thanks ste2k3! the banana plant is the only real one in there right now. since the puffers eat snails, and snails eat live plants, i don't have many in there. but the banana plant makes a great place to drop their live tubifex worms on so the puffers can get at them easier. yes, that very phallic tube is a small heater. its just temporary until i can actually get one that i can set the temp. its meant for smaller tanks but since this tank gets sunshine during the day and is the warmest room in the place, i'm holding onto the tiny thing.