Having a heated substrate is largely considered beneficial to live aquarium plants. Warmth at the bottom of the tanks promotes decomposition of aquatic plant and animal wastes that are absorbed into the substrate. Many aquatic plants are tropical, and are much healthier with this environment. Faster breakdown of waste deposits means more vital nutrients for the live aquarium plants. Let’s look at how substrate heating is important to aquarium plants.

In a tank’s ecosystem, aquatic plants provide waste removal. By heating their root systems, faster healthier growth of live aquarium plants is encouraged. Aquarium plants then release oxygen into the water, as well as providing vital shelter and occasional food. Not only do aquatic plants prosper with a heated substrate, but many tropical fish will thrive in warm waters with lush aquarium plants. A heated substrate filters and breaks down chemicals that are required by live aquarium plants. In a tropical tank, aquatic plants grow faster with subsoil heating, which gives tropical aquarium plants longer, healthier stalks and branches.

Live aquarium plants can be adversely affected, also. Make sure the temperature is set to match the needs of the aquatic plants and fish. Since aquatic plants come from different regional zones, aquarium plant heating needs must be assessed according to which fish and live aquarium plants respond well at each temperature gradient. Aquarium plants will seem to wilt, or lose vitality if soil and water temperatures are too low or high. For most aquatic plants, light is associated with heat, and both should have weak or reduced periods each day to promote aquarium plant health. Always consider how the live aquarium plants would exist in their natural environment.

Another consideration for healthy live aquarium plants, is the type of substrate being used. While many aquarium plants only require an anchoring plant, other aquatic plants draw sustenance directly from the soils they grow in. Obviously, this type of live aquarium plant will do better in a substrate which promotes root growth, and rapid waste breakdown. Clay based substrate may not be suitable, for these aquatic plants, but they might do well in a loose gravelly environment.

For larger, lusher live aquarium plants, substrate heating is what works best for us. Healthy plants encourage greater vitality in fish as well. The entire environment of fish and aquatic plants depends on both sides being well adapted to the tank conditions. As the primary filtration system, heating the substrate encourages rapid decomposition, and discourages algae growth. It can be crucial to a beautiful tank with live aquarium plants.

We all want these beautiful tanks. I know I do.

David
AquaticMagic - Grow Happiness