Realistic Indoor Meandering Creek Forest Biome Vivarium
A few months ago I got my Fishing Spider, Toby. Originally, I thought it was a wolf spider and made its vivarium accordingly. It looked great and would actually work long-term, but I knew I could do better after I discovered it was actually a fishing spider.
The woods around my house are part of the temperate forest biome complete with creeks, moss, ferns, trees, etc. Other than taking liberties with materials, this vivarium is a nearly perfect representation of where this spider would live in nature.
I'm ecstatic with how this turned out and I think it's the perfect way to showcase such an incredible animal. What do you think? Let me know in the comments.
Learn More in my Blog
www.serpadesign.com/blog
Follow SerpaDesign
Instagram - / serpadesign
TikTok - / serpadesign
Second Channel - / tannerserpa
#biome #ecosystem #serpadesign
This is one of the most beautiful terrariums I have seen. If you film it closed up you wouldn't realise it is a terrarium. That is the goal.
ayoo love ur videos
So are yours ❤❤❤❤❤
This setup is nearly perfect for an aquatic Chinese crocodile lizard!!
Was going to say the same it's absolutly incredible👍
Watch ants Canada and his new terrarium it’s epic
I’m not sure why, but this build really surprised me. I generally have a good idea of how it will look before I start, and this one is no exception. However, it far exceeded my vision. I can’t wait to get the entire invertebrate area looking like this soon enough! It’s also a great way to showcase the spider if you ask me. What do you think? Let me know, and have a great Sunday SerpaSquad!
It’s amazing in the future id like to see an enclosure with only arachnids( non cannibal ofcourse 😂)
I espacially like the waterfall feature trough out the scape👍👍
It really does look so good (The look of the leaves caught in the stream and all the short pops of green coming up feels so natural, just a spring day In the north America woods) and should suit toby perfect! thank you my man for the gorgeous build videos and just the care you take for your little dudes you are an inspiration cheers to you and toby (who has gotten a bit gigger eh 😂)
It looks fantastic Tanner! Would a salamander or newt be a suitable inhabitant for it alongside Toby the spider?
buy yourself a small tool to spread the silicone nicely
Tanner I love you. You made one gorgeous vivarium, realized it wasn’t PERFECTLY IDEAL for the spider you found, and made another one. You are all about the husbandry, such an amazing animal caretaker. Thank you for modeling kindness in the world, you make a difference!
Thank you - I do the best I can!
The care and effort you put into an enclosure for one spider is admirable. It's a nice perspective shift that makes you think about which animals we admire and feel "deserve" our effort and appreciation.
If I were an animal, I would want to be one of Tanner’s
It’s sad watching Tanner build a beautiful enclosure for a spider, meanwhile most animal KZheadrs like Paul Cuffaro can’t even be bothered to put a single piece of structure inside of an entire 6,000 gallon pond.
@@Beast_Hub You are an animal. Unless you’re a cyborg lol
@@bennygambla3491 the group of KZheadrs- Nick Bingo, Paul Cuffaro, etc are a stain on humanity
As a true spider and tarantula keeper, this is hands down the best enclosure build I have ever seen for a spider
@@Blackout_CDXX spiders could not care less about the setup, they are highly evolved and specialized, they are not curious, they don't play when they are born they just know what to do and they do it. It's pleasing to the human eye of the owner, that's all. The only thing a spider can do with this setup is find a good spot and take advantage of it: this environment is better suited for a spider like this than the previous one but not in an aesthetic way, that's not what matters. The error is transferring human emotions to animals.
@Blackout_CDXX that's why enthomologists exist, to study their behaviour, the idiom "like a spider in its hole" has a meaning, in nature they are strictly territorial and don't "enjoy" exploring, they do it for a purpose, to find a good hunting and hiding spot and when that purpose is fulfilled they are content with that hole. We do know what's going on in spiders minds, obviously, because their behaviour is quite predictable. An enclosure of 1m3 would be a waste, they'd not use it, they'd remain in their hole, sometimes you would not see them for months, just an empty enclosure for all that matters.
