Thank you Alphabetta, although i'm not quite sure what you mean by "less mad about akage". by mad do you mean 'excited about'?
and obviously the entirety of the tank isn't visible in these two photos. both have something to hide in, both have plants and both of plenty of free swimming room. they have the same rocks, as they are in the same tank.
as far as 'inflamed gills', which are you speaking of? i'm not seeing it so maybe you could point it out on either one. my water quality is fairly sparkling right now (according to the daily testing i do) so i can promise you that's not an issue.