Four Questions About Heating Cables.

[chameleongeekgrl]

Hi everyone again I'm really not dead.


We had alot of unforseen problems with money so I haven't been able to work on my aquarium (the tall one) which now I decied to use my long 4 foot 55 gallon instead. Well so my question's are

Are heating cables really neccasary?

Can a heat mat be used instead.(I don't know if it's cheaper but I have like 5 left over around the house that are put on the bottom of the glass.)

How many of you have not used them thehn made a change and used them. Then what kind of results came from it.

Er, what kind would you all reccommened for a 55 gallon?

It seems like there is only like 3 or 4 diffrent types of cables out there so I'm not sure how neccacery they are since the'res not alot of market compition for them. Thanks everyone.

Judith-

 

[zig]

Heat cables do not provide any benificial impact in planted tanks so i would save your $$$$ maybe put the money towards plants or something else, glad to hear your still alive, we were all worried basically you dont need a heater cable because they dont do anything other than take money out of your pocket.

 

[saboy]

I was lead to believe that heating cables really helped, but now from reading what zig says, I wont be using one if I ever do a proper planted tank.


You can believe zig !

 

[craynerd]

Bump to what zig just said.

Save your money on a nice pressurised CO2 unit or some decent MH or T5 lighting.

Chris

 

[chameleongeekgrl]

Ah thanks guys you came through for me

I was just online trying to find one and it's very silly they charge you for the cable and for a thermostat sepratly saying "You must buy it, it's a necessaty", well why don't they just sell them together then. *Sheesh* Well thanks alot I'm glad I don't have to do that.

I believe I will get a Compact Lighting system for it since it's more long than it is deep. I'd love a MH but I've heard they give off alot of heat and our poor house during the 100 degree weather get's kinda alittle hot. It's a 4x65 watt with moonlight lighting.

 

[Lateral Line]

There are some noted hobbyists that continually state they work well, others that they have no effect. I have tried them, and can honestly say they have never made any difference in my tanks.