i know the feeling
put in another fish to deflect the agro
sometimes it can be a phase they go through some times not
i find the more fish in the tank the better
just put it up as an example of what can be achieved
local primary school here ran a 60 x 30 x 30 cm tank for 2 years running
under gravel filters, berlin air operated skimmer, shell bed, inverts and plants
weekly water changes, T8 gro light
this guy runs canister filters on nz coldwater mainly jewel anenomes
bigger tank but absolutely beautiful display
http://www.reefkeepers.co.nz/forum/view ... f=10&t=424
the stones on top will restrict surface area of flourite
just a thought but what about creating fine mesh bags to hold the plants and flourite instead of pots