I think i want to set up an octopus tank

[PTubman]

I dont think metal is the best thing for an octo, that and the holes might be too big for them. The only hard part of an octo is the beak, so if it can stick its beak through it can fit the rest of its body through. If it is a mesh it could work, then again the metal might be an issue

 

[sedor]

Ya the metal could be an issue, but the whole size wouldn't be a problem. I'm talking screen type material exactly like what is on a screen door. I didn't think about rust though...

 

[PTubman]

that size should be fine, but not the metal. Not only for the rust but the skin on an octo is very thin and will absorb easy, and metals are not invertabrate friendly

 

[Thales]

I have read articles that 55 gallons maybe be to big for some species (including small bimacs) because it would be harder for them to chase food (although some say chasing food is good for their health, they wont get bored).

Do you have a link? Mostly, that is recommended for acclimating some cephs to captivity.

Of course, the size of the tank depends on the species.

 

[PTubman]

i would have to do some research and find them again. They were articles about the benefits of keeping certain species (bimacs included) in smaller tanks for long term. I will try to find them this week

 

[Aqua_boy]

Check this link.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4444538_prepare-pet-octopus.html

 

[Lmecher]

Wow, a lot of interesting views on octopus keeping. They are not really all that difficult to keep. Keep in mind octopus are very plentiful and considered a food item. Mine (pictured in my avitar) was purchased from a guy in Florida who gets them from crabbers. If not for the hobbiests, these animals would be destroyed. They are considered pests by the trappers. Tonmo.com is the best place for all cephalopod information, a lot of very experienced folks there willing to help out new and experienced keepers.

 

[Thales]

Generalities regarding ceph keeping worry me because they lead to husbandry mistakes that can cost animals their lives. Please forgive the line by line dissection below.

Wow, a lot of interesting views on octopus keeping. They are not really all that difficult to keep.

Depends on the species - some are very difficult to keep.

Keep in mind octopus are very plentiful and considered a food item.

Very much depends on the species.

Mine (pictured in my avitar) was purchased from a guy in Florida who gets them from crabbers. If not for the hobbiests, these animals would be destroyed. They are considered pests by the trappers.

Again, depends on the species. Many of the octos available in the hobby come from different parts of the world and are collected specifically for the trade.

Tonmo.com is the best place for all cephalopod information, a lot of very experienced folks there willing to help out new and experienced keepers.

Agreed!

 

[Lmecher]

Thales, one never minds having posts dissected but I find it difficult not to generalize here. I only stated my opinion. I think anyone who is interested in keeping an octopus should visit Tonmo.com, read the journals, tank requirments and talk with other octopus keepers. There are many species avaliable to hobbiests, some which have very specific requirmnets and others that should not be kept at all. It's all in education yourself beforehand. Preperation is the key to being successful.

I see you have a 140 breeding system, thats fascinating! What species are you atttempting to breed? I am very interested your set up, from what I understand, there has been very limited success with breeding in captivity. There was someone who bred bimacs a while ago and there has been some success with dwarfs (mercs). Do you keep a journal?