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Ok team, So I think this is getting close to a final layout plan- I like the texture of the big rock being on the surface, I think it stands out, the only downside is having the space on that side of the tank where the plain end will be under the substrate. Other weird thing is that for some reason I wanted to get the flow to run from left to right and now it is going to be right to left.. not sure if that makes any difference.

Thanks guys- Rocks are volcanic some sort of grey basalt or granite. I am soaking them for the next Week or so and changing water every other day so will do some testing. Blue dream cherry shrimp or fire/bloody mary is the current thinking on shrimp choice.

You need to progress to the next step ... scape it in a dry tank WITH substrate. The substrate adds another dimension. You will either finalise or change it completely. But you won't get there until you try your design in a tank with the substrate.

You kinda have multiple answers for each of these items. The simple answer is ... None of these are ESSENTIAL. They are nice to have items. Cholla is like a shrimp cave + driftwood in one. Clay/ mineral balls are supposed to add minerals and absorb toxins. It doesn't really work as it is marketed. Indian Almond leaves are probably something I would buy personally. It acts to lower pH, by adding a small amount of tannins and humic acids to the water, but as it breaks down, it serves as food for the shrimp. So this one is actually ok to buy. It certainly won't be skimming any proteins in a freshwater shrimp tank. It would certainly help a bit with aeration and filtration. But since it's not built for that job, it's going to be limited.

That would definitely be my pick of the layouts thus far! lIve with it for a few days to get a feel for whether you like it or not, theory rarely beets actuality! It looks more natural, though adding the small stones will have added a new dimension, but to me it just looks right! Simon

Update: ordered: BacterAE and almond leaves also added the skimmer in and they became way more active right away.

You can't find mineral balls and i can't find BacterAE lol Country differences. Ill see what i can find in the realm of something similar. Thank you so much i appreciate you and everyone's help so much

Also i have a small protein skimmer i got as a gift from my LFS during a raffle. Would that help with aeration? (also wondering if it would act as filtration since it has a sponge :P)

Another question I was having. Cholla wood and stuff like montmorillonite clay/ Mineral balls, or almond leaves? Is any of this stuff helpful? Should i consider it? Does it alter the water chem to a point where its more of hassle than its worth?

So speaking of DIY here is the room where the tank will be and here is how the new stand will work (to clean up our messy room!) I've had the steel cut to the sizes 25mm x 25mm, 2 mm wall - all getting delivered this week and I will weld it up.