Jerry- I would actually recommend removing the pots and the rock wool too. They function well when these plants are cultivated in hydroponic conditions and they protect the root systems when they are being shipped around but I think the plants do better without them in the aquarium. Also you might want to check some of the new light fixtures using compact fluorescent bulbs which are brighter and some of these are great for smaller plant tanks. The special wavelength bulbs sold for planted aquaria (and live reef marine tanks) do make a different as well. I understand the fish dilemma and it was for similar reasons that I didn't have them for quite a while and why I have one of the simplest to keep fish now. -- Alani