The Changing Start to the Lobster Season
Although many shellfish fishermen now have their boats back in the water much earlier in the year, May still traditionally marks the point where the lobster season starts to build properly. Historically catches would gradually increase through late spring before reaching their peak during July and August. In recent years changing sea temperatures, weather patterns and fishing activity have altered this seasonal pattern with many fishermen seeing earlier starts and less defined peaks than in the past.
Whatever the season brings this is the time of year when many fishermen begin increasing catches, spending more time at sea and making full use of their lobster tank systems.
Starting the System Back Up After Winter
If you are restarting your lobster pod or tank after the winter period taking the time to prepare the system properly will help it settle and stabilise much more quickly.
The biological filter in your lobster tank needs time for the beneficial bacteria to grow and multiply. This process cannot be rushed and patience at this stage is important.
Begin by giving the system a thorough clean using either tap water or seawater. Use white roll or a brand new cloth with no detergent residue and remove any dirt, sediment or debris from the tank and pipelines by flushing the system through properly.
Always start with fresh seawater where possible.
Water Quality and Filter Maturation
Before adding any stock test the seawater carefully. Ideally ammonia should be zero, pH should sit between 8.0 and 8.2 and salinity should be between 32–35ppt.
When starting the system back up it can help to operate slightly warmer than usual at around 12°C. The beneficial bacteria establish more quickly at warmer temperatures whilst 8–12°C also remains within the lobster’s preferred temperature range.
We also recommend adding a bottle of NT Labs Satus or Seachem Stability to seed the biological filter with beneficial bacteria. Remember to switch the UV light off for 5–7 days afterwards to allow the bacteria time to settle and establish within the filter.
Adding Lobsters Gradually
One of the most common mistakes when restarting a system is adding too much stock too quickly.
Start gradually with a small number of lobsters, perhaps 10–20 initially, and allow the biological filter time to adapt to the increasing load.
Only healthy, strong lobsters should be added to the system. Avoid introducing weak or damaged stock as this can create additional stress within the tank and negatively affect water quality.
Continue testing the water regularly, particularly before increasing stocking levels further.
Managing Water Changes
Regular monitoring remains essential throughout the start-up process. If ammonia levels begin to rise water changes may be required. In general the higher the ammonia reading the larger the water change required to help stabilise the system.
As with all biological processes stability comes with time rather than speed. Following these steps carefully will help get your system running at optimum levels as quickly and safely as possible, setting you up for a successful fishing season.
Support Beyond the Tank
At Todd Fish Tech we pride ourselves on supporting customers well beyond simply manufacturing lobster tank systems.
Every new system comes complete with a set-up and operation manual and we also provide YouTube videos showing the filter maturation process step-by-step. Water testing kits and water testing services are also available to help customers monitor and maintain healthy systems with confidence.
As a small family-run business, we understand how important reliable support is during the busy fishing season. We are always available on the phone to help customers troubleshoot problems, answer questions and get the very best performance from their systems.
Whether you are setting up your first lobster tank, upgrading an existing system or looking to make the most of grant funding opportunities, Todd Fish Tech is here to support you every step of the way.
If you would like advice on your lobster tank system or would like a quote for a new installation please get in touch with Errin, our Sea-E-O and Founder, today.
