Cuttlefish Experts inside please.

[MrMongoose]

I'm thinking about setting up a cuttlefish tank within the next year or so but I'm just trying to get some information ot point myself in the right direction. Let me explain my "grand master plan" right off. I want to house a pair in a 120 4X2X2 with a medium amount of liverock w/ many hiding places/overhangs/caves ect... Now here is where it gets interesting, I want it to also be an SPS tank with (2) 400W MH's haning over the tank. I'm sure you've all seen the HDTV Japan Reef show with the cuttlefish laying eggs inside SPS colonies.....That is what I want. I know that the Cuttlefish donot like intense light but assumeing that I offered them places to get out of the light it should be ok right?
What type of cuttlefish should I get? I'm looking for one with a lifespan of about 2 years and can live in a pair. Also one that doesn't get too very big but still has the changing color jawdropping factor.
Because this would be an SPS tank water perameters would ofcourse be preistene with mega amount of water flow (3000GPH) Is thier anything else in particular I need to pay special attention for when setting up a CF tank? Thanks for any and all help.
-Nathan

 

[Reefin'247]

they also like cooler temps around 72-74 f

 

[Energy]

The 400 watt metal Halides will blind your cuttlefish quickly. I had two sps tanks with cuttlefish. One was 150 gallons with 3- 250 watt halides. The cuttles did Fine in there. The other tank was 220 gallons with 400 watt halides. I placed a cuttle in that tank to catch a camel shrimp for me and he started to go blind within 5 days. When I transferred him back over to the 150 gallon just 5 days later the damage was done and he didn't make it. Also cuttlefish are territorial. I would only place one in a 150 gallon or smaller tank. I am reffering to s.officanilis species or the common European cuttlefish. The smaller Bandesis might be o.k in a pair.

 

[Thales]

The temps they like depend on the species.

Energy, how old were the cuttle when it went blind? Cuttles often have eye problems as the approach/enter sensescence, so it may have had nothing to do with the lighting. True, most don't like it so bright, but they usually just hide until lights out.

MrMongoose,
In the US we are very limited as to which species we can get. Odds are you will either get bandensis or the common European cuttle (which are too big for your tank).

 

[Milkshakeboi]

I would suggest a s. bandesis.It is rather small cuttle.I have one now that is only 1".Its true.Its so small and adorable..And it likes to eat sooo much..But i don't try to over feed it or else they may be too full and lazy...VEry interesting.

One of my friend kept his in a brightly lighted tank and the cuttle got blind within 2days. though the cutllefish had so many hiding places, it just did not seem to be ok...Thus, he lose his.!!

 

[Energy]

My cuttles were relatively young. Just avoid the bright lights or you'll be sorry.