I like the tank layout. I didn't really even notice the statue until it was pointed out. Once the plants have grown more and spread out it won't be as noticeable (not that I thought it was).
I reckon its a good effort for a new tank. It looks heaps better than my first tank did zillions of years ago when the dinosaurs still roamed
Can't work out whats wrong with a stick on thermometer, I have them on all mine, although on my display tank its on the side. Just wondering what is meant by an intank glass thermometer, are you referring to one that bobs all over the place once the suction cup gets sick of sticking?
I don't know if you are familiar with backgrounds for tanks. You can buy them from the lfs and attach them to the outside at the back of the tank. Some people paint their backgrounds black or blue (black is my preference) by painting the outside of the tank. Other people either spend heaps by purchasing moulded backgrounds from their lfs and putting them inside their tanks or there are plenty of threads on here about back grounds being made out of polystyrene and painted etc. Backgrounds mostly hide the cables etc which are dangling outside the tank but if you make or purchase ones for inside the tank you can hide your heaters etc behind them.