Substrate heating cables

[Tetris]

First of all, I've decided that I'd rather have heating cables and have them produce next to no benefits than not have them and wish I did. So, I'm not interested in a discussion on the merits of using heating cables.

So 2 questions here...

1) I've heard that substrate heating cables are more of less useless in hardwater aquariums. Don't remember the technical aspects of it, something about the minerals in the water being attracted by the charge of the cables and accumulating. My water is soft enough that it can sustain plants, but it's still a little on the high end. Could I get some discussion and feedback on where the line might be drawn between water that's too hard to make heating cables worthwhile?

2) Where can I find a good deal for heating cables of suitable watts for a 29gal online? What's a reputable supplier with a good price?

The store around here sells Red Sea brand, but they sell them for over $100. I found the same brand, same watts, for $35 online but I wasn't sure about the supplier.

I'd rather not spend more than $50 on the cables unless someone can give me a good reason why it's worth the extra investment... They seem a little too simple to manufacture wrong. Then again, I'm guessing if something malfunctions then there goes the fish...

Brand recommendations, watt recommendations, and supplier recommendations are what I'm looking for, thanks!

[MCHRKiller]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=11371 Use 2 of the 100watts in my 55G planted. Undersubstrate heaters have remarkable benefits for planted aquariums as they heat the water around the plant roots which inspires better growth and nutrient absorbtion. It also promotes a far greater heat distribution throughout the tank than with a standard tube heater. Never heard of any different effects of using a undersubstrate heater with hard water or whatever, I could see how it may apply if your using a substrate that alters pH and hardness but otherwise it shouldnt make a difference.

[Sarkazmo]

Ya know I've been wondering about substrate heating... Any other opinions?

Sark

[Tetris]

drfoster's site looks like a great deal.


Do you think the 50watt would be enough for a 30x12 aquarium bottom with about 2 inches of substrate? (yes, I know that's quite a thick substrate, yes I know about anaerobic conditions, and no, my substrate will not necessarily be that thick, I'm just throwing that number out because it may very well be. Better to have cables too powerful than too weak... As long as you get the thermostat.)

[Lady Hobbs]

I've also read you can put your tank on a piece of styrofoam and that helps insulate the bottom. Not as great as heating cables but if you don't want the added investment, that may be another option.

[MCHRKiller]

2" isnt a deep substrate in all actuallity if your doing live plants, kind of at the low end. I would personally go for 1 of the 100watts for a 29G tank or at minimum the 75watt.

[Tetris]

I've also read you can put your tank on a piece of styrofoam and that helps insulate the bottom. Not as great as heating cables but if you don't want the added investment, that may be another option.

I've read that you should NEVER put anything between your aquarium and the stand.

Reason being that all that decore and substrate will inevitably create an imbalance of pressure on the styrofoam. Over time the styrofoam will slope to an uneven angle, meaning your aquarium will become unevenly balanced.

I think I might go for the 100watt and the LCD thermostat.

Continued discussion is welcome, as I will not be placing my order for a while.

[Algenco]

I've read that you should NEVER put anything between your aquarium and the stand.

Reason being that all that decore and substrate will inevitably create an imbalance of pressure on the styrofoam. Over time the styrofoam will slope to an uneven angle, meaning your aquarium will become unevenly balanced.

I think I might go for the 100watt and the LCD thermostat.

Continued discussion is welcome, as I will not be placing my order for a while.

actually the opposite is true, the styro will compress and take care of any imperfections in the stand, most manufacturers will not warranty large tanks unless you have styro under them

[Lady Hobbs]

Right on there, big guy.

[kennedpa]

Waste of time... I used one in my 3ft tank could see no real benefit. Didnt install one in my new 4ft tank and my plants are out of control thanks to good lighting and Co2.

However if you live in a cold climate then heater cables could be of benefit, but where I live there is no point as winter is avg 9c and the house is heated to 22c, summer avg temp 28C house cooled to 21c.

Styro foam should be placed under any tank really, The foam forms a 100% level mat to place your tank on. If you place it directly on wood it could have know in it that appears flat, you fill your tank up and next you hear a crack and water is on the floor :-O