Heat Pads

[CathyG]

Hi all!

I am in the process of setting up a new tank. My current heater is not enough, I also have sand substrate, so I was considering my options. I went to my LFS today to buy Rena Cor, but was talked into considering a heat mat.

I was advised that it would be ok to place this heat mat (Habistsat) on top of my polystyrene base, and beneath the tank.

I was wondering, would this heat mat burn the polystyrene? I would hate to see that happen with 200 litres of water sat on it!

Secondly, any idea how the mats compare to the cabling in respect of heating the substrate? I am also concerned that there is no temperature control on this mat, unless I want to pay another £30 on top of the £24 the mat has cost me.

I would appreciate a quick response, please (setting up new tank very soon) since I can take the mat back to exchange for Rena Cor.

Thank you so much in advance!

 

[fraservet]

shouldn't cause any damage to the polystyrene.

I would think the mat would be less efficient than the cable.

If it's just to heat your tank rather than for plants - why not just get a more powerful normal heater? with non-thermostatic heat sources, you might find it more difficult to keep a stable temperature.

 

[Scales]

I always thought that those heat mats were for reptiles and such like???

 

[Great Lakes]

Cathy, I would simply go with a quality submersible.
I think it would be less troublesome for you in the long run.

GL

 

[Stryker]

Elctronics do die, so what do you do when the pad goes? empty your tank to get it off?

No, I'll be sticking with submersibles too.

 

[George Farmer]

I'd strongly recommend just getting a higher rated heater/thermostat.

However heater cables do have a massive benefit especially in a planted tank. The heat difference between the substrate water and the water column causes a convection current thereby stopping anaerobic action and the production of Hydrogen Sulphide (poisonous to most life) in the substrate. Another benefit is that the substrate becomes an effective (massive) biological filter and reduces the need for gravel vacuuming (especially if you plant heavily, I never vacuum).

The advantages are similar with pads but not as pronounced as the heater cable gives a higher concentrated heat.

Hope this helps.

 

[CathyG]

Thank you, all of you, I appreciate you having taken the time

I have decided to give the pad a go, but have also bought a small fully submersible thermostatically controlled heater to help out my other submersible (since I needed a small heater to heat the temporary tank the fish are currently homed in until I put them in the 220 litre). I will see how it goes. It is always good to have back up anyway.

Mine is a planted tank, hence I fancied keeping their roots warm. If I notice no great difference with the mat, I will try the cabling (we are moving home within the year, so I will have to break the tank down again).

With a bit of research, and the help of you guys, I have summised that the pad will not be as efficient as the cabling, in that though it will heat the roots somewhat, it will not cause convections to the same extent as cabling. It is still more than I had and I will continue to stir the sand occasionally

I haven't had much success so far with some plants. I need to do a bit more research. The ones that went mad in my tank were Java fern and amazon swords (those things get huge!!) I pulled the Java, though, I didn't like the look of all the black stuff they were dropping and the leaf roots that sprouted everywhere.

Those of you who have succeeded with planted tanks, if you have any plants you would recommend, I would highly appreciate it

I use RO water to soften my parameters. The temp is kept around 77, the pH is 7.2, the gh 14, kh 7.7, Nitrates between 10 and 20ppm (that was in the old tank, and is 10ppm from the tap)

The light I had in the old tank was a Lifeglo. I need to buy a new light for this tank, what would you recommend? I am not keen on daylight looking lights, I like the brighter ones.

Thanks again!