@Blackout_CDXX this enclosure is "objectively better", as you say, for the owner who can enjoy the sight.
@Blackout_CDXX stahp humanizing animals and attribute human emotions to them. They are not humans and, in many cases, they are even better than humans. Let's respect and try to understand nature.
I've been watching for almost two years now, and I never left a comment, but this specific vivarium really did inspire something in me. I live on the other side of the world, but this creek still feels profoundly familiar to the forests I grew up in. You always bring beauty, and peace, and life, and I really appreciate your work. I think spiders are wonderful little creatures, and I'm confident Toby will enjoy his new home!
You've set such high standards that often as much as I love your projects, I'm often not surprised by their beauty. This one was different. At 9:14 I actually said wow out loud.
So did I!
So did I!
not out loud lol but I basically did too, this is easy one of my new favourites
Same!
the depth and the filling of space with the cork branches really bring this whole build together in composition, also i feel like there's a great balance in the amount of leaf litter to plants that really make this feel so natural. Great work amazing build!
Your use of depth and negative space are so beautiful, the curving path of the creek really makes this build look like a dimensional door into a forest!
The fact that you would make such a beautiful home for a spider that you found in your house speaks volumes about your character as a human being! Always a pleasure watching your videos!
This is indeed a stellar build!! I think you have managed to capture the essence of a natural creek!!! Keep it up! I love to watch these!
The vertical corkbark branches really makes this a believable slice of nature. I think this is probably the most naturalistic vivarium you've made to date. A close-up shot without showing the cage itself could've fooled me into thinking it was a nature shot.
This is my favorite build of yours so far, and that's saying a lot! All this for a spider you don't really see much of. It really underscores the reward of designing for your animals needs -- the habitat turned into its own reward for viewers. So well-executed!
Holy Tanner, you outdid yourself on this one. It is magnificent. The close-up shots.....you feel like you are outside. THAT is an awesome compliment! Thank you so much for the viewing pleasure today. Ontario Canada
I live in Australia, where we have many deadly creatures, including spiders. I grew up around many of them. I respect them, and I have much respect for the care you have shown this beautiful arachnid. Absolutely beautiful build 🕸🕷❤
Tanner!!! This is absolutely incredible. Probably my favorite build of yours! Thank you for sharing.
That scape is absolutely amazing! I LOVE the water feature! It's like you literally cut out a section of the woods in a forest and set it inside the tank! It just looks so natural, and so peaceful. I admit, I'm not really into spiders, I would love to see maybe little tree frogs in that enclosure or something, but I don't know if that would work with the spider in it. Still, this terrarium is a natural beauty!!!
I love that you DID put in the research necessary and that you were willing to make changes, even just for one little spider. Your integrity is admirable
This is so beautiful! Truly a masterpiece!!!
Breathtaking 😮 I'd want to live there if I were a bug, arachnid, a gnome, etc 😍 you really take your visions to the next level with every new & old/upgraded idea. Absolutely stunning 💚🕷💚
Also, I love Toby & hope they're loving their new home.🕷💚
All this for a spider you caught in your bathroom, for whatever reason I find this amazing.
I thought the stones would look way too sharp and unrealistic. But the result look absolutely insane❤ I agree this is one of your best builds
I just love how effortless you make it look but so much love and planning went into this, and it shows. ❤ Thanks for showing us what's possible.
This build is absolutely stunning!
Beautiful! This is by far one of the most realistic forest scenes I’ve ever seen. Every time I think you can’t top your last build you do so flawlessly.
There is something very special about this one. Absolutely gorgeous!
This straight up looked like an actual picture of the woods. Magnificent!
While spiders aren't on my list of desired pets, just looking at this gorgeous terrarium brings me a feeling of peace.
Agreed. Some of your best work.I love how the light gives you the feeling of seeing a little slice of a scene, super intimate and mysterious.
Dude, this is one of your best works. You are perfecting your craft.
