Yeah I know! I think it's the low lighting and liquid fertilization. I looks WAY coller in your tank though I REALLY want a tank like yours phoenix Although instead of Cardinals I'd have Hemigrammopetersius caudalis (these are one of my most favouite fish. I love the beautiful purple iridescent huge on the males. And they have lovely fins and a nice body shape).
Oh and I forgot a plant on my plant list - Ludwigia repens. I just added it to the tank a couple of days ago from the emersed plant I am growing.