Do I Need A Under Gravel Heater?

[Chris_hardy]

Hello all

thank you for the welcomes, just been researching prices and things i need at all the local shops and

found myself buying a ' Tropical Fish Setup DVD' Thought it would be informative and give me some ideas etc, it was good apart from they

have added something to my shopping list. They used a under water gravel heater, to warm the gravel to circulate bring nutrients form the

surface to the base level for successfull plant growth.

I havent heard of needing this item before, and i thought i would ask 'Do i need a under gravel heater?' and if so Why do i need one?

Thank you for any help

Chris

 

[cane76]

i hear they are good for plant growth but have not used one myself

 

[BigC]

You dont really need one per se, but if you wish to grow plants at some stage then
they are excellent and do as they say, If you are wishing to grow plants at some stage install one now and not later as you will have to dissect the tank and remove the gravel to do this.
Substrate for growing plants would be 25mm unwashed fine gravel (not sand and not pea) mixed with garden loam. On top of this place 35mm of well washed fine gravel.
This is an excellent substrate for the plants.
Or use one of the pre prepared mixes instead of loam.
http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue...d-substrate.asp
I use the Jbl ProTemp Basis Cable.
http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue...ting-cables.asp
Here is a shot of my tank,

I hope this was of some help.
Regards
BigC

 

[Chris_hardy]

Thank you bigC just wondering what makes and models there are ? i havent seen any in the shops, any rememdations and maybe website?

thank you for your help, as i think real plants will add to the overall picture

Chris

 

[Chubbywubs]

Wow, thats really cool. I hope to one day learn enough about fish keeping to be able to run a tank like that.

 

[Dave Spencer]

Chris,

Most people keeping planted tanks these days don`t use them. The likes of Takashi Amano, Tom Barr, Oliver Knott, people entering the AGA and ADA contests don`t use them. I can`t think of very many people that are using them on the planted forum, if any.

I have one that I came across fitted in one of my tanks to give it a try. Periods of having it switched on bore no difference to those when it was switched off.

In my opinion, your money would be better spent elsewhere.

Dave.