thats great, thanks all for your replies.
fidojoe, you said that if i plan to have powerheads and or a closed loop..... as compared to?? i plan on having 3-4 powerheads inside the tank for circulation and detritus stirring etc, and then what, obviously i need a pump from the sump to pump water back into the tank. i still havent taken the time to see how that whole process works, w overflows etc. does anybody have any good links or diagrams to explain this. thanks again everyone..
strat