Upgrading your aquarium & equipment
Why settle for a plain, boring aquarium? Upgrade your tank and equipment to create an even more attractive display that everyone will love. Expert ideas and advice on how to make your aquarium even more interesting and beautiful.
Why do I need to upgrade my aquarium or equipment?
Maintaining an aquarium requires more than just setting it up once and forgetting about it. Just like a car or a phone, your aquarium can become outdated over time.
Upgrading your aquarium and equipment not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your tank but also improves the overall health and well-being of your fish.
Signs you need to upgrade my aquarium or equipment
Here are some key indicators that it might be time for an upgrade:
- Your fish keep dying: If you notice that your fish are constantly dying, it could be a sign that there is something wrong with your aquarium or equipment.
- Your current equipment is outdated: If you’ve had your aquarium for a while and haven’t updated any of the equipment, it might be worth trying something new.
- Your tank is overcrowded: If your fish seem cramped or you have too many plants and decorations taking up space, upgrading to a larger tank can provide more room.
- Your water quality is poor: If you consistently have issues with water quality, such as cloudy or smelly water, upgrading your equipment, like filter systems, can help improve the overall health of your aquarium.
- You want to add new features or species: If you’re interested in adding new types of fish or incorporating different elements like live plants or a more advanced lighting system, upgrading can provide the necessary improvements to accommodate these additions.
How often should I upgrade my aquarium/equipment?
This really depends on the condition of your aquarium tank and equipment. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended to consider upgrading every few years. While your current setup could be just fine, it never hurts to improve it.
How to upgrade your aquarium & equipment
1. Add colourful plants – Adding live plants to your aquarium adds natural beauty and provides shelter for fish and other creatures. Choose from a wide selection of vibrant aquatic species, such as java moss, hornwort, or Anubias.
2. Upgrade lighting – You can upgrade your standard aquarium lighting to LED lights for a more vibrant, colourful effect and less heat. LED lighting also uses less energy and lasts longer than traditional bulbs.
3. Include rocks & driftwood – Rocks and driftwood add character to an aquarium, as well as providing hiding places for your fish. Rocks come in a variety of colours and sizes, so you can create an interesting landscape.
4. Use automated equipment – Automated aquarium equipment, such as filters, heaters, and timers make life easier for aquarium owners. These devices can be set to operate on a schedule or be controlled remotely via an app.
5. Install a background – Installing a background in your aquarium enhances the look of your tank and adds to the visual appeal. Choose from a range of options, such as natural stone backdrops or custom-made vinyl designs.
6. Upgrade your substrate – Substrate is the material used to line the bottom of an aquarium, and is important for providing beneficial bacteria and nutrients for plants. You may want to upgrade your substrate by adding a richer soil or gravel layer for better plant growth.
Upgrading your aquarium filter
As with any type of equipment, your filter can become less effective over time. An old or insufficient filter may not adequately remove waste or maintain water quality, which can harm your fish and plants. Here are some signs that it might be time to upgrade your filter:
- Poor water quality: If you notice an increase in algae growth, cloudiness, or foul odours in the water, your filter may not be working properly.
- Changes in your fish: If your fish are exhibiting unusual behaviours, such as gasping for air at the surface or spending excessive time hiding, it may indicate that the filter is failing to provide adequate circulation.
We have a wide range of filters to keep your aquarium healthy and clean, such as the Corner Power Cartridge Filter and the Internal Cartridge Filter CF.
When adding a new filter to your tank it is crucial to preserve some of the beneficial bacteria found in your existing filter.
If you’re replacing an old filter, take some of the filter media (like sponges or cartridges) from the old filter and place it in the new filter. This can help maintain the biological balance in your aquarium and prevent any sudden spikes in ammonia or nitrites that could harm your fish.
Upgrading to a larger aquarium
If you notice your fish are becoming overcrowded or if their behaviour suggests they need more space, it might be time to upgrade to a larger tank. A common mistake beginners tend to make is underestimating the space their fish need. Each species has its ideal tank size so make sure to research the type of fish you wish to keep.
Ideally, you need to strike a balance between your fish and the quality of your water, which could be difficult if you prioritise one over the other.
For tropical fish, we recommend you have 1 litre of aquarium water for every 1cm of fish (not including the tall or fins). So for example, if your fish size is 50cm in total, you will need at least 50 litres of water.
Whereas for cold water fish, we recommend 1 litre of water for every 0.5cm of fish. So 25cm of fish would require at least 50 litres of water.
We have a wide range of fish tanks available in various sizes to accommodate your fish’s needs.
With the right upgrades, you can transform your aquarium into a stunning showcase that will be the envy of your guests. The possibilities are endless when it comes to upgrading your tank and equipment – so get creative and make something special!
