Top Tips for Maturing Your Filter from the Experts at Todd Fish Tech
When setting up a new lobster tank—whether it’s a Lobster Pod, Crab Pod, or another system—filter maturation is one of the most important processes to get right. It’s the difference between a thriving, healthy system and one that risks poor water quality, stress, or even losses among your stock.
Let’s break down what filter maturation means, why it matters, and how to do it properly.
What Is Filter Maturation?
When your tank is first installed, the biological filter is brand new—that means there are no beneficial bacteria in place yet. These bacteria are crucial. They process ammonia, a waste product produced by lobsters, crabs, and other shellfish. If ammonia builds up, it can become toxic and lead to serious issues, including mortalities.
To help these bacteria establish, Todd Fish Tech systems use a moving bed biofilter. This contains small plastic media that tumble in the water to create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and thrive.
How to Start the Maturation Process
- Add a live bacterial supplement.
Every system comes with a bottle of Seachem Stability—this is a concentrated source of beneficial bacteria. Once your system is set up and filled with saltwater, pour this into the filter to seed the biofilter. - Turn off the UV steriliser for 7 days.
UV systems are excellent for controlling harmful microbes—but during this first week, they would also destroy the good bacteria you’ve just added. Keep it off to give your bacteria time to settle and reproduce. - Stock slowly and carefully.
Many assume adding more shellfish will help speed up the process. It won’t. In fact, it can overload the system and crash the filter.
Start with no more than 10kg of healthy, strong lobsters (around 20 animals).
Monitoring and Patience Are Key
Each time you add lobsters, they produce ammonia. At the beginning, the bacteria in the filter aren’t ready to process it all. That’s why it’s important to test your water regularly, using ammonia dip strips provided with your system. Only add more lobsters once your ammonia reading is zero or very low—usually after 5–7 days.
Continue this gradual stocking approach over 6 weeks, allowing time for two key groups of bacteria to grow:
- One converts toxic ammonia into nitrite.
- Another turns nitrite into nitrate, which is much less harmful.
You’ll know your system is fully matured when:
- Ammonia and nitrite levels are 0 from 24 hours after adding new stock.
- Nitrate levels rise to around 100–250 ppm, indicating active biological filtration.
At this stage, a water change is recommended to bring nitrate down to safe levels.
Optimising Conditions for Maturation
- Run your system at 12°C during maturation. This slightly warmer temperature encourages bacterial growth while keeping lobsters comfortable.
- Be prepared to change 50–100% of the water weekly during the early phase. Once matured, you’ll return to routine 20% changes every 4–6 weeks.
Final Thoughts
Filter maturation is the foundation of a healthy lobster tank. It can’t be rushed—but with careful stocking, regular testing, and attention to water quality, your system will soon be stable, safe, and ready for full operation.
At Todd Fish Tech, we’re here to support you through every stage—from setup to maturation and beyond. Reach out with any questions, and stay tuned for future updates and expert videos on best practices.
Healthy filter, healthy lobsters, healthy business.
Get in touch for more support hello@toddfishtech.com
