I've been thinking of making more custom terrariums eventually and I was wondering about water features, specifically long term usage. I'm wondering about how well they hold up/last. What kinds of cleaning problems do they have? How do you maintain sanitation over the long term? I'd expect with them in a lighted planted terrarium that they will develop algae eventually on the wet surfaces. I'm also thinking that the organic matter that gets into the water will be broken down by bacteria, and that might create health problems for the animals or plants in the cage. I only know of one that's been set up for a very long time, but the store that has it is constantly trimming plants and adding/removing things so I don't know what kind of care it takes, I also don't remember seeing any animals in it at all. (They are also super busy and kinda uppity about their stuff). All of the other ones I've seen have been set up within a year. They look fantastic, but I'm wondering about maintenance long term.
I know it is done both for looks and to keep the humidity high, which is an awesome double purpose. But what are they like say 5 years later? Even longer?
Would greatly appreciate feedback. Thank you!
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