1st pic is from about 4 months ago or more. I did away with the cholla wood (which is for sale), the croc skull and rocks. Now I have 4 mother Amazon Swords and 100 more punds of sand. The fish are around 6"-7" now. They eat like pigs now lol.
I would go for a darker color wood, go to lake shore or river banks and see if you can find some suitable pieces. just make sure you prepare it well before putting into the tank.