Underwater Riparium Air Pockets for Houseplants Grown in Aquarium Substrate Aquascape

I thought of this idea about a month ago while adding concepts to my idea book. I like to do that as inspiration strikes, so I never forget anything. While revisiting a few things, I was reintroduced to this idea. I wasn't quite sure how I make it happen or if it was even possible, but I had a strong feeling that it would be.
Sure enough it was and I'm really excited with the result. I know that terrariums and ripariums are both viable long term solutions and this is essentially just a combination of the two. As such, I have no reason not this think this should work. My only complaint is condensation on the glass. For now I'm fine to leave it like this, but if I decide to keep the aquarium going indefinitely, then I'll try to come up with a solution.
Anyway, enjoy this fun and challenging project and let me know what you think about it down in the comments!
Learn How to Make an IKEA Aquarium
• Making The Best and Ea...
00:00 Why Do I Want To Do This?
01:00 Running an Experiment
02:02 Modifying Cloche Containers
03:08 Getting the Aquarium Started
04:06 Doing a Water Test
04:42 Attempting to Hardscape
06:13 Creating the Details
07:30 Putting Houseplants Underwater
08:31 Adding Aquatic Plants
08:44 The Completed Design
09:49 Adding The Fish and Snails
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[@SerpaDesign]

EDIT: To elaborate on how this works, it's essentially a terrarium that's underwater, as explained in the video. The only difference is that the plants are growing in the aquarium's substrate. In this way, the plants will sustain themselves just as they would in a traditional terrarium. When the lights go off the plants respire and give off CO2, which is utilized again when the lights turn back on. It creates a nice loop that keeps the system going indefinitely. I elaborate on it here in a much older video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX3KZaewoK2ajNE I wasn’t sure if this build would even be possible, but I was able to make it happen! It’s definitely a wacky concept, but in principle it should work long term. It’s basically just a combination of a terrarium and riparium, but underwater. It’s always fun to bring these ideas to reality, so I hope you all enjoy it! Let me know what you think and enjoy the rest of your weekend SerpaSquad!

[@chrisl1873]

I'm worried that the plants will eventually consume all the carbon dioxide in the container. I'm not a biologist and not at all knocking the design. A possible solution would be to blow new air in from time to time. Very fun build!

[@brockstephen6210]

@@chrisl1873 Yeah I was also wondering the same thing, it will be super interesting to see how this progresses

[@mrn7335]

@@chrisl1873 probably CO2 will just go up and down during the lights on/off cycle when there's no photosynthesis.

[@spicyreef]

I did similar in a 150g with clownfish to keep separated from other clowns worked really well and looked amazing until algae started growing on both sides of the container!!! made a couple vids on it - ugh... 😊

[@LKonstantina915]

@@chrisl1873 what if he added that thing that makes bubbles below the containers? I dont know what its called but its used in aquariums to circulate air. Then maybe also use C02 filters. Would this work?

[@HomemadeEcosystems]

This is crazy! Never seen something like this. I'm curious to see how this one develops over time !

[@davidvento5481]

I got total “living on Mars” vibes from the thumbnail! So wild!

[@The-Cat]

I wonder if the roots would start rotting because of being submerged in water forever since they arent aquatic plants ( the ones in the bubble)

[@themallimalli]

​@@The-Catsometimes they do but most times it changes the roots to being hydroponic :D

[@The-Cat]

@@themallimalli Whoa!!! That's actually cool to know!!! Thanks for sharing that knowledge!

[@jamesstraus7767]

What if you coated the inside of the jars with something hydrophobic? Lots of chemicals do that for clothing and shoes and things and maybe it would allow that glass to become far more transparent. Also love the back frosting, adds a great effect! Love watching your videos man, its so relaxing and makes me really want to build a small aquarium when I have more space.

[@natillaamg228]

That would be a good idea, but the question is, would it be safe for the plants? I genuinely don't know, but if it is safe, that would be a really cool solution!

[@yourmother3207]

Wouldn't the water just bead up then? I guess it would get rid of the fog

[@sociallysatanic]

@@yourmother3207 perhaps, but then perhaps gravity would eventually pull the droplets down...? the water line might rise in the terrariums but again, he can just blow more air in there i 'spose

[@HGD70]

Very interesting. Definitely worth giving it a year or so to see how it works out over time.

