Newt's 65 gallon planted tank renovation

I decided to renovate my 65 planted; I had been using it to rear salamander larvae and they had all metamorphosed.

I set the tank up with an AC 70 HOB filter, extending the uptake tube with a UGF lift-tube replacement kit. I wanted to keep the water level low because the tank will house sirens, which can escape tanks with high water lines. Other animal inhabitants will include bluefin killifish, golden topminnows, and perhaps a few Enneacanthus sunfish.

Step one: added a layer of oak leaves.



Step two: added gravel.



Step three: added more gravel and some larger chert pieces.



Step four: added dechlorinated water and plants.

I look forward to seeing it, Cali. I know you've got lots of nice aquatics out there.

I'm not sure how this thread got double-posted; would one of the mods please combine the two? Thanks!