Possible American Lobster tank build!

[OceanDude]

Hi guys, so I have a huge obsession with crustaceans and think they're the coolest things ever. I recently got in touch with a professor who has done extensive research on captive lobsters. Over the next year, I will be planning a *possible* tank build.

Tank Overview
I am unsure on tank size, although I might go with a 40 gallon breeder. I will be using basic t5 lighting because I only have to light the tank and not provide actinics etc. I am not sure as to if I will need to use a chiller. They can live in 8-20 degrees Celsius preferably around 12C (53 F). I would need a decent canister filter because lobsters are really messy eaters. I have a large powerhead that I can't use in my reef because it's too powerful for the size so I can use that.

Scaping
Lobsters love caves to hide in (especially during the day) so I am thinking about getting a bunch of dry rock and attach the pieces together. (Lobsters love to move things like rocks around) and Just have a big cave area and then space for him to venture out into.

Stocking
You can use grocery store lobsters, which I might do because of reasons I will state below...
I would much rather use a juvenile lobster but I don't want to have to apply for licensing to own one.
It's easily replaceable if something were to happen to it.
You can get smaller ones on shipment days

I might add some smaller fish, too.



Tell me what you think?

 

[SantaMonica Verified Sponsor]

I think it would indeed need cooling. Many folks who like temperate tanks find used Marineland lobster tanks, which have built-in chillers (and everything else).

One main thing with chilling is the condensation on the glass; I think the Marineland tanks use thick walls to reduce this.

 

[ReefMadScientist]

Would you eat the lobster once it gets bigger?

 

[IotaElwyn]

alright, Im game, I'll see how this plays out :-)