Why do you need to test for ammonia?
Maintaining the health of your lobster tank is not just about keeping the water clear—it’s about ensuring the chemical balance is right. One of the most important parameters you must regularly monitor is ammonia. Ammonia is a toxic compound produced by shellfish waste and, without intervention, it can build up quickly in a closed system, putting your lobsters at serious risk.
Why Ammonia Levels Matter
Shellfish, including lobsters, release ammonia as a natural by product. In a confined tank environment, this ammonia doesn’t evaporate or degrade on its own. If not removed or neutralized, it accumulates to harmful levels. Elevated ammonia can lead to stress, weakness, or even death among your lobsters.
This is where biological filtration systems, such as the ones used in Todd Fish Tech’s Lobster Pods, become essential. These systems use a biological filter that hosts beneficial bacteria. These bacteria convert harmful ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate, which is far less toxic to shellfish. However, even with a good filter, ammonia testing is still a necessary routine.
How Often Should You Test?
You should be testing ammonia levels at least once a week. In systems with higher lobster density, or during warmer months when metabolic rates rise, testing more frequently is recommended.
Todd Fish Tech supplies dip strip ammonia test kits to its customers, which offer a fast, cost-effective solution. These strips are simple to use and easy to interpret, making them perfect for quick checks in smaller-scale systems like a single Lobster Pod.
How to Use a Dip Strip Test Properly
- Dip the test strip into the water, preferably at the filter end of your Lobster Pod.
- Leave it in the water only for a brief moment—a few seconds is enough.
- Remove the strip and read the result within one minute. It’s important not to delay, as exposure to air will continue to alter the strip’s colour and give inaccurate readings.
- Compare the colour of the strip against the reference chart on the tube, making sure you’re in good lighting.
Understanding Test Results and What to Do
- Ammonia Level at 3 ppm: This is a warning sign. A 25–50% water change is recommended.
- Ammonia Level at 6 ppm: Though not as dangerous for lobsters as it is for tropical fish, this level is high. Perform at least a 50% water change, and ideally a 100% water change to protect your stock.
- Ammonia Level Beyond 6 ppm (e.g., bright blue on the test strip): This is an urgent situation. A full water change is needed immediately to prevent mortality.
Don’t panic if you see high readings, but do act swiftly. While lobsters can tolerate a higher bio-load than ornamental fish, they are not immune to ammonia toxicity. Symptoms of prolonged exposure include lethargy, weakened shells, and increased susceptibility to disease.
When to Consider Advanced Testing
For small setups, dip strips are sufficient. However, larger operations, such as systems holding 10 to 20 tonnes of lobster, benefit from investing in more precise digital water testing equipment. These devices offer consistent accuracy, especially useful when daily testing is required.
Conclusion
Routine ammonia testing is the backbone of good lobster husbandry. With a reliable biological filter and weekly dip strip testing, you can stay ahead of toxic build ups and ensure your lobsters remain healthy and thriving. When in doubt, remember: test regularly, read results promptly, and don’t hesitate to change the water when needed.
#LobsterFarming #AquacultureTips #AmmoniaTesting #ShellfishCare #MarineBiology #SustainableSeafood #TankMaintenance #AquaticFarming #WaterQuality #ToddFishTech
Contact Dr Keith Todd by email at hello@toddfishtech.com for help with water testing or to discuss our water testing service.
