Elaine, thanks for the tip - I'm junking the vermiculite. I want to
use planters to create barriers so I don't have different species
encroaching on territory devoted to Amazon Swords, etc. (Don't like my
food touching, either, so I'm weird. ) I'm thinking about
fastening Java Ferns to a cork board, too, for some extra plants
if/when I run out of room on the bottom.

I have my aquarium maybe 25% set up (I'm thoroughly washing 50 lbs of
gravel right now) but it already looks pretty neat. I'm having a lot
of fun--I work on the planters and watch _Moulin Rouge_ over and over
again. I love that movie.

Thanks again--it's great to get expert advice!

Jamie