Maintaining Mechanical Filter Foams in Lobster Tanks
Mechanical filtration plays a vital role in keeping lobster tanks clean, healthy, and running efficiently. At Todd Fish Tech, our filter systems are designed with simplicity and effectiveness in mind—and nowhere is that clearer than in the use of our layered foam filters.
What Are Mechanical Filter Foams?
At the base of each Lobster Pod stack of trays are two layers of foam. These sponges are your first line of defence against debris, catching everything from the shellfish waste and broken bands to silt and shell fragments. But they do more than just trap muck—they also host beneficial bacteria that contribute to the tank’s biological filtration.
How to Clean Filter Foams
Regular maintenance is straightforward. We recommend rinsing the foams in clean seawater, rather than tap water, to preserve the vital colonies of good bacteria living within them. A light “skoosh” is all that’s needed to dislodge the worst of the debris. While the foams are robust enough to withstand jet washing or a rare rinse under the tap, doing so will strip away that beneficial bacteria—so only go down that route if absolutely necessary and expect to allow time for the bacterial colony to rebuild.
You’ll also notice each foam has a different pore size. This layered design means the top, coarser foam catches the larger particles, while the finer foam underneath filters out smaller debris. This staged filtration helps improve efficiency and prolongs the life of your system.
When to Replace
These foams are built to last. Most of our customers find they perform well for three to five years before needing replacement. When reinstalling, always place the fine foam at the bottom and the coarse foam on top, ensuring a snug fit to prevent flotation if sump levels rise.
Built-In Protection
If the foams become clogged over time, there’s no risk to your system. Our tanks are designed to automatically overflow and route water back to the pump, ensuring uninterrupted flow of oxygenated water to your shellfish and preventing dry running of the recirculation pump.
Want to keep your system in top condition?
Contact our team for expert maintenance tips or to order replacement foam kits tailored to your tank model.
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