omnitheforsaken

Is a substrate heater beneficial for a planted tank and if so... any recommendations? I have recently acquired a 55 gal and I want to plan it perfectly as a planted aquarium. The book I have recommends a substrate heater and explains why which makes sense to me but I read on the web that substrate heating holds no true value.

Red1313

I'm not entirely familiar with substrate heaters and I haven't actually used one but from what I understand:
a) you can't use them to heat your tank. So you will need a heater regardless
b) they encourage water circulation through the tank by heating the water causing it to rise.
c) the are highly recommended for planted tanks because they encourage root growth.
d) if you have a substrate heater you need to beware of it when vaccuming the gravel. The heating cord can be damaged if you hit it with the gravel vac.
e) the combination of plant root growth and water circulation can help prevent anarobic pockets from developing.

Hope that helps.