What would you like to see Aquarium Manufacturers make available to the hobby ?

What would you like to see Aquarium Manufacturers make available to the hobby ?

I hope that there are some manufacturers or suppliers who are viewing this as I would love to be able to see some new products be made to hobbyists. Perhaps some of us would like to see European or Asian products made available here in Canada ? What new tanks, lighting, hardware would you like to see on the market ? Maybe you have thought about a new idea ?

For myself I would like to see a fail safe heater. While we can reduce harm from a heater failure by sizing according the tank (ie a 50 W in 10 gallon) to avoid or reduce temperature extremes when the mechanism fails, and we can use a controller to provide the secondary backup, why not incorporate a failsafe mechanism into the heater itself. I could see a blow out fuse or a temperature diode for this.

Most lighting canopies are now converting to LED. I would love to see the regular incandescent canopies remain on the market. I have not used the incandescent bulb for several years now, but I use the spiral CFLs. My choice is driven by low cost.

I miss my Vortex Diatom filter. I am thinking of getting another one as this is the only product that uses diatomaceous filter sand (much look a pool filter). I would use the Vortex each week to polish the tank water or during a clean-out as they were never meant to be used 24/7. I hope that a new manufacturer could improve the design and some of the quirks.

What would you like to see made available ?

Hmmmm,

off the top of my head...

Differently a +1 for the Vortex Diatom Filter. When I used to keep a bunch of Goldfish tanks in my house it was a great piece of kit and well worth the crankiness of the antique.

I love my Aquaclear filters, but if there was something just as reliable and 100% self starting I would sign up right away.

How about a airstone that sinks. I use a stainless steel weight on the end of mine, but if they would sink it would be helpful.

Just a couple of things that come to mind.

Steve

I think lines of products that were built to past standards would interest me. I'd pay more. I mean heaters that last a couple of years (they used to last 10), filter works with strong impeller shafts - stuff not designed to become instant landfill would be nice.
I know, you may call me a dreamer... but a green line of products built to last - I'd like that.
Plus I would love to see the return of freeze dried black mosquito larvae. I used to buy it all the time, and it was great stuff.
I must be getting old. I'm not very innovative here!

I'd like tanks with the metal frame back again. They had their problems but that metal never snapped like the plastic ones of today do. I also agree with Gary on the heaters...you used to buy one heater and it lasted forever.
Gosh, Steve and Gary and I are aging ourselves here. Back to the Past, not the future!!

I like the idea of a Diatom Filter only one that can be used 24/7 and also I agree with safety fuses that can be replaced on heaters.
I am sure there could be improvements made as well with smaller tanks for Betta's and other small fish.
I will try to think of more later to add.

It would be great if there was an affordable hobby grade PAR meter.

I recently saw in China (yes!) a very nice and easy to use tank divider that you can place and take out. You can also cut it to size and thus fits every tank.

It is great when e.g. breeding bettas where you want the pair to see each other but not yet be in contact or after spawning so you can keep the female away from the fry but in the same tank.

I would love to see that here. I should have a picture of it somewhere....