How Much New Water Does Your Lobster Tank Really Need?
When it comes to live lobster holding systems, water quality is everything—and one of the most common questions we hear is: How often do I need to add fresh seawater to the tank?
The answer depends on a few key factors, including how many lobsters you're holding, how long they're being stored, and how well your system is built and maintained. But let's break it down with a general rule of thumb.
General Guidelines
For every 1,000 pounds of lobster, plan to introduce about 100 gallons of fresh seawater each day. This helps replenish trace minerals, oxygen levels, and reduces the build-up of waste products like ammonia. Even with advanced filtration and chillers, no system is completely self-sustaining—lobsters are living creatures, and they naturally affect the water they live in.
Why Fresh Water Matters
Lobsters take in and release compounds through their gills. As a result, ammonia and other metabolic byproducts begin to accumulate over time. Left unchecked, this can lead to stress, illness, and even mortality in your tank. Introducing clean seawater helps dilute these substances and keep your lobsters healthy.
Adding new water also helps keep pH and salinity in check, both of which can slowly drift as lobsters breathe and as water evaporates or is topped up incorrectly.
Bottom Line:
If you’re operating a lobster pound or seafood facility, your system should be designed to accommodate regular water turnover. A well-built setup makes it easier to maintain optimal conditions with less guesswork.
Need help calculating how much fresh water your system needs—or designing one that keeps your lobsters thriving year-round? Reach out. We build systems with sustainability, simplicity, and lobster health in mind.