new octopus tank help..

[eXcite95]

i am interested in setting up a tank for an octopus and was wondering if anyone had any input on what i might need. a lfs has a mimic octopus in at the moment and wanted to get it, but i wanted to research a bit before i just buy the thing and throw it in a tank.

any and all advice is appreciated

thanks in advance

nick b

 

[eXcite95]

bump!

being more specific, i heard they are escape artists so what preventative measures should be taken?


nick

 

[asid61]

Octopuses are escape artists, so an all-glass hood and drilled tank+sump is good. Duct tape is your friend! Also, how much experience do you have with saltwater? And how large a tank are you going to set up for it?
Keep in mind an octopus is going to need a 50 gallon or larger aquarium, as you want to prepare for an unexpected type of octo, unless you are getting captive-bred.

 

[asid61]

Oops, didn't see the bit about a mimic octopus.
A word of advice: don't get it. Chances are, it's a wonderpus, and mimics don't show their mimicking in captivity. Also, both octos don't survive long in a home aquarium, and I have only seen one documented case where they managed to keep it alive for more than a month; this was with a marine biologist working at a public aquarium who has bred dwarf cuttlefishes.
Leave it in the store, and see if you can get the LFS to not order any more.

 

[eXcite95]

Doing a bit more research, I think im leaning towards a pygmy octopus. I've been reefing for three years so I know how to keep good water quality.

Thanks for the advice

Nick b

 

[NaCL Aquarist]

As a group, Octopusses do not live long, even under ideal marine conditions. Their life history is interesting, but brief. Their demeanor/intelligence is fascinating, but fleeting.

Even in their native/"best" wild habitats, most do not live for more than a couple years. They are resourceful,... ultimate escape artists,... and skillful hunters. Say Goodbye to most crustaceans, and slow-moving fish, in the tank?

They are also expert "hiders", be it via camouflage, or finding a good "hideout" in rocks. An octopus-only tank, extremely well sealed, may be your only option. And don't expect a long life?