Heater cable observations

[George Farmer]

I run a 25W heater cable in the substrate of my 34G.

Their effectiveness is debatable - some swear by them. Others (Tom Barr for one) beleive they're just another gimmick designed to line the pockets of the manufacturers i.e. Dennerle, Dupla etc.

I beleived they were useful until I read some of Tom's comments and started to doubt their effectiveness. During the recent warm weather I unplugged it noticing no changes in growth so thought to myself "what a waste of money".

However, after the weather cooling I decided to plug it back in. Well, no kidding, the Sag in the foreground has just taken off, sending our runners like mad. All other parameters are constant, only the heater cable function was different.

So I assume the heater cable did its thing and transported some of the substrate-bound nutrients via convection currents thus improving growth. My substrate is a base layer of Dennerle Deponit (nutrient-rich) topped with inert 1 - 3mm black quartz.

I'm so impressed I've decided to use the heater cable as the sole heater for the tank. It will be controlled via a DIY thermostat. I'll run a conventional heater/stat as back-up. This is a similar concept to the Dennerle Duomat system that costs well over £150. Cost for mine - £40 total.

Perhaps they do work after all?

Just thought I'd share.

 

[houndour]

I don't think mine even works. How can I tell? The wire doesn't feel warm.

your observations are interesting. I personally can see how it makes sense that it should work in theory. All in all my plants have been thriving since my 'rearrange' (which is when I put the heater cable in). But like i say I'm not convinced mine works, i think i got a dud one.

 

[George Farmer]

I tested mine after a stripdown. I put it in a jug with cold water and switched it on, the temp increased from 16C to 30C in a few minutes so it worked. It is hard to feel the heat with your fingers though.

Have you tested the fuse?

 

[houndour]

I tested mine after a stripdown. I put it in a jug with cold water and switched it on, the temp increased from 16C to 30C in a few minutes so it worked. It is hard to feel the heat with your fingers though.

Have you tested the fuse?

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oh, that's a good idea. It's not the sort of thing you can pull out and put back in. hmmmm. I just assumed it would feel hot cos in the diagrams it says not to touch.

I wouldn't know how to test a fuse. help?

 

[George Farmer]

I wouldn't know how to test a fuse. help?

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Take out the fuse from the heater cable plug and put it into something that works with the same fuse rating.

 

[Nospherith]

So I assume the heater cable did its thing and transported some of the substrate-bound nutrients via convection currents thus improving growth.

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I bet h.c. would be great for putting some extra use to all that mulm that accumulates in the substrate. They're an added bonus, not absolutely neccessary for a planted tank, but the plants will appreciate it. I'll be getting one for my next tank.