Substrate heaters?

[FEXD]

Hi all,

Being an huge planted tank buff i was wondering if any other experienced plant tankers have any input on the merits/drawbacks on using an under gravel/substrate heater.

More importantly would be to as where can they be found?

[BigDaddy]

I belive the verdict is still out on that one, as far as a definitive scientific comparison.

However, I have read of individuals who have some tanks with substrate heating and ones that don't, and the owners in question haven't reported significantly better growth with the substrate heaters.

[Anubias]

My gut feeling is that it is a waste of effort and money, except for the proprietors of Dupla.

Regards,

[Ron]

I've had good success without substrate heaters - I'd invest the money I saved into C02, lighting, flourite and good single malt scotch, not necessarily in that order.

[FEXD]

I was just asking because i'm rather fond of using a sand substrate for its asthetic reasons. This obviously leads to a greater frequency of anerobic zones and i though that maybe a substrate heater would serve to reduce these zones by creating greater water circulation.

Who knows... could just be a money grab by Dupla!