nice looking tank! ever thought about using real plants? they do wonders for tank maintenance and can help keep down algae. plus the real plants just look so nice. also keep in mind that light promotes algae growth, so if you can leave the aquarium light off during the day when you aren't there it will help a lot. the fish don't need the lights at all--they just make it prettier for us.

i love your blue platty. i know they are such common, simple fish, but i've always loved platties. i have 2 pineapple swords right now (females) and they look just like platties but with different coloration. gotta have something platty-like in the tank at all times!