Thanks for the tips! I've been thinking of getting some pvc pipe or
terracotta pots, cutting them in half, and gluing them together to
make a pile that would have lots of caves. I was thinking to aquarium
glue the substrate to the tops and some slate to cover it all and make
it look nice.

I have cats who like to sit on top, so I need to make rather hefty
tank cover to go on top of everything, and all the 48" lights tend to
stick over the edges a bit. So I got two 24" strips which are
actually only about 22", so I have the room to spare.

I'm in the East side of the San Francisco Bay Area by the way.

Are there any plants that I would be able to find that grow in these
water conditions?

I've had this empty tank sitting next to my desk in my home office for
a few weeks now just taunting me, I can't wait to get it all put
together and cycling.

--Todd