Sunken Forest Blackwater Aquascape for Samurai Betta (Low Tech)

About two months ago, I got a new betta! He's been living in the quarantine area ever since. I've planned to make a proper blackwater setup for him ever since. I had to do a lot before that that I'll discuss in a future video.

As I set this up, I wanted to make something functional to showcase the betta and provide him with an enriching home. At 14 gallons (10 full of water), this is also an excellent footprint for him to swim through. Thanks to the "H" shaped log I sourced locally, I also think it looks pretty unique. I've wanted to use it for years now and to have finally done so makes me happy!

Anyway, let me know what you think of the new Samurai Betta and the blackwater aquascape in the comment. Enjoy!

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0:00 Introduction
0:13 The Aquarium
0:35 Hardscape Selection
1:03 Hiding the Filter
1:13 Base Layout
1:35 Modifying the Bark
1:58 Securing the Pieces
2:31 Sinking the Driftwood
2:51 Substrate Blend
3:37 Additional Details
4:37 Plant Selection
4:51 Planting the Enclosure
6:06 Filling the Tank
6:21 Adding Botanicals
7:16 Going Blackwater
7:31 Adding Tillandsia
7:47 Finished Design
8:21 Adding the Betta
8:41 Closing Thoughts

#aquascape #betta #serpadesign

[SerpaDesign]

I'm so excited to share my new samurai betta with you finally! It feels like he's been a part of the family for so long now. What would you name him? Also, what do you think of his setup? Let me know, and have a great weekend SerpaSquad!

[IanOhNo]

Name the fish rōnin, it means wandering/master-less samurai, I think it matches pretty well with this betta's personality.

[emmacavalier]

Kishi would be a great name. Means warrior/knight in Japanese.

[philcarlino]

Absolutely love your blackwater tanks. You really are so talented, and have such an eye for nature. Love this setup, and what a handsome betta. Take care

[WhatHowWhenforWhomWhatpurpose]

You bring the aquarium to be more of an aquarium. An etherical beeing like this special bettafish - in your scaping - becomes something of poetry or art. I guess it's kind of how I (non Japanese) am able to understand Japanese gardens and painting and higher ideals... but with a big part of the magical mystery of earth and nature. And just magic. Old magic. I just love it, thank you for showing this, it feeds my soul.

[alisonnicholson]

Stunning scape, amazing betta. Simply gorgeous Tanner

[finnwiggles]

'Heilong' means Black water dragon/serpent living in dark waters. This is an over the top Sick Tank!!! You must've had a great time building planning and building, especially w/that piece of woods waiting 6 yrs for this tank. That is One Blessed Betta!!!

[addisontran]

Wow. This is truly art. This video genuinely inspired me to do my betta research, and I will soon be giving my Veiltail a planted home that resembles nature rather than plastic!

[Jess-kzzf]

You’re really gifted at this! How many people said if given the choice they’d come back another life as one of your lucky critters 👍💙

[GallowglassAxe]

I love this sort of setup. I've made something similar for my black ghost knife fish and striped raphael cat. I call it the haunted forest. I only have java fern and one anubis nana plant but I might add more plants like those to the set up. I can only use Epiphyte because the ghost like to move the plants around when looking for food.

[bencarson]

It’s like having a piece of nature right in your house, absolutely beautiful. I could just sit there and watch it for hours

[iLikeDEERz]

I find your channel so relaxing and amusing that you build things related to nature, I'm glad some people are still appreciating nature and it's course, sometimes nature is often underappreciated. I love nature and taking walks in forest's, seeing the plants thrive and reproduce is just the best part of it. I love your channel and what you do ❤️

[jill]

Your work is amazing and inspiring!! Thank you for sharing 💕. Because of you I built a small terrarium (very first and only one so far) but it is still doing very well and has lasted all winter!! I can’t believe it!! Thank you for the inspiration and guidance! Love to you and your beautiful wife!

[TheUrbanNemophilist]

I have been wanting to make another betta tank for a while now. This video has re triggered the interest and I will probably go for a blackwater build this time.

[Sanrish]

Hi Tanner, I just wanted to ask. Are you doing good. Your voice sounded different. I just wanted you to know that your videos are amazing and entertaining. Keep up the great job Tanner. I really enjoy your videos. Also so can make a saltwater aquarium I know that isn't your style but I would like to see your take on an saltwater scape from you.

[jnarnz]

I just bought myself a male and female betta 2 weeks ago and since I'm still a beginner, I've been seeking for ideas and tips in taking extra care of them as well as preparing for their tank especially aquascaping to improve their place. So glad you uploaded this, thank you!

[orewatowi]

I love all of your builds, Tanner. This one is gorgeous, and has a forgotten world kind of vibe to it. Excellent as always. 💖

[ihavenoidea]

I love blackwater tanks with lots of botanicles! It has so much detail and looks extremely natural and mysterious.

[CharAznable]

You are the by far most talented animal/terrarium channel on the platform

[melaniep.]

he's The setup along with his colors match harmoniously 💕 I thought of Vikings when i saw him. Just an idea for a name lol