hehe... isn't that the truth...   I guess I just became SO used to seeing my fish act sick and die last year, before I bred my own, that as long as they're moving around, I think they're happy  ;)
I'm surprised how active they are, even when they're covered with columnaris... which fortunately isn't so bad this time!

Thank you for the tips.  I never thought of most of those.  Especially moving the air pumps off the floor!  Unfortunately, the basement is totally unfinished, and I have very little unrestricted access to other levels.  No windows, though... but an old broken down fireplace that isn't properly closable  :(  
Holding water upstairs would bring much displeasure ;)  
Yeah... heating bills are killer... I'm on a very strict heating budget this year.  Mostly I just sit on a pillow and wear my coat inside.  he he

So, I can really plexi over the tank without harming anything?  I suppose that would help with my MASSIVE winter evaporation issue, too...