Heating

There are three ways to keep your tank warm

• First is the normal heater that is placed into the tank and starts heating the water as soon as it drops down a specific temperature.

• The second way is to attach a heater onto the inlet or outlet of the filter. Again it will heat up the tank water but nothing is placed in the tank which leads to a more aesthetic aquarium. The last method of heating is the under-gravel heating cable.

• Finally, in real-life the gravel has a higher temperature than the water and the under-gravel cables will simulate this effect. Apart from the above advantage, it is said that the warmth of the substrate promotes the circulation of nutrients in the substrate but also the cultivation of aerobic bacteria. This is very good for the aquarium, nevertheless anaerobic bacteria are also essential for the aquarium and thus not all of the substrate should be covered with heating cable. However, the under-gravel heating cable is rarely used and a successful planted aquarium can be built without it.