Substrate Heating

[Stang69]

Do you use it and does it have any advantages in a planted tank?

[icebear]

Not so far. I imagine substrate heating must be useful for plant growth or something?

but i don't know much about it and i don't know enough to immediately imagine any potential benefits.....


...unless the room is really cold and the substrate is too deep for the tank water to keep the substrate warm....

or if the object is to not have to look at a submersible heater...?

[Stang69]

Well yes it does provide heat to the roots of the plants and it also speeds up the process of waste being processed thru the substrate. Meaning it turns Amonia into Nitrites to Nitrates at a faster rate.

It also moves harmful substances out of the substrate.

Meaning some the decomposition may be harmful to the roots of the plants. (Thru radiant currents caused by the heat) Like the ones you see on the road on hot days.

There are many more if youd like to discuss them further

[icebear]

Like hot spots from decomposition?

could those stick-on undertank heaters, like the ones used for reptiles, work just as well as the cable type?

[Stang69]

No I wouldnt just for the simple fact they are not reguatable (sp) plus they cost just about as much as the cable heaters do anyways so you may as well do it right


Jeff

[icebear]

this isn't going to turn into a conversation on what else i have to buy ---is it?

[Stang69]

ROFL That depends on how much ya have on your Visa I guess


Jeff

[Stang69]

Originally posted by icebear
Like hot spots from decomposition?

NO what I ment was the heat from the cables caused the raidient currents. Not the decomp.


Sorry

Jeff