I'm heading toward David's advice as well, 2500mm is just a bit short for the smaller planets. You've got to find the sweet spot between OTA aperture and practicable magnification with your scope. A 3X Barlow, like you suggested, may be the better choice.
It's a nice start all the same and you've managed a fair bit of detail on the surface. I also like the shot you've added of the scope in your new Obs pointing at Mars.
Nicely done!
