Substrate Heaters

[Rebel1970]

HI Everyone
Has anyone had any experience with substrate heaters? If so what is the best brand in your opinion? How long do they last before burning out? Last, do they keep the aquarium temp at the desired temp, or are they just in addition to a tank heater?
Thanks for your responses in advance!!!

 

[LyndaB]

I've never heard of a substrate heater. I'll be interested to see what you get for responses.

 

[Rebel1970]

The one I have seen are made by Hydor. If you google substrate heaters, they will come up.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

The only ones I have heard of are hydor too. I have read reviews that they are rubbish. Depending on your size tank they do nothing or only heat 1-2 degrees.

 

[Nomadu571]

You could try a reptile under tank heat mat, but I don't know the effects on the glass as it sits under the whole tank not just the substrate. They keep the tank at high temps for reptiles and are adjustable so I assume it would work.

 

[Savoie83]

Water is too heavy for reptile heat mat I think.

 

[Nomadu571]

? I have never even thought about trying it, depends what the heating element is I guess.

 

[mfdrookie516]

They don't live up to the benefits that people raved about. I've got no experience with one, but they used to be 'the thing' in a planted tank. New research shows that they have little to no effect on root health.

 

[maxwellag]

They supposedly encourage the movement of minerals in the substrate