[@L_une]

Yes, you could coat the outside of the glass with that silica form of aerogel that has been converted to be hydrophobic, and it should be plant safe, however I don't know this for certain. Also gotta add, the plants will be releasing oxygen and need fed co2. No experience with this stuff but perhaps it could be researched and a co2 cylinder can be used with a controlled release air valve? But definitely do research and approach safely using co2. Also not sure about nitrogen? Theres a happy balance of gasses for different plants.

[@MadHatta555]

Can always expect something downright ethereal with your designs! It's like seeing little fairy or mermaid habitats and each project looks like you plucked the setup out of a photo in the wild. Thanks for the quality, creative content as always!

[@hummingbird3771]

For real!! He is an inspiration ✨️

[@raymondhole6624]

Please keep this build together for at least a year and then update us! This is such an interesting concept. While it seems similar to past projects I'd say this is something wholly different. I'm extremely curious about gas exchange in the plant bubbles and if the respired CO2 from the plants themselves will indeed be adequate to keep them thriving. I suspect some CO2 will also leech into the air from the water as it evaporates and the condenses on the glass. Your builds always inspire me so much!

[@komoroczytamas6826]

This is crazy!! I could imagine tha there are some safe anti-fog sprays for better cleraty! Also I would have loved to see some animals like crabs or frogs that could use the space in the bubble as well. Keep it up!

[@SoraiaLMotta]

great idea would improve a lot the open terrarium comcept

[@c0ldlight1]

I know the condensation makes it hard to see the plants, but it gives the entire scape a futuristic silver sheen that I love. Beautiful work as always!

[@dakotafrank5907]

I was literally thinking about building one of these last night. This is insane. They say when you think of an idea that has never been thought of 10 other people in the world will have that exact same thought right then and there. But only 1 if not none will follow through with the idea. I’m glad you did. I wouldn’t of been able to pull this off. Super smart and unique. Reminds me of the floating islands in avatar

[@karlarose536]

This is amazing! It's like a science fiction world of underwater habitats in miniature. Also very beautiful. I actually don't think the condensation on the cloches is detrimental to the aesthetic effect--it adds to the otherworldly look.

[@seebastian5834]

Seems like a nightmare to clean all that glass. What I'd be interested in to see is if the submersed aquarium plants will eventually grow inside the cloches in their emersed forms... and also, of course, how this setup does long-time.

[@MrDanelius]

Maybe put some shrimp and snails in there and cleaning should be less of an issue.

[@andrew1717xx]

I'm guessing increasing the hydrophopic inside surface will alleviate condensation, so if it does form, it won't stay. I wonder if he could scale this up and own the effect going for a rainforest look. I'd very much like to see if this can be tweeked maybe in ways i haven't thought.

[@robynfree1558]

Wow! That is a crazy idea! I am really interested to see how these plants do long term. I'm already excited for the update.

[@effy_kujo]

Your imagination & your minds ability to bring whatever you can think of to fruition blows me out of the water every time. Well done! That piece looks like something straight out of a sci-fi fantasy world! I can just imagine an entire world like this except our houses, streets, forests & every other kind of building & structure we need/want are all inside enclosed air pockets, too! This is how man will build under the sea! 😀😍😋

[@Stephen-jw8ci]

wow i spend a LOT of time thinking of aquarium/terrarium concepts but i’ve never even considered this. tanner is truly the mad scientist of the scaping world

[@kweenkitten6207]

This is like something you’d see in in a SciFi! It’s so awesome to see something like this come to life 😮 🤩

[@youngzephyr9670]

The new setup makes the build all the more captivating, unbelievably clean bro

[@mishao3215]

You never cease to amaze me with your ingenuity. Such a creative way to showcase terra plants. Also anticipating your new animal move-in completion. Congrats on your new home with many more amazing setups!

[@llivs2360]

your content makes my days so much better. thank you for your artistry and craftsmanship !! what an amazing build

[@terryenby2304]

I really love this!! The condensation makes the cloches look like space capsules, with a slightly mirrored effect! It’s really cool!

