]

19:20 I giggled at the one riding your hand.

[@johnmoney4774]

Honestly the best video ive seen so far. Im very new to this type of project and I am having a hard time following other videos because they too complicated. Watching your video has given me some confidence. Thanks for a great tutorial.

[@shanarablue339]

I came across this by accident , this is super interesting and totally enjoyed watching , iam not a lover of beasties but nature is nature and we need them . So engrossed now going to watch more of your videos

[@ellier3405]

College counselor: so what career are you interested in? Me: well, ideally I’d like to be a fire-bellied toad living in a vivarium created by serpa designs College counselor: Me: Me: so what college do you recommend

[@kimshook4456]

That waterfall is the best

[@PhantomMemory0]

Your builds are breathtaking!!! So relaxing to watch too!

[@nancynugent9673]

Love your set up! Does your pump have a filter that needs to be changed or do you just let it run without a filter?

[@aeneas1677]

wow it takes so much skill to create a masterpiece such as that

[@lauriefeola6448]

Thank you for sharing your passion. The paludarium is stunning. I am inspired.

[@noahdingman8565]

Dude thank you so much for all you do for the KZbin community. Thanks to you I am totally interested in ecospheres and terrariums. I built my first one today and it was so fun. I hope it lasts. Keep up the great work

[@northeastslingshot1664]

In awe!! Let me know if you need lighting please. Ill send you some to try out. Brad

[@NLOsiris]

This is absolutely amazing!! And you did an awesome job of explaining everything, as always :) Only thing i would change is the big piece of wood you put in at around 16:36. I think the overal look would be a little better without that piece; a little less cramped together I suppose.

[@xAlbinopiratex]

Overcrowded it

[@AgonySoup]

That is so cool! I love the vines you made, they look like the roots of an ancient tree.

[@keemarie1]

I know I am way late to the party but wow. This is the most amazing build I have ever seen. Hands down. You sir, are a master of the nature!!

[@thomasoostema3625]

The Frog's jumping fail still has me laughing 😂

[@matthewyap4880]

Lucky ass toad