Thanks for all the suggestions.
As far as the heater goes, I never have a problem with temperature. The temperature stays locked at whatever temp i set it at. And I like easy access to the dial in the event that i need to lower or raise the temp a little bit. (It's a fully submersible Ebo-Jager heater by the way).
I'd like to run the airlines under the gravel and come up in the corner, but i'd rather not disturb the fish at this point. My tank is 22 inches deep/high, so it's almost up to my armpit when I have to work at the bottom of the tank. Quite a pain in the butt! (Maybe I'll work this modification in in my next major water change). (How do you weight down an airline by the way?)
And finally, the thermometer. I like it up front. I monitor the temp frequently, even when I'm just passing by, so I like it in easy view. I could have removed it for the picture easy enough, but that would be cheating no? haha.
Again, thanks for the input!
- Kip