Thanks for the input!!
I want the 2 filters to increase water flow around the tank, and to allow for alternating maintenance schedules, which should reduce the risk of ammonia spikes, algae blooms..
This is the effect I want for my aquascape (see thumb)..
Just have to tweak it according to the plants I want (or I can try to copy it outright)..
The driftwood I may have to get rid of.. The taller one, anyways.. As like I say, it may end up serving as to much of a distraction..
I'll have to see once I get my substrate down and I can start playing around..
As for the cable heater, an old hand at planted aquariums that has taken me under his wing, Dave J. W., swears by them, so...
He also cycles his tank with brown sugar.. LOL
But you can't argue with success..
I won't be using the cableheater as a heater for the whole aquarium, of course..
Just the substrate to affect a current and keep the substrate "healthy"..
I'll be using a Visitherm Stealth 250W for temp control..