Reddit reviews Exo Terra PT2730 Terrarium Cover Clip Set, Large

I'll link my clips, brb

Exo Terra PT2730 Terrarium Cover Clip Set, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LEW9OSW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gjtBDb7FV2RWR

I'll add some pictures later, but regarding your other questions... I totally get having space limitations and being a student, I am only a few years out of school myself. But setting up a legit bioactive viv is a big deal and you'll probably wind up spending more money filling up your 20gal, and then redoing it with a 40gal in three years. That being said, if you wanna try it, go for it! It'll be fun and you'll learn a lot, just wanted to let you know in advance. Cleaning a viv is WAAAYY easier than a traditional plastic-tub setup. Since the microfauna act as little custodians, you really just have to spot clean (pick up the big pieces and leave the rest for the custodians). As for your lid, you can buy clamps like these, but you'll have to check if they work with your tank. You should really have these anyways since once your BP is older, they will definitely find a way to get out. The bugs escaping are not a problem at all! Firstly, they live in the substrate, so they wont bother climbing out. Secondly, they are super tiny so even if they did get out, you'd probably never see them again. Thirdly, they cant survive outside the soil so they'll die pretty quickly outside the tank. To your last question, you wont really know until a month or so if things are working right. Since you only put in a dozen of each type of bug at first, you have to wait for them to breed a bit. A month down the line you can shine a flashlight into the soil and usually see a few of them crawling around though! Also, you'll be able to tell pretty clearly if your plants are doing well or not (getting enough light, water, etc.). Does that help?