*top posted*
IMO after you've got sufficient lighting and a decent CO2 injection/reactor
system then you can spend whatever's left towards substrate heating. IME my
unheated substrate 3' tank is basically whatever the room temp is. After
tearing out some flourite to transfer to my heated 4' tank the substrate 3'
tank substrate was a chilly 59F. So if your room temp never gets below 74F
I personally wouldn't bother with a substrate heater, but if you've got the
dough then go for it.


wrote in message
...
I'm attempting to set up a 29g freshwater aqu. with live plants. I've read
that
a heated substrate significantly improves ones chances of success (
general
health of plants, longevity etc.). Is this an overstatement, or should I
invest
in cable heating elements? I should mention that an existing tank of
duplicate
nature in an identical location in my home never goes below 74º - without
the
help of a heating unit.

Thanks,
Danielle