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Looks fine to me. What's the stock you have unit? I wouldn't worry about the air. You can run a tank with or with out. The water movement at the surface is what really adds the oxygen anyways.
I personally like sand more. The look of any tank should always be what keeps the owner happy, provided the needs of their fish are met.
Ahh, well read up and do as much research as you can about any fish you want/plan on getting. The extra decor that you may think looks cramped, just might offer the protection or feature that your fish might need.