thanks everyone.
one issue I am debating is whether or not to place the tank on the adjacent wall to the fireplace. it would open the room up more, but the edge of the mantel of the fireplace is like 2 inches from the tank. Dad and I slid it to that spot earlier today..
it would also be good since it won't face the window directly, but that shouldn't be a problem since I am getting better blinds anyway...
I am leaning towards leaving it right where it is.
the tank is so big I think it looks a little better with a bit more open space around it...