Setting up an Octopus tank

[Black96WS6]

Hi all,

Well I've decided to setup an Octopus tank. I used to keep them many years ago (around 1989-1991).

I miss them, and had almost forgotten about them until I happened to come across a post in another forum on how much fun another hobbyist was having with his new one.

I plan on getting a brand new tank, just to house him/her, with no other tank mates. The species will be Bimaculoides (Pacific Ocotpus, also found in the local waters here in San Diego).

I plan on purchasing an aqua-cultured little guy/girl, about 8-10 weeks old.

I plan on getting a 25 gallon tall, getting a generic dark blue light to keep the light levels low, some fine sand for the bottom, and multiple hiding places via rocks or other items (haven't quite decided what yet). Also plan on regulating his/her feeding so he/she won't get too large.

I won't need a heater since it's a Bimaculoides species, room temperature should be fine. Also thinking about using a closed system or something similiar, like the Eclipse, if possible, so it will be harder for him/her to escape

Since it's been awhile, does anyone who has actually kept an octopus have any additional tips, anecdotes, or advice?

 

[Anonymous]

I always wanted me one of them ! For years I've thought about it.

The best advice I've ever seen is at an octo-dedicated board:

http://www.tonmo.com/

 

[Black96WS6]

Thank you LawDawg, that site is great!

 

[Anonymous]

I used to raise O. joubini, marvelous intelligent critters but infortunately most Octopus are short lived.
Here's another great link:

http://www.cephbase.utmb.edu/

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[Anonymous]

If you do it Black96, post it up here so we can follow along.

Good Luck!

 

[Anonymous]

And some more info...

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/ ... invert.htm

You picked a great species. Bimacs are by far the hardiest. Some considerations:

Think of a larger tank, or adding a sump. 25 is a bit small for a full grown one, and it will get full grown rather quickly. A sump will let you add a kickbutt skimmer and run a lot of activated carbon. The two biggest considerations with octos regarding water quality--oxygen in the water needs to be as high as possible, and if they ink you want it out of the water ASAP. Don't be shy with the amount of carbon you use.

Make sure you use RO/DI water, or if you can get unpolluted natural seawater that will work too. Cephs won't last a night in tap water.

Make sure your rockwork is secured together with epoxy or whatever. Otherwise you'll get some rearranging and lanslides.

The eclipse will work, but make sure you somehow weigh or tie down the top lid. An octo can easily open those. Having said that, O. bimacs in particular can be kept in open tops. Sounds crazy, but they're reluctant to try and escape.

Give it lots of hiding spaces, and be patient watching it! It will hide a lot. The more space it has the more comfortable it will feel, and it will come out more eventually.

I think that's about it...oh yeah, don't let it bite you Hurts like a sonofabitch.

 

[Black96WS6]

LawDawg, will do! In fact, I'm going to start a new thread on the whole process so you can watch from start to finish!

Matt, thanks for the info! I will bookmark that 2003 invert article!

 

[Black96WS6]

Ok here we go! I'll keep a running cost too so everyone can see how much it will cost for a reasonable size tank and shooting for a reasonable success level with Octopuses (Octopi?) . I'll bump this thread in 2 months! Hehe

Day 1 - Sat night! Step #1! I Just returned from Pet Kingdom in San Diego, and very excited after purchasing a new 30 gal acrylic tall acquarium. I'm hoping the taller height of the acquarium will be an additional deterent to the little guy climbing out! The hard part is going to be waiting 2 months for the tank to cycle! . Cost: $140

 

[Black96WS6]

Day 1 - Step 2 - Accessories for the Octopus tank -

Coincidentally, PetCo is having a sale right now on Eclipse System 2 hoods, only $69.99, with free shipping for them! PLUS, they're having a 20% off discount on your first online order! What a bargain!

So I ordered:

1 - Eclipse System 2 hood - $69.99

2 - Intank Protein Skimmer (4/5 stars, check out the review here: http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/prskim ... nairli.htm, only $29.99)

3 - Air pump with decent power for the skimmer, this also serves to aerate the water, since Octopuses (Octopi?) require higher oxygen levels - $14.90

4 - Airline tubing and extra air stones for later, $11

Total damage for everything so far, incuding tank (almost done though): $246.10 (bye bye saved-up overtime money)

 

[Anonymous]

Gotta love it when ther is a sale at the right time!

 

[Anonymous]

It's octopuses, or more correctly octopodes. But never octopi

HTH,
Matt

Make sure that the pump for the eclipse is well covered. You'll want some sort of sponge filter on it ideally.

 

[Black96WS6]

*BuMp!* :wink:

Here's the latest:

Received the Petco shipment last week, setup the tank, went to home depot and got some PVC, and I'm cycling the tank using live rock:

PVC (Not yet in tank - power strip left in photo for size comparison):

Tank with flash on:

Tank with flash off: