What Substrate To Use Around Heating Cables?

[andrewcollier]

I am setting up a Jewel Rio 400 with Dupla substrate heating cables. I purchased them with an free offer that included a foam mat, sculptured to accommodate the cables underneath and pockets for plastic shallow trays for the plants. I was inclined not to use these in preference to the silversand that I understand you cover the cable with, then a mesh netting, then the main substrate. I plan to use Carib Sea Eco complete substrate recommended in Practical fishkeeping online.

I have just enquired at my local aquatic shop for availability of the silversand and he most definitely recommends me not to use it as I will get a anaerobic gas which will poison the fish. I have not heard of this before.

Does any body have any experience of either system?

Thanks

 

[MojoDex]

i literally poured my gravel over the heater cable and it works an absolute treat

 

[stang1]

I agree with Mojo, I just poured sand and then gravel over mine and have had no problems.

 

[pica_nuttalli]

one of the reasons to use a heating cable in your sand is to encourage water movement through the substrate by creating a convective current