[@kathleensauerbrei5199]

You keep on proving to us that if people say it can’t be done they are wrong. L O L your approach to a specific problem and how do you solve it always fascinates me. I like this and I know for sure that in the not too distant future you will have figured out how to take care of the condensation. 🎉

[@glassyGREEN_]

You have so many videos with so many different builds on your channel but somehow you always surprise us with something new. That looks awesome 😍

[@kymberlysteiger8125]

Your ingenuity just keeps astounding me every single time! I’m completely blown away… it’s absolutely stunning! I’m so excited for all the new projects to come in the new animal room!

[@doubleprimary6811]

Definitely gonna need an update video on this one. Curious how those plants are going to do. I also wonder if he’s going to have to replenish the air in the terrariums and how often.

[@fredk4136]

Simply genius Have seem hundreds and hundreds of aquarium videos on KZbin but nothing like this. Beautiful

[@TheSeptemberRose]

I was going to say, "but you're going to get condensation inside the air domes", but still, that's an incredible build! Your ideas always inspire!!!!!

[@kasperaquatics]

This is a Badass design. One wonders what goes on in your brain. You have some of the coolest tanks and setups. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@lemondope5352]

I have been watching you for years now and your work always blows my mind

[@kaybee_en]

Oh no I loved that minimalist mountain terrarium!! But I also love the new underwater domed city look of the cloches. Very cool build!!

[@videogamersoasisdotcom]

Very clever concept! I really love the Sci-fi / Atlantis look wth the glass bubbles keeping the houseplants alive underwater!

[@doreensoutar5130]

Fascinating! As a plant grower, I am endlessly fascinated by your innovative use of plants...you enrich my way of seeing and presenting greenery

[@mtngypsy111]

You are a flippin WIZARD. I love it! Wouldn't have even thought tht was possible bro. You always deliver!

[@5minsoffish]

As someone else who is always looking for unconventional decor of my tanks... I love the ideas you come up with. This one is one of my favorite!

[@jamesfranklyn8547]

I think it's an amazing idea, very inspiring and I love the idea of the air pockets/terrarium underwater. I've enjoyed so many of your videos and videos from other channels, and not once did I think of that when I visualize my own build. All the best, much love xx

[@hovdaquatics2780]

Definitely one of your sweetest builds yet, I think.

[@manicdonkey]

Very cool idea! Love the execution too. From the thumbnail, I thought the domes might be inserted through holes cut in the bottom of the aquarium & siliconed water-tight but the actual suspension under the water is even more impressive. That approach might help with the condensation issue, though the plants would no longer be receiving water from the aquarium unless they were rooted in a sump below. It did get me thinking, though, that a large aquarium with a big dome coming up in the center would be a neat way to stick your head up in the middle of the aquascape! Would need to be a thick walled dome. Cheers from VT!

[@drewabbey9390]

They have domes like this in some big aquariums !

[@josephblomstrand2129]

@@drewabbey9390yeah I think there’s one in ripleys awuarium in Nashville Tennessee

[@chaibee3788]

What a fascinating idea! It's like those glass bubbles on ponds that fish can use to see above the water level but for a completely opposite purpose

[@Trevorfoggia]

Tanner Serpa, you are the magician of aquatics. You really are one gifted dude. Greetings from Cumbria in the U.K. Stay safe and well.

[@hmfiona123]

Tanner back at at again. Amazing us with cool things like before. This build is amazing!!!

[@JessicaZane4realz]

I bet this is going to be the next big thing, and I can't believe nobody thought about this before. This is so awesome.

[@jeagerkej3171]

You never seize to come up with wacky and revolutionary designs, awesome video!

[@mntryjoseph1961]

It looks like some futuristic underwater garden. I like it!

[@violetvengance202]

Your creativity knows no bounds! Always a pleasure to watch your brain work and the wonderful mysterious underwater worlds you create 😍

[@tristanbartolome2840]

This is by far the most creative and innovative that you've done, this is really thinking outside the box, just wow.

[@Michael-js6gp]

I love it! Your builds are so impressive, and hearing you narrate the process is always very informative.

[@cardibc1347]

This build is so unique, it’s foreign looking and so interesting to view, excellent job Tanner !!!

[@UtukushiDAE2007]

I love to see that bring to fruition these ideas and is giving us a heads up on the possible workaround ..great job

[@seimkuruc]

I've thought about building something like this for years! It's so cool to see your take on this fun little project!

