The Maine Lobster Game Maintenance Instructions & Tips

  Welcome to the maintenance page.  This page will be updated with the answers to the most common questions and information we come across to improve the quality and appearance of our aquatic tanks.  As you probably know by now our filtration is set up for a tank 4 times the size we use.  But still we go through a lot more fish than most tanks. This system requires only a filter rinse every 3 to 6 weeks depending on the volume of sales.

     Tip:  All new units have a Ultra Violet Sterilizing in line light (not shown below).  It will keep water from clouding.  If water turns cloudy white or milky then light is not working or bulb needs to be replaced.  The UV sterilizers we use are for a 1000 gallon tank.  In other words, it works fast and last a long time on our 50 gallon tanks.  If the water turns cloudy black then you waited too long to do a filter rinse.  You will notice when it is time when light sediment settles on the bottom of the tank.  At this point a filter rinse in recommended within a week.

     Filter Rinse:  Doing a filter rinse is pretty simple but I will spell it out just to avoid mishaps.  Always be sure the power is off to the pump and the computer board before performing a filter rinse.  Also be sure the cover is on the computer board.  Everything in the cabinet is water resistant except the electronic connectors and computer board, therefore, if you should accidentally splash water be sure its covered first.

1. Unplug pump and turn off computer.

2. Close both flow valves. (shown in diagram below)

3. Drain water from filter  (filter holds about 1/2 gallon of water and has a hose fitting and drain valve. It can be drained into a bucket. It is not necessary to remove all the water but if you don't remove some it will spill a little when you take the top of the filter off.)

4. Turn lid on filter counter clockwise and remove all contents rinse and replace making sure the water inlet on top of the filter is not obstructed.

5. Replace lid with few clockwise turns. Be sure it screws all the way down. Check that the drain valve is closed. Open both flow valves and bleed the air out of the filter using one of the bleeder valves on the top or the side of the filter (small white thumb screw).

6. Be sure bleeder valves are secure and there are no leaks then proceed to plug in the pump. If all looks well, turn on the computer board and your done.

     The rest of the machine is pretty easy to maintain. A dust buster will pick up dried salt from spills. WD-40 is good for any parts that need a lube. The chiller, pump, and fan are maintenance free units. When they go they are easily replaced. Most last between 5 and 8 years. A can of compressed air from an electronics store will blow the dust out of bill validators and the board if needed. That's it about 15 minutes of care a month and its good to go.

      Tip: keeping the water level high and the splash down will ensure long lasting crane and carriage assembly and also cut down on your glass cleaning frequency.  If water is low just fill with bucket and check water with salt tester. Water should always be between 0.018 and 0.023 on the salinity tester to ensure a healthy happy lively lobster. Aquarium temperature should be between 50 and 65 degrees.

     Lobsters need a steady stream of oxygen to survive. If pump is restricted in any way and you notice there are not enough bubbles the problem should be looked into right away. If power goes off in a location ten lobster will survive about 3 hours. Add 15 min for each less lobster. Subtract 15 min for each additional lobster.

     Be sure when placing a new machine to ask the owner or manager for an outlet that does not get turned off by the closer each night. (common mistake I've made too many times)

        If there are any tips or tricks you would like me to add to this page just email them to me by clicking here

Email us at This Link or call us at 239-246-2515

Copyright © 2007 The Maine Lobster Game. All rights reserved.
Revised: 04/07/08.