Update 10/11:

[ox5477]

Well I've been doing some thinking and was wondering what else I should do with my tank. I was at my lfs and saw some decent looking plant specimens so I figured I would buy a few and maybe that could be some cover for my heater as well as given the tank a little more interest. I bought two swords and some sort of bamboo I think (don't remember). Anyways...heres the pics:

The tank with the new plants: (my snail has noticed the new plants as well, you can't see him but he is about 1/3 of the way up one the stems of the left sword)

And just a pic of pepper saying, "Dad!!! Turn the light off, I'm sleeping!!"

Planning on doing a 20G sump in the future to get rid of the heater in the tank as well as the HOB filter. Not sure when the finances could be allocated for the project, but when they show up, I'm gonna go for it.

 

[ceilidhgirl]

Tank looks nice, a little bare for my tastes but what you have is done well

 

[ox5477]

Ya i agree it's bare, but I do what I can with the skills I'm given (obv none ). I'll have a better layout one day when I get my big tank

 

[tetraman]

Some more plants, especially tall ones, would definitly help.

 

[Dude]

really cool
i would only plant the right side leaving the left open for free swimming space

i love the rocks and the combonation of the pebbles and sand

 

[Neal]

I think it looks great that way, the only thing I would change is add more plants to the right side, and don't put them in a straight line so it looks a bit more natural. I think when a tank looks bare, it looks clean and natural. Good work, keep it up! I love the way it goes from the rocks to plants.

Neal

 

[hoarp001]

is a sump really necessary for a 55gal? I have a 75gallon and don thave a sump... should i?!

 

[ox5477]

a sump is not neccessary but I think it would be good practice for one day when I get a bigger tank and then def gonna do a sump. It's usually easier (and cheaper) to do things on a small scale i've found.....except of course keeping the fish healthy in a small aquarium. But anyways....i think it would be nice to figure out the whole set-up of the sump on the 55 and would just be a copy job for a bigger tank