That's got to be one of your finest pieces of work. It really looks like you took a slice of the forest from outdoors and bought it home. Adding to that you built the entire thing from scratch, I'd be very proud of it if I were you. Would also suit crocodile skinks well, if there were a bit deeper substrate. Awesome stuff!
This is one of my favorites you've done so far. It looks like a miniature chunk of forest, and I'm in love with how you placed the cork rounds like upright trees. It's gorgeous
Amazing attention to detail as always, inspiring
Tanner just casually drops one of the sickest enclosures he's ever done... Definitely one of my top 5's from you!! You truly captured the beauty and naturalism of a river in your area! I'm in NE Ohio, so our environment is extremely similar, and this truly looks like you took a slice out of nature.
Been watching your vids for few years now, but something about this build is different. Definitely one of my favorites!
I was pleasantly surprised that this build is for a spider. And not a tarantula. A real spider. Yay!😊
i'm a long time viewer and wow not only is this build amazing but the video itself is on another level! you really showcased your skills, knowledge, and professionalism here. i feel like a lot of the techniques you've acquired through the years really came out in this build. your growth and accomplishments are a real inspiration to me, thank you!
This build is spectacular man. It is really like you took a slice of a PA creekside and put it in glass. I've been watching for years but I could tell this one was something special.
I keep coming back to this video. It just looks so much like one of the forests I grew up in (even though I’m from Europe), it’s a gorgeous, peaceful build and definitely one of my favourites.
This is my favourite build from now on. Trully amazing work!
Tanner I have been watching you grow for a number of years now, and you truly have outdone yourself. How blessed was Toby to be found in your home of all homes!
That is probably one of the most gorgeous terrariums i have ever seen. 👀💚
That's beautiful. It's fun to watch with or without the spider. The critter just makes it extra-special.
It's crazy how a relatively small vivarium can appear so large. Such a piece of beauty 🤌 Imagine having this build in your house, but built in a large scale to cover a whole wall🤯🥹
Wow you always make such thoughtful environments for all your animal friemds and I really appriciate that
Tanner,this may be my favorite build yet! It's obvious that you put a lot of love and care into it. I'm sure Toby is pleased!😊
Stunning! Thank you for what you do. Because of you and your building techniques, I learned and have built two successful bioactive terrariums that have been thriving for six years now.
It’s crazy that in the many years of your experience, you can still surprise and impress yourself, and also continue to blow our minds. Keep up the good work!
loved it, I am inspired, have a fear/fascination of spiders, what a homebuild
Again amazing video. One of my favorites ! I'm looking forward to seeing how the outdoor pond is coming together :)
Literally a home away from home for Toby. Beautiful job!
This is the most spectacular build you've ever done. I am so in love with it, and the little spider! Thank you so much again for your work! It's always such an inspiration to me!
This is absolutely stunning and I love that you went above and beyond to create a beautiful home for a random spider that showed up in your house.
👏 Another great video!
Absolutley love that you did this for a spider. They deserve it
It's beautiful and peaceful and natural, with the luckiest spider in the world. It reminds me of little micro-landscaping projects I did on tiny creeks in the woods near my home when I was growing up.
This is definitely my favourite vivarium you’ve ever built!
This is such a stunning terrarium! It looks so natural, as if you've got a portal to a real creek behind glass!
This build is absolutely stunning. I honestly thought from the thumbnail it was huge, that you could walk through it, since the cork bark looks like trees. Really one of your best builds, and that's saying a lot. I'm always amazed at how you are able to make your builds appear so much bigger than they are. I hope to one day have the funds to build something like this and many more!
All about understanding scale and perspective 💚
This is gorgeous! You are a huge inspiration to me in this art form! Improving the care of our animals by bringing a slice of the real world into our homes, so cool. Thank you for putting your work online and inspiring so many of us!
Even after all these years of watching your videos it still amazes me every time what beautiful work that you do. Well done again!
Some of your best work in this one! The use of vertical pieces of cork and wood worked so well to capture the 'chunk of nature' look.
