Whether you have a single fish that has grown too large for his tank or a group of fish that has multiplied, exceeding the capabilities of your current tank to support, it may be time to upgrade to a larger tank. While it may sound like a hassle, upgrading to a larger tank can actually be a relatively simple process and it is one that will benefit both you and your fish. If you try to keep a large fish, or a large number of fish in a tank too small, not only will your fish fail to thrive but you will find yourself performing ever more frequent water changes just to keep the water quality in the tank high. If you upgrade to a larger tank, the increased water capacity will provide your fish with the space they need to move and grow and it will also help to dilute toxins, thus reducing the need for frequent water changes.
Things to Consider When Upgrading
When it comes to upgrading your tank, of course, you need to think carefully about what size tank you want to upgrade to. Making the switch from a 20-gallon to a 29-gallon tank may be beneficial for your fish but if you are serious about the aquarium hobby you might want to go even larger – a 40- or 55-gallon tank might be a better choice. Once you have settled on a tank size, you need to take a look at your tank equipment to see whether it needs an upgrade as well. Even if your aquarium heater and filter are still in working order, they may be too small to accommodate your new tank size. Refer to the manual that came with your equipment to see what tank size it is recommended for – if your new tank falls within the recommended range you do not need to purchase new equipment.
Even if your current equipment still works, you might want to think of your tank upgrade as an opportunity to upgrade your aquarium equipment as well. Aquarium supply companies are constantly coming out with new and improved models so you may find that some of the newer aquarium heaters and filters have features that your current models lack. Think about whether these additional features will enhance the quality of your tank environment and if they will make your life easier in regard to maintenance – if both of these things seem to apply, it may be worth it to upgrade your equipment as well. After all, it never hurts to have a back-up filter and an aquarium heater that still works in the event that your new equipment suffers a malfunction.
Tips for Keeping Your New Tank Healthy
Once you have gone through the process of selecting and setting up your new, upgraded aquarium there are a few simple things you can do to keep it running properly. Be sure to keep up with your routine maintenance tasks by performing weekly water changes and by replacing your filter media every three to four weeks. You might also consider installing an EcoBio-Stone in your new tank to help keep the water clean and clear. EcoBio-Stones are made from natural zeolite and crushed stone, and they will fit seamlessly into your aquarium décor. They are infused with beneficial bacteria as well as the nutrients they need to survive. As soon as you add the stone to your tank, those bacteria will immediately begin working to maintain the nitrogen cycle in your tank, thus helping to keep the water clear and odor-free.