Things You'll Need
- Saltwater aquarium
- Water
- Marine salt
- Nitrate test strips
- Ammonia test strips
- pH test strips
- Hydrometer
- Live rock
- Sand substrate
- Water conditioner
- Lobster larvae
- Clam meat, fresh or frozen
- Commercial crustacean food
Instructions
Set-Up
Determine which species of lobster you plan to keep. Ornamental varieties include Hawaiian reef lobster, Hammers' cobalt blue lobster and blue spiny lobster. The species vary tremendously in their adult size and tank requirements.
Set up your aquarium. In general, small lobsters need at least 20 to 25 gallons of aquarium space each: Large varieties may need more. Place a layer of sand substrate on the bottom of the tank, then fill the tank with lukewarm tap water. Add the recommended amount of water conditioner to eliminate chlorine, chloramine and other contaminants. Install the filter, heater and other accessories according to the manufacturers' instructions.
Add marine salt to the aquarium. Most marine invertebrates thrive at a specific gravity of about 1.024. Mix salt into the water gradually, using the hydrometer to measure its specific gravity, until you reach the target range. Allow the fish tank to operate without any live occupants for several days.
Add live rock to the aquarium, to begin establishing the nitrate cycle and ecosystem. Live rock also acts as a hiding place for captive lobsters and other invertebrates.
Monitor your water parameters at least twice weekly, until the numbers are stable and suitable for lobsters. An established system will retain a pH of 8.1 to 8.4 -- an alkalinity of 8-12 dKH -- a specific gravity of 1.023 - 1.025 -- and consistently undetectable nitrate and ammonia levels.
Lobster Care
Purchase your lobster larvae from a reputable supplier. It is best to start with young lobsters instead of adults, as the larvae are far more resilient.
Acclimate your lobster to its new environment over the course of several hours. Gradually add small amounts of the new water to the animals' holding-space, removing some of the old water each time. Test for specific gravity, nitrate, ammonia and temperature. If the readings are identical, it's time to introduce your lobster to his new home.
Monitor your lobster's condition for the first several hours that he is in the tank. He should begin exploring his surroundings, investigating the live rock and any other decor. Note that most lobsters are essentially nocturnal: They are fairly inactive during the day.
Feed your lobster sparingly to prevent water pollution. Commercial feed is acceptable, but most lobsters adore any opportunity to eat mollusk meat. Some lobsters also eat small fish, other crustaceans and cephalopods. Many lobster species are cannibalistic.
Your lobster will reach its adult size in one to four years, depending on its species. Lobsters rarely breed readily in captivity. Your odds of spawning a future generation are limited, even if you have multiple lobsters receiving excellent care.