[@assiahinarkansas]

Wow what a unique build! Really enjoyed this one. Thanks Tanner!

[@williamnighswonger8438]

Dude you are so frickin’ smart. You attack the most complex ideas with the simplest of solutions. You really inspire me with my future aquascaping endeavors. Keep it up man absolutely love your channel.

[@carolebraswell982]

This is hands down the most fascinating build I have ever seen!

[@ReginaRegenbogn]

While this may not be my favourite creation of yours, it sure is fascinating! I love how you show us the whole process of scaping, building, rethinking, rescaping until everything comes together, and I'm looking forward to seeing it in a few months :)

[@pollybeauchene7273]

What a beautiful set up!!! Such a great idea. I am excited to see the grow out phases. Thank you!

[@kalicampbell2745]

You’re always full of amazing ideas! Love this & can’t wait to see all the cool new things you come up with in the new place🥰

[@itsmike64]

This is one of my favorite of your more recent creations, and that's saying something, because everything has been superb! This is a really cool scape :)

[@juanitabolster2483]

Brilliant, thankyou. You underestimate yourself, looking back on your past ambitious concepts, designs and achievements. Thankyou for including us in your amazing journey! Happy New Year.

[@vikimoody8783]

Really cool. You’re so creative and I love to see your problem-solving. Every problem has a solution. Thanks so much!

[@hardrout17]

@SerpaDesign original idea, very nice! There is 2 "problems" (ill give insight on potential fixes) for it to be perfect (in my eyes) 1: the spherical top of the container, it will always reflect a lot of light whatever the angle; 2: the condensation that obstruct the view of this art piece. Here is my insight (0 value) To remove the reflection of light, use a cylinder container with flat top (not globe), cons: condensation is still a problem, maybe hydrophobic film/spray can solve it. I love the idea of using a fully opened cylinder on both hands (yeah, deal with pressure, might be fully isolated from the underwater pressure); condensation will be limited, or you can go full berserk, use the cylinders with permanent water running evenly on internal side (either sprinklers spraying water evenly and build a top to hide it, or even better: use it as overflow with water from the aquarium). Somehow figure a way to use open cylinders, deal with pressure and permanent water running on internal sides of the cylinders. Its random, im drunk. :)

[@thenamesPRINDLE]

I found your channel recently and am always impressed but I absolutely love this concept, great execution!

[@Haylea13]

I have recently found your channel and can’t stop binge watching everything

[@janinebean4276]

I love those danios! They’re so beautiful and their behaviour is really soothing and fascinating to watch!

[@HR.DarkFire]

Really enjoyed the video but maybe you could apply a thin coat of vaseline to the inside of the cloches to prevent condensation

[@maureensoumokil1856]

A small magnetic glass cleaner would do the trick to help control the condensation. I love this idea! You are amazingly creative and so logical in your approach. Thank you for sharing this gift.

[@henrylind9730]

Genuinely amazing how you come up with such creative and unique ideas !

[@Schwarzgeist89]

Your designs are simply mind blowing. My favorites by far are The Crystal Tank, The one with the stone mask, and your desktop terrarium.

[@macansan7046]

Keep coming these crazy ideas I will stick around for sure, love your channel

[@cking8776]

Your creativity is awesome!!! Keep good going Tanner!!! 👍💕👍

[@craigstephenson7676]

I honestly really like the cloudy look, it makes it feel like the domes are bigger and in the distance

[@CricketsMa]

Amazing! It’s a concept I would never have considered, but you’re much more creative than I will ever be. Keep up the good work!

[@uwo3ryota]

I really enjoyed how you problem-solved some of the issues. Love your work!

[@Xenda]

This is the most creative thing I've seen in the hobby to date.

[@MissChelle]

Magical! Interested to see how the plants go with such high humidity, please keep us updated 🇦🇺❤️

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

some of these designs are so intricate and mind boggling

[@juliewilliams8927]

Super cool idea and i think your solution for anchoring the cloches quite clever. Keep the awesome videos coming! I am a big fan of your art/work.

[@nickievans3008]

I absolutely love all of your cool ideas. Your builds amaze me. Thank you.

[@loctruong8568]

It is such a stunning piece of art. What an inspiration you are!

