Todd Fish Tech’s guide to Holding Temperatures for Shellfish
When it comes to holding live shellfish like lobster, crab, or langoustine, water temperature isn’t just a detail — it’s a key factor in the health of your stock and the performance of your filtration system.
At Todd Fish Tech, we recommend maintaining your Lobster Pod system between 8–12°C, with 10°C being a reliable sweet spot for most shellfish. But why is this range important?
🦞 Shellfish Health
Shellfish are cold-blooded, and their metabolic rate is directly influenced by temperature. Holding lobsters in the 8–12°C range keeps them healthy and stress-free, while also minimising weight loss and energy expenditure.
If the temperature drops much lower than 8°C:
- Lobsters may become sluggish and more vulnerable to stress
- Shellfish will not relax and expel any waste making them less likely to survive air freight
- Chilling the water becomes more expensive and less energy-efficient
If the temperature rises above 12°C:
- The risk of bacterial growth increases
- Oxygen levels in the water can fall
Langoustines are the Exception
Langoustines prefer a stable 8°C and optimum water parameters at all times. If you are holding multiple species in your Lobster Pod which include langoustines then hold them all at 8°C at all times.
🔬 Filter Efficiency
Your biological filter relies on beneficial bacteria to break down toxic ammonia. These bacteria function best at warmer temperatures, ideally around 18°C. That’s too warm for most shellfish, but 10–12°C strikes a good compromise — keeping shellfish healthy while allowing bacteria to work efficiently.
💡 Best Practice
- Aim for 10°C as your standard operating temperature
- Use 12°C when you’re maturing a new biological filter
- Drop to 8°C if you’re holding langoustines or a mixed species tank
Keeping your Lobster Pod at the right temperature ensures you get the best survival rates, healthiest stock, and most efficient performance from your system.
For more information please get in touch by emailing hello@toddfishtech.com
