Undergravel Heater...

[Snick]

I have heard from many reliable sources, including a book and my uncle (30 years aquatic planting experience) that an undergravel heater will encourage plant growth, especially the roots as they look for the warmth... Does anybody know anything about this? After all, filling up the bottom of my new 120+ Gallon tank with heating cables won't be soft on my wallet.

 

[Mako Man111]

I have heard from many reliable sources, including a book and my uncle (30 years aquatic planting experience) that an undergravel heater will encourage plant growth, especially the roots as they look for the warmth... Does anybody know anything about this? After all, filling up the bottom of my new 120+ Gallon tank with heating cables won't be soft on my wallet.

I heard its true also. As the heat rises the cooler water on top sinks thus circulating the water more giving the plants more nutrients.

 

[George Farmer]

The theory sounds good doesn't it? I believed it and bought one when I started out.

Truth is, they have little or no effect on plant growth. I won't be using one again.

Save the cash or spend it on better lighting, CO2, substrate, plants..............

 

[Dave Spencer]

I bought my cable heater before I read from various people that they are relatively ineffective, and am trying to justify an existence for it, so here goes.

Wouldn`t the convection currents from the heat help to prevent the development of anaerobic spots in the substrate?

 

[Themuleous]

For the money there are other things that are guaranteed to make a difference to the plants, so only get one if you must and if the cash isn't being used for something else.

Sam

 

[Snick]

Ok great, yeah when I saw the heater costs I became skeptical of the theory... I think it MIGHT help, but the cost-benefits are to broad and its not really worth the cash.

 

[George Farmer]

Wouldn`t the convection currents from the heat help to prevent the development of anaerobic spots in the substrate?

Plant root growth and effective substrate maintenance works better.

 

[three-fingers]

I don't get whats so bad about anaerobic pockets. The chances of them killing fish are extremely small(right?) and the bacteria in them complete the nitrogen cycle, getting rid of nitrates .
Though i am sometimes tempted by them, because no doubt they will help the plants A LITTLE and they are out of sight. I'm not going to bother unless i somehow become a millionaire overnight.