[@THandP_org]

@SerpaDesign my mom had a globe she filled with water and a flower (typically a rose, or hydrangea) and a floated cloche that held a candle to "burn underwater" Combustion produced carbon for the flower, and as a child the "magic" of this specific candleholder led to my interest in science. This build feels like a modernization of the candle & flower water orb my mom had. I believe that the key to eliminating mist on the cloche is temperature? At any rate, thank you for triggering the memories, and demonstrating yet another "outside the box" build.

[@MsLeenite]

What an interesting concept. I agree with the others who said the setup has a sci-fi look, like this is an underwater colony of humans on another world - one with no habitable land. The fog inside the cloches gives them an air of mystery. We've learned to expect the unexpected at Serpa Design, and I for one am not disappointed. 🙂

[@danasmith8557]

Wow that's neat, I never ever seen anything like this !! This is what we call thinking outside the box and u have done that tanner great job!!!!

[@Yolazonejevousaime]

What I am seeing bothers my brain but I want to see how it evolves throught time. This is an audacious project !

[@DillpickleBeLike]

I love watching this channel especially because of the woah factor. It seems like every build I think “dang how’s he gonna do it this time” and he does it. Great work Tanner, an awesome tank that’ll look great in the new house

[@transienttrina7928]

Love the concept and execution. Thanks for sharing!

[@aquamoment]

Your ideas are endless... I often thought about such creations but ended to soon when things went wrong.... Now I know... Never end until you reach a realistic goal💪💪

[@ivettv616]

it's one of your best designs, I'm really impressed, and way of placing of little palidariums inside was complete suprise! i love it also, have you thought about series where you try to recreate ecosystem from different places from the world, for example: you find cool new fish species and try to recreate it's natural ecosystem?

[@janperry7822]

Oh my goodness you have an inventive imagination .. Just brilliant and I can't wait to see more...

[@adamreynolds3863]

Dude this is a SWEET idea!!! I love all your cool projects!

[@hannahh6793]

Tanner you are a genius! Like this is SO NEAT!

[@vildhallon4709]

This is such a futuristic idea. Can't wait for the plants to mature, looks very cool

[@tamarhedeshian7318]

I love this concept! i wonder if you could run tubing up into the cloches that are hidden in the substrate (maybe even leading outside the tank through holes cut in the side and anchored/sealed with silicone) that way you could puff in some cool room temperature air to get rid of the condensation whenever you want to look at it, and it would allow more continuous air exchange which might help with condensation and algae growth. Though someone mentioned coating the glass in a hydrophobic compound and that is probably a simpler solution. That said puffing in new air would probably help, though the plants do release CO2 when they respire at night with the lights off. it's only half of what they originally take in. Given enough cycles i'd imagine they'd still use up their CO2 unless the air is refreshed either though maintenance or using a tube to periodically blow more CO2 laden air in. It's an interesting concept for sure.

[@veronica5896]

Awesome!! As always. Your creativity is something special! Thanks for sharing!

[@brandishoogy]

Can't wait to watch this. Looks so interesting..

[@liev_x]

Excited to see an update on this in the future!

[@aquaticma]

Definitely a great build! I would've tried one glass pod with an emerged grown aquatic plant like a penny wort or something similar. You'd get to see the emerged version as well as the aquatic when it begins to grow outside the glass! Love your ideas Tanner!

[@kal6352]

coolest design!! i’ve been watching you for a long time and this is definitely in my top favourites 😍

[@theupshotproject]

The plants don't care is the best line 👌 love these videos mate!

[@BinroWasRight]

Tanner, keep on pushing the limits of what's possible. You're magic, man!!!

[@KatmodoDragon]

I would love to see more budget friendly videos. Love your content as always, you're an inspiration.

[@athomewithpapaandmamabears2620]

This is absolutely amazing I think one of my favorites so far

[@TimG333]

I agree with you that the condensation on the glass is an issue. Plus, the reflection from the lights above cause a reflection issue. But I do like the idea. Love your program. You are an inspiration. 👍

[@shuanaroden5226]

What an absolutely brilliant concept

[@reggie8641]

That looks good. I never seen something like that and I can't wait to see the development of those plants.

[@jurassic_hobby]

Tanner always has these super creative ideas, i absolutely love it