For the record I have to say that for those of you who don't have the experience with dirted tanks and who prefer to not take the risk of going through the absolute headache of having one, then run....do not walk from the pita of having one. I researched and planned and was absolutely convinced that that's what I wanted. Over a year later I was so sick of it that I did a complete overhaul. I got rid of that mess and I've never been happier. IMO the benefits, if any, are far outweighed by the issues. Sure, if you devote enough time to anything it should work for you. Just depends on your level of devotion I guess. Having removed all that mess, I now have a nice, neat planted tank that I can enjoy, and I don't have to worry about creating a mud hole if I want to change something around. And even with dirt, you still have to use root tabs. You just avoid the inevitable mess when you do need to bury them. Ok, done venting now.