Before I start my planted tank.....

[Justme68]

Hello! I'm trying to get as much info as possible before I begin my journey with a planted tank. I read that I should put a heating cable underneath my substrate but I haven't seen anyone here mention it. I'm just wondering if it is a must as I'm on the bottom rung of the ladder with the "newbies" .....sorry if it seems to be a silly question, just not sure. Thanks for any and all help

 

[TheFishBoss97]

it doesn't matter, i have never done that in any of my planted tanks......i would say that it isn't a + because say u have an issue with the heater........u'll have to ruin ur whole plant scape to fix it, or replace it.......just use a regular oen

 

[OasisKeeper]

Seemed to be a popular Euro thing, pushed by the companies that sold them. I can't believe there is really much temperature gradient in a home tank in a few inches of soil.

 

[Justme68]

Thanks guys! FishBoss~I was kinda thinking the same thing if I needed to get to it for some reason and OasisKeeper, its hard to tell what is necessary and what isn't due to manufacturers wanting to make sales. I have learned though that it isnt always wise to take advice from the lfs very often

 

[OasisKeeper]

Tell ya what. I've got an NIST cert thermometer and a tank running right now. I'll test!

 

[TheFishBoss97]

Thanks guys! FishBoss~I was kinda thinking the same thing if I needed to get to it for some reason and OasisKeeper, its hard to tell what is necessary and what isn't due to manufacturers wanting to make sales. I have learned though that it isnt always wise to take advice from the lfs very often

yeah only if ur LFS is good

 

[TheFishBoss97]

i guess the only + of the heating thing is that it heats the water more evenly and spreads the heat, but i guess if u have good flow from ur filter, it would be the same and less of a hassle that way

 

[OasisKeeper]

0.5 F drop from top of 1.5" of Eco Complete to the bottom. The tank water is about 6 deg above room temperature.

So.. if you are running warm tanks in cold rooms . then yah, maybe it would be a good idea.

 

[Justme68]

I'm thinking that by cold rooms you mean something other than the normal living room temp?!?! I'm thinking I should be fine w/out one

 

[Justme68]

Oh so much to learn!!! LOL

 

[BigJim]

Some people swear by the heating cables, especially with plants like crypts. I don't think they're necessary. You'd be better off spending the money on a good light and CO2 system.

 

[jetajockey]

I agree with BigJim. I don't think it's worth the hassle honestly.

 

[Justme68]

Thank you!! Thats my next question.....i'm so sorry. Lighting....I've never had a planted tank so i'm not sure I can do it (gonna give it a shot though) I just want low lighted plants so I'm not sure if the typical lights in a standard hood will work? I need laymen's terms please

 

[jetajockey]

Basic stock light fixtures will work just be sure to get bulbs in the day light spectrum

 

[Justme68]

Jetajockey, is there a special name for them? I've read about LED and compact fluorescent and I'm a little confused

 

[OasisKeeper]

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forum...lp-for-20-wide-tank-176977-2.html#post1635659

 

[Justme68]

Great! Thanks for the help