Aquatic Plants will display healthy growth if they are provided with “warm roots” – i.e. the temperature within the substrate is slightly higher than that of the water above.

This temperature differential between the substrate and the water induces a gentle water circulation, which both prevents the formation of stagnant areas and the build up of undesirable by-products within the substrate while providing the roots with a constant supply of the nutrients necessary for optimum plant growth and vitality.

Regular thermostat controlled aquarium water heaters, will keep the water above the substrate at a stable temperature however the temperature of the substrate and the plant’s roots will always be slightly below the water temperature. Low power substrate warming, in addition to regular water heating is therefore the logical solution for maintaining a positive temperature differential between the substrate and the water, ensuring that the plants will have the “warm roots” they need.

The Red Sea Root Therm kit provides gentle warming suitable for planted aquarium set-ups without the need for a temperature controller. Multiple Root Therms can be used for larger systems. The Root Therm will work in conjunction with any regular aquarium heater-thermostat.

Included in this kit is 10' of heating cable, 10 cable anchors, 10 suction cups, 24 Volt transformer using 20 watts of power. Click image for details.

Please Note: This heater should be used for substrate heating only, it will not be adequate to heat an entire tank to the proper temperature. Another heating element must be utilized to heat the water properly.