Hi Mark,
You can sure tell how active I have been lately, especially in checking responses to my own queries! I live in Tucson, AZ. I have 2 Thermoplanters. Since they were a new experiment for me I was not willing to risk 2 tropicals completely. So one, Blue Aster, is in a larger tub that is also heated and outside the pond on our deck in full sun. It is doing really well and blooming. The other, Charlie's Pride, is in the pond at about 12" with 52 degree water right now. It is also in full sun. Charlie's Pride is okay. It looks like a stunted plant would look with about 10 tiny buds and about 10 small leaves at the crown. They look like they are not dying but not growing either. It has about 8 leaves on the surface, all of which look typical of end of season leaves.
I am happy to hear you have improved the plug quality as they needed improvement. Thanks. I hear what you are saying about the light but maybe you can keep working on something to resolve that.... a light on the plug part not under water? I don't know that sticking my finger down there to test for heat is really yucky but in the winter it is problematic because wandering around in the 52 degree water, even in waders, is not fun and sticking your arms in in even less fun. Maybe there is a tall thin thermometer with a top read dial that could be left in pot so you could see the temp from land???
I am happy to answer any questions you may have about the performance of the pots I have. I am myself a (minor) inventor and always appreciate comments and suggestions re my product. You may find it easier to get a response from me if you email me directly. I am out of town alot and check my email but not my bookmarked sites when I am gone.
Casey