lol mods don't stand for it one bit because it's illegal in some states... trust me... i know all about this topic...
it's funny though because that thing about fish keepers liking to stare at their tanks is like 100% true... and im sure a hand full of people will be like roarrr i don't but gues what... your just a hand full of people..... it's one of those don't ask don't tell topics....
Also if you use hydroton pellets for a medium, you can add red worms they can help break down larger pieces of fish waste into nutrients usable by the basil, chives or what ever herb you use most in cooking = )
Sweet thread. What cactus is that, it looks like a pedro thrown into over drive. I like the size of the stem on your miscellaneous herb plant in the background.
I don't see anything wrong with that water. From my experience, when water is dirty it isn't see-through. Either particulates cloud it up, or bacterial bloom due to ammonia does. His water ha dark color, but it's see through, which is a good sign.
I have no problem with "ghetto" tanks. The feeling of accomplishment you feel when you build your own tank/filter/etc surpasses the feeling you get when you buy a really nice tank. Sure, it's more aesthetically pleasing to our western mentality, but who cares?