Consider using
DIY CO2 for a few months to see if the results please you.

That is a good idea. I actually have a tank that I use for homebrew.
Maybe I could use it as a test before I run out and get another.

If you really
want a spectacular tank, you might look at more light.

I wish I could but the eclipse hood is really holding me back. You
should of seen what I hade to do to fit the 55w pc bulb and reflector into
it!

As far as other advice, consider your substrate carefully. It's
definitely a YMMV subject, I prefer a plain sand sub, others like
flourite,
or peat with gravel, and so on.

I think I'm going to go with fourite.

Have you read: http://faq.thekrib.com/plant.html ?

Great site! I have been reading tons of info. My first hurdle was the
lighting retrofit. CO2 was the next thing I was going to concentrate on
but perhaps I should do the fourite and plants next. Then I will see if I
even need the added CO2.

good luck!, post pics in .binaries if you can!

I would post some now but it is not that exciting at the moment. I
definitely will when I get the plants all in there!

Thanks for the advice!

Ferlin