From Tanks to Pods: A Shellfish Farmer’s Journey
In 2013, a shellfish farmer in the Highlands began cultivating Pacific oysters for local markets. Over the years, demand grew steadily, with new businesses such as the Seafood Shack in Ullapool and Keltic Seafayre in Dingwall creating opportunities to supply oysters across the region. By 2024, the farm’s tank-based purification system was no longer keeping pace with the demands of a growing business.
The tanks took up too much space, required time-consuming draining between cycles, and proved difficult to clean. High summer water temperatures added to the challenge, raising concerns about spawning and spoiled batches. It was clear that a more efficient solution was needed.
The Challenge of Tank-Based Systems
The old purification method relied on large tanks with trays, supported by a second sump tank to hold water between cycles. Not only did this double the space required, but cleaning was a constant battle. The tanks had to be tipped, scooped, and power washed after each cycle.
In addition, the water had to be carefully managed. Artificial seawater was used to ensure consistent salinity and cleanliness, but circulating and maintaining this within the tank system added to the workload. The high temperatures in summer were another major worry, with the risk of oysters spawning and compromising the entire batch.
Choosing the Oyster Pod
To address these problems, the oyster farmer invested in a 3000-oyster capacity Oyster Pod stacking bivalve purification system from Todd Fish Tech in 2024. Space efficiency was a key factor, but so too was the ease of draining and cleaning.
The Oyster Pod delivered on both. Instead of tipping and scrubbing heavy tanks, he can now simply turn a valve to drain water between cycles. The second sump tank is no longer needed, saving valuable floor space. With the sump integrated, artificial seawater can be mixed, circulated for 24 hours, and made ready for the next cycle without hassle.
Real Results and Everyday Benefits
The difference has been immediate. The Oyster Pod has reduced the labour involved in purification, made cleaning far easier, and provided reassurance against the challenges of temperature management. Loading and monitoring oysters is straightforward, and with the right preparation, the system quickly becomes second nature to operate.
One of the standout benefits has been the time saved. The old tanks consumed hours of work, but with the Oyster Pod, cycles run smoothly and without unnecessary complications. As the oyster farmer explains, “It’s a really impressive system. It saves space, it’s reliable, and it saves so much time.”
Lessons Learned and Advice for Others
Looking back, his only regret was not purchasing the larger 4000-oyster capacity model. With market demand continuing to grow, the extra capacity would have been useful. Their advice to others considering an Oyster Pod is to think ahead and go bigger if possible. They also suggest considering the height of the unit in relation to available space and ease of handling, noting that Todd Fish Tech can build shorter versions if required.
A Reliable, Long-Term Investment
While there are operating costs associated with electricity and salt, the savings in time and labour more than outweigh them. The Oyster Pod allows the business to focus on growth and serving customers.
Reflecting on the purchase, the farmer concludes: “I am really happy with the Oyster Pod. The service and follow-up from Todd Fish Tech has been very good. It is a big investment but it’s reliable, takes up less space, is easy to use, and saves time.”
