Indoor Ocean - My Saltwater Coral Reef Marine Aquarium

"Would you consider making a saltwater aquarium?" This has been one of the most requested videos on the channel since 2016! As I explained, it's something I've wanted to do for awhile. I just wanted to ensure I did it right. That way, I can learn as much as possible with my first tank and translate that all into more accessible/intricate builds in the future.

I've known I would create a reef aquarium for years now, but it was just a matter doing it. I was pretty nervous at first and even now I'm constantly checking up on the tank. However, I'm the type of person that just has to go for it and I think this was the push I needed. Plus it got me to finish the new animal room much faster than anticipated, so that's a bonus.

I knew I would like it all and I'm sure I will even more with time, but I'm enjoying it way more than I expected. I guess that's until something goes wrong, but I'm here for it. It's pretty cool to start something completely new, with minimal prior knowledge.

Anyway, the won't be the last of saltwater from me. Stay tuned for more and for updates on this tank. Thank you for encouraging me to do this now for the past six years or so.

This entire build was sponsored and provided by Fritz Aquatics. They made a video as well, documenting the process. Check it out!

You should also check out Tidal Gardens. Than's coral farm is incredible!

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00:00 Why I'm Finally Making a Saltwater Aquarium
03:08 A Brief Introduction to Water and Marine Salt
04:49 Planning for the Build
06:09 Unboxing the Components
06:47 Moving the Aquarium Into the Animal Room
07:38 Configuring the Sump and Plumbing
10:14 Overview of Hardscape Elements
11:06 Crafting an Arched Cave Hardscape
14:07 The Tank Cracked?
14:56 Lighting and Other Items
15:21 Mixing and Adding the Saltwater
16:15 Going to Tidal Gardens for Coral
17:11 Feeling Humbled
17:58 Collecting Corals for my New Aquarium
18:54 Going to a Fish Store in Ohio
19:33 Acclimating the Fish, Crabs, Snails, and Coral
20:18 Adding Life to the Tank
21:59 The New Saltwater Aquarium
22:33 My Thoughts and Experience Thus Far
25:30 Excited for What's Next

#saltwater #aquarium #serpadesign

[SerpaDesign]

Sorry about the hiatus last week! I had to finish painting and installing the floors, so we could get this tank in the new animal room. I’ve known about and been planning for this build for a long time now. I’m so excited to have finally done it, though! A LOT of work went into this and I really hope you enjoyed it. The journey thus far has been years in the making. I’ve hinted at it a good bit and some of you were onto my schemes well before 2020, so I appreciate your patience. There’s so much that I want to do and I’m planning for big things, so stay tuned. Also, if I could get a like on the video for FINALLY doing it, that would be cool. Have a great weekend and enjoy SerpaSquad!

[caryelizabeth]

Can I just say that I love your humble approach to exploring saltwater aquariums for the first time. Even after being in the aquarium hobby for so long and after gaining such a large following on YouTube, you are still so down to earth. No ego, no know-it-all attitude. I love that you are showcasing yourself as a student to saltwater here. Learning new things is one of the great joys of life, and I feel like this video is a celebration of that. 🐠🦀🐌

[patricesimonetan]

as a scuba diver, i really like the idea of having your own slice of ocean right in your home. Clownfish are so fun to watch and play with!

[Nick-uliq]

This is incredible for your first saltwater tank. I can only imagine what projects are to come now that you’ve entered the saltwater world.

[thoughtgaming]

Just a heads up for future tanks, in salt water its usually best to place the rocks before adding the sand. Lots of saltwater fish and other creatures dig around in the sand which can cause scapes to collapse if they arent on the glass directly.

[calebjones]

Just a few tips, always always always dip your corals before putting them in a tank, there can be pests and other unwanted things living in the corals that can easily be removed by dipping them. Also its best to drip acclimate everything due to the differences in water makeup from store to home tank. Also, not as important but I recommend that you place hardscape before sand so it doesn't fall when it shifts possibly injuring livestock. Last but not least, make sure all the things you add to the tank are reef safe as some animals could ruin your corals and cost hundreds of dollars in repairs, if you plan on getting an anemone for the clowns I suggest a rainbow bubble tip anemone as they are known for being safe and can be quite spectacular under the lights as there name implies. Good luck on your tank and happy reefing!!

[paigeplays]

Amazing scape! I recommend emerald crabs. They're small and hide most of the time but as soon as you add food to the tank they make themselves known! They eat waste, leftover food, and even help control algae if you end up having problems with that. They won't bother the fish or the hermit crabs and snails as long as they're well fed.

I hope your next journey includes some dart frogs (or tree frogs!)

[jlreclectic]

The rock placement is masterful. The glue/sand trick adds the perfect touch, it makes the scene look as if the rocks have been there for eons. Your channel is delightful, watching you all do things you so thoroughly enjoy. Because of you, I harvested some moss from the yard and kicked my plant hobby up a few notches.

[ElanAndHisUke]

I’ve been in the hobby since childhood (in my 30’s now) and I have to say this is one of the best hardscape arrangements I’ve ever seen. It’s so fitting and natural for a saltwater tank, it really feels like a scene you might encounter while diving

[jurassic_hobbyonmyaltaccou]

We don’t blame you for not uploading last Saturday, THIS IS AWESOME

[Viteaification]

just wanna say its so cool to see you building a community with other professionals in the field. most times you just see hobbyists doing everything on their own but i enjoy seeing you make connections on this channel.

[preyingpicantis]

He has such an ability to capture nature scenes underwater. This scape really looks like he's just put his camera in the sea.

[NickHuber]

This is so great. I've been watching you for 2-3 years as a fish hobbiest. You brought me into the world of terrariums and I love relaxing before bed catching up on your videos. But I've have a reef aquarium for over 12 years and I never understood how you had not jumped into that world. I am SO happy you're doing this, I've always wondered how you'd approach corals the way you do plants. Please make LOTS of saltwater content!

[timothygreer]

So awesome! I'm glad you stated that 100+ is small for saltwater. Too many people think little tanks are easier, which we know in the aqua-world is the exact opposite. Great seeing Nate in the video, I hope you do more projects with him, maybe even some POV narration while filming you work

[cking]

IMPRESSIVE!!! Your approach to projects is so methodical & educational!!! The projects are amazingly beautiful & harmonious with the animals & plants!!! Bless you & keep good going Tanner!!!
🙏💕🐢🐍🐠🐌💕🙏

[Wyram]

Thank you for taking us along with you! You really captured that feeling of joy when experiencing something new. I can’t wait to see how the tank develops—please update us regularly!

[kz.irudimen]

Considering how awesome the previous one looked, your new room is going to look absolutely unreal when it is full :)

[Sosoland]

Tanner successfully convincing me to NEVER dip my toes into saltwater aquarium keeping 🤩You did stellar and I commend you for that, but I'll stick with herps and vivs, thankyouverymuch~

[monikaweld]

My 90 g reef tank with 20 g sump has brought me more joy, frustration, energy and entertainment than all of my freshwater tanks combined. I'm so happy that you have branched out into the saltwater world. I can't wait to see your advancements.

[ieatcarrotstew]

it’s cool that people can be total experts at something and beginners at something else! it makes life more fun