wow! i've never even heard of the hydro balls. i googled them and they remind me of the biological media an eheim canister filter uses. cool stuff! thanks for the tips. i like the idea of the slate on the glass as well as the ramp idea. i've noticed these guys (particularly one of them) really enjoys being in the water but gets a little freaked out if he can't get a good enough footing to get out, which in turn freaks me out, because i've read they can drown if they absorb too much water. yikes! i'll be getting my keester to home depot for some glass in the morning as well as my pet shop for some hydro balls thanks, again for all your help! newbs like me depend on it!