Why Salinity Matters: A Practical Guide to Shellfish-Safe Water
In the world of shellfish holding systems, water quality isn’t just important—it’s everything. And when it comes to water quality, salinity is one of the key factors that determines the health and survival of your lobsters, crabs, or langoustines.
Whether you’re using natural seawater or creating your own mix inland, understanding and managing salinity is essential to keep your shellfish thriving.
Seawater or Salt Mix? Both Can Work
We work with customers right by the coast and others based much further inland. Some draw natural seawater directly from the ocean, while others use tap water combined with a sea salt mix to replicate the real thing. Both approaches are valid and can work well with our systems—as long as the salinity is right and the water is safe.
If you’re using natural seawater, you’ll still need to test it regularly to ensure it’s within the ideal salinity range. And if you’re making up your own saltwater, there are a few more steps to consider.
Tap Water: What You Need to Watch Out For
One of the biggest concerns when using tap water is chlorine—or more commonly these days, chloramine, which is a combination of chlorine and ammonia. While these are great for sterilising drinking water, they’re highly toxic to aquatic life. Shellfish, in particular, are vulnerable, as chlorine and chloramine can burn their delicate gills and impair respiration.
Thankfully, products like Seachem Prime are widely available and effective. These conditioners bind to chlorine and chloramine, rendering them harmless. Most conditioners are safe for use with saltwater mixes, but always double-check the label to be sure.
If you’re lucky enough to have access to well water or natural sources like rivers and lakes (that haven’t been chemically treated), these can also be used as a base for your saltwater mix.
Contact our expert team if you would like to know more about water testing or use our water testing and analysis service.