Think I would feel right at home in this enclosure
Breathtaking and artistic, literary bringing the outside indoors....the fact its for a spider makes it more amazing...its probably the luckiest spider on earth..🕷🏴🕸
This is one of your most realistic set ups I’ve ever seen
I love this terrarium/vivarium indoor creek! The look and sound is so natural…
You totally nailed the scale of this one, it really looks like a full sized forest.
I think this is one of the most beautiful terrariums you've made
I thought last week’s was jaw dropping beautiful. (It was). But this makes my jaw drop off. Lol. I love how you care about each of your animals and want the best for them. This enclosure is beautiful to look at. I want it! Lol so now I’m thinking of redoing mine. Again. Lol 😂 my baby box turtles are growing fast and they’ll probably be ready to go outside within a year or two. But for now I try to give them the best set up. Thanks for your inspiration and this amazing build. It’s my favorite of yours. So far. 😉🌱🍂🕷️🪨⛲️
How lucky is that spider that it stumbled upon your house. It now living its best life 🤩
This combines ethical and wonderful animal keeping with art. Love this so much
One of you best works, for sure. Absolutely stunning. He really needs an aquatic companion to bring the land and water elements together.
Really impressive sense of scale and attention to detail. I was seriously blown away watching this
Beautiful work, Tanner. I know Toby will be loving life in such a high-class environment.
This is probably one of my favorite builds of yours- it's so beautiful and literally looks like you took a slice of nature and put it in an enclosure!
Imagine being this spider and going from hanging out in the shower to being upgraded to a 6 star resort! As always, great work!
You could take a picture of this, and convince many, that it’s in a forest. Awesome !
💚💚💚
This looks exactly like a small natural stream in the woods. Amazing!!
This build is one of my all time favorites!!! The way you managed to make an actual creek and the staggered cork to look like trees really does make it look like a slice of the forest. Absolutely amazing!!!
This build isn't flashy or over the top, which is what makes it look so natural and beautiful. Really love how it turned out in the end
This one is so incredible, it truly is a slice right out of nature, so beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. The sense of scale on this one is actually insanely impressive. Well done Tanner!!!
Absolutely beautiful upgrade for Toby!
Not one to comment much and pretty new to the channel. As someone who frequently builds things and as someone interested in plants and animals, I was severely impressed by your design choices and capabilities in this build. I may live the rest of my life and never see someone put so much thought into something they built for a spider they caught in their bathroom! And that goes to speak for something!
its like sitting by a creek or stream out in the woods, you captured it perfectly.
Absolutely stunning, it reminds me of a small creek that is 5 mins from my house which is probably my favorite place to be.
Absolutely one of your best setups. I love temperate forests and this scratches that biophilic itch. Amazing work.
Stunning build. At the beginning it didn't look like I was gonna love it, but in true you fashion it quickly captured a perfect balance between natural and intentional composition and beauty.
by far one of your most beautiful builds. thanks again Tanner!
Your content is awesome. One of my favorite characteristics is the writing and narration. Impeccable language and gramnar compliment it so well. Very rare on you tube. Brings a breath of fresh air, much like your projects themselves. Thank you.
I think this is my favourite vivarium so far...wow As someone who loves spiders I admire how much effort you put in and how much space you gave it to roam around, one day I hope to be able to create stuff like this for myself
once again pushing the boundaries of the medium beyond what I thought was possible, incredible work!
Love the way you walk through your process so clearly. Great storytelling
This is such a gorgeous enclosure, I can't wait to see how it grows in, and how Toby does in it.
So cool. Your visions are so advanced and this is the kind of art I really enjoy.
I think this is your best looking build to date! I love the aesthetics of it, looks like a brisk Autumn morning through a forest with the right lighting. Great job!
This one is my favorite across the board. Makes me wistful. I want this so much.
It looks very realistic! Love Toby!
this might the most beautiful vivarium youve ever built! wonderfully naturalistic and everything somehow feels perfectly to scale like its genuinely a tiny creek 🥰🥰 looking forward to seeing this setup in the future and to see what ends up living here down the line
looks absolutly amazing. Looks like just a creek that you would see on a walk through the forest. Good Job Serpa