Aquaponic Lobster Breeding Project Kickstarted!

Last weekend, I attended a half-day training session on aquaponic lobster breeding - and it was quite the adventure! At the end of the program, I brought home a startup kit: a complete CLAW system and 30 freshwater lobsters to kick off my journey. The batch was evenly split between 15 males and 15 females.

The lobsters

Unfortunately, not all of them made it home. Six lobsters died during the journey, and some even lost their claws. I could hear cracking sounds from the container, which confirmed what Mr. Effendy, our trainer, had explained: lobsters naturally fight among themselves.

First batch of the non-survivors - All are female lobsters

I didn’t discard the dead ones, though. Since they are organic freshwater lobsters raised without chemicals, why waste them!

Fresh lobsters for supper!

Setting Up the CLAW System

During training, we learned how to assemble the system step by step. At home, I had to temporarily transfer the lobsters into smaller containers while I prepared the main tank. The initial setup looked a little rough, but it was necessary to get the water stabilized.

Initial set up for system

The filter pump and air pump had to run continuously to remove chlorine from the household tap water, which is harmful to lobsters. These creatures are extremely sensitive to their environment, and the ideal water pH should stay between 7.4 and 8.2. At first, the water looked muddy due to the hydro korrels, but after a day, it cleared up beautifully.

Temporary shelter for the surviving lobsters

Moving the Lobsters In

Once the system stabilized, I began transferring the lobsters into their new home. Sadly, five more didn’t survive overnight, and one adventurous lobster managed to escape its temporary shelter—only to be found lifeless near the doorstep.

Despite these losses, the remaining lobsters settled into the system. To complement the aquaponic setup, I also transplanted a few spinach plants. Now, I’m curious to see how they adapt and grow alongside the lobsters. Of course, I made sure to feed the lobsters too—they need their share of nourishment!

Arial view of my plants

My aquaponic system is now working and filled with life :)

Looking Ahead

Even though many lobsters didn’t survive the first night, I’m still thrilled to see the system up and running. Watching the balance between plants and lobsters unfold day by day fills me with excitement. This is just the beginning of my aquaponic journey, and hopefully the system evolves successfully!

My First Day with Aquaponic Lobster Breeding

Today marks the beginning of my discovery of aquaponic project at home 🌱🦞

I’m buzzing with excitement. The idea itself is fascinating - raising aquatic animals in an aquaculture system while recycling their waste to nourish plants in a hydroponic setup. It’s a beautiful cycle where nothing goes to waste, and everything supports each other.

Before this, I only knew about hydroponics. Aquaponics was a completely new discovery for me. In essence, it’s the marriage of aquaculture and hydroponics:

• Aquatic animals produce waste, which becomes nutrients for the plants.
• The plants act as natural filters, purifying the water so the animals can thrive.
• The system runs continuously, saving water and eliminating the need for fertilizers or pesticides.

It’s sustainable, efficient, and organic—a little ecosystem right at home.

How I Discovered Aquaponic Lobsters

My curiosity was first sparked when I saw a television advertisement for the government’s National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS) Day, held on 23–24 May 2015 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The idea of breeding freshwater lobsters at home instantly caught my attention. I couldn’t stop wondering how such a system could also benefit my plants.

At the exhibition, I met Mr. Effendy Halily, the man behind this innovative concept. He started his aquaponic lobster project back in 2011 and has already won two innovation awards for it. His system, called Container Lobster at Work (CLAW), is brilliantly simple—using ordinary storage boxes instead of expensive equipment. Cost-effective, practical, and inspiring!

Taking the Leap

After learning more from Mr. Effendy, I decided to attend his training in Alor Gajah. By the end of it, I had purchased a starter kit and was ready to dive into this new adventure.

What excites me most is the dual benefit: I can breed lobsters at home while also growing vegetables in the same system. And yes, I’m already imagining the day when I can cook my very own home-bred lobsters for dinner!

This is the simple aquaponic setup for breeding lobsters

Looking Forward

This is my very first aquaponic project, and I know there’s still so much to learn - about maintaining the system, caring for the lobsters, and nurturing the plants. But that’s the beauty of it: every day will bring new lessons and discoveries.

For now, I’m simply thrilled to have taken the first step. Here’s to growing, learning, and enjoying the journey - one lobster and one spinach leaf at a time. 🌿🦞✨

A Lucky Little Visitor

Yellow ladybug spotted on the spinach plant in my little balcony garden

Some days, joy shows up in the smallest, most unexpected ways 🌿This Wednesday, it arrived in the form of a tiny yellow ladybug resting on my spinach plant.

I couldn’t help but smile. Living on the 24th floor, I don’t expect nature to knock on my balcony door often - yet here it was, reminding me that surprises can find us anywhere. My first instinct was to capture the moment with a photo, but the real gift was the feeling it sparked: delight, nostalgia, and a quiet reminder to slow down and notice.

The last time I saw a ladybug was a year ago in Avignon, a classic red one. Back then, it felt like a sweet encounter. This time, it felt like a message. Ladybugs have always made me happy - maybe it’s their vibrant colors, maybe it’s the childhood memories they carry - but they remind me that joy doesn’t need to be grand. It can be as simple as a tiny insect landing on your balcony garden.

I like to think of these little visitors as nature’s way of saying: keep looking for the small wonders. They’re not just adorable, they’re also natural protectors - pest controllers in disguise. But more than that, they’re proof that even in the middle of our busy, high-rise lives, beauty finds a way to reach us.

So, here’s my encouragement for you today: notice the little things. Celebrate the unexpected. Let small joys remind you that happiness doesn’t always need a big stage - it often hides in the everyday. 🐞💛