substrate heater, yes or no

boelo

boelo

AC Members
May 4, 2009
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Hello
In anticipation of the arrival of my new 50g tank I am ordering the substrate on line.
Have decided to go with the ADA way of doing it.
Only thing I'm not sure about is whether yes or no to have a substrate heater.
Living in Sydney, Australia, the weather is never really really cold, so my LFS dealer (having beautiful 'natural aquarium' in his shop) told me that it is not really necessary.
But reading on line I am not sure.
Should I or shouldn't I.....

What are your opinions about this?

Thanks
 
Wouldn't the substrate heater confine the heat in a very limited area? I'd rather go with heaters that can be placed near turbulent areas to distribute the heat. How cold does it get in Sydney? In tropics, heaters are not really needed except in cases where temperature fall below the tolerance level of particular species such as discus, quarantine and hospital purposes.
 
the substrate heater is not for heating the water, this still needs a seperate heater.
"This temperature differential between the substrate and the water induces a gentle water circulation, which both prevents the formation of stagnant areas and the build up of undesirable by-products within the substrate while providing the roots with a constant supply of the nutrients necessary for optimum plant growth and vitality. "
This is how the ad discribes what it does. And it sort of sounds logical......[FONT=Gen_ZapfHumnst-BT][FONT=Gen_ZapfHumnst-BT][FONT=Gen_ZapfHumnst-BT]​

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I have never heard of anyone even bothering to use a substrate heater. I never did in my experience. It isn't necessary to me.
 
I've been doing quite a bit of reading and research on succesful planted tanks and I've never heard of a substrate heater being a key factor. Alot of discussion on the right plants, substrate, lighting, ferts, co2 (diy or pressurized) and fish....but never substrate heater. Personally I'd love to see a side by side comparison of a tank with one and without one. I, am by no means an expert though, as my planted tank journey is just begining.
 
A subtrate heater is no different then any other type of heater. If your room never gets too cold (below 72??) you do not need a heater of any kind. With a subtrate heater you will need some good water circulation (Heater heats gravel, heat is transfered to water, heated water is circulated in tank, ect).
 
I half-buried a heater in my substrate. I laid it lengthwise and pushed the gravel half way up the sides leaving the rest exposed to the water. I did not find any advantage or disadvantage doing this other than not seeing the heater hanging on the glass. It did not affect my gravel cleaning and I was able to leave it on, never worrying about not having enough water to keep it from burning out.

It did not help or hurt plant growth.
 
I believe the general consensus would show that a substrate heater has little impact on growth.

remember the substrate will eventually reach the same temp as the tank.

I just use a regular heater and get pretty good growth
 
thank you all, I think, no I'm sure I have decided that it is indeed a waste of money.
one good reason for not using it for me was: if there are wires underneath the substrate, the plants will grow their roots around them. and if ever you want to take a plant out, the chances of taking up the wire....

no heating for the substrate it is.
THanks again.
 
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