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I've got a 135 gal. that I installed the Root Therm substrate hearters, 1 - 100 gal package and 1 - 40 gal package. Using these alone my water temp is a consistent 84 degrees. I've had it running for 2 weeks now and the temp hasn't never changed. Is this too warm for plants? I'm planting low light plants in the tank right because my total wattage is only 145w. The fish seem to like it. I've got angels, rams and tetras.

Forgot to ask: if this temp is too high should I put the heaters on a timer and have it cycle off and on several times a day?

Any thoughts on this????

does the root heater have a thermostat? if not maybe you could try on/off in one hour intervals. but as it is it sounds perfect for a planted discus tank

Last edited by dan76 at 29-Sep-2005 19:41

OH TOLEEDY!

no, no thermostat...

try the timer then and see if that makes a difference, but get one with many on/off settings. you dont want 12h on 12h off the temp wont be regular. id say 1/2 h on/off intervals
please let me know of what you do and the results


OH TOLEEDY!

Hi there jsparkman,

I think Dan has a good idea there and I am not able to give you any additional advice.

I am curious as to why you have the substrate heating system. I know that it is recommended to create a more natural flow within the water column and (supposedly) distributes the plant food better, but I am rather sure you would not need it, in particular if you are having low light plants only.

The curious Ingo

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Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

I'll get a timer this weekend that's got multiple on /offs. I'm actually adding more lighting to double the amount this weekend.

Well, before I had a chance to get a timer I installed a fan in the hood. It's been installed for about a week now and surprisingly the water temp is now at a steady 80 degrees.

James

Hi,
As I recall, those things were designed to keep the tank
around 76-78 degrees. The better ones had
thermostates built into the wiring system.

84 seems too warm but not too warm for the
tropical plants. Cold water plants such as
anacharis and others, will probably not survive.

Too large an unregulated substrate heating system,
in a too small tank could result in your problem.
Ie, if you had one that was good from 55G to 100G,
it could be good for the 100 and over powered for the
55.

Glad you got it working.

Frank


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