Tank Cleaning

[gwrulzmylife]

OK, should I clean up after the Octopus? He's leaving LOTS of crab bits behind when he's done eating. If I should clean it up, how should I do it without getting him riled? he comes out now after my hand and I've only had him for about a month.

THANKS!

 

[OctoMonkey]

sent you a reply PM

 

[XNavyDiver]

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sent you a reply PM

 

[Gonodactylus]

Crustacean cuticle is a particulalry rich source of phosphates, so tanks that have a lot of bits and pieces of crab shell, etc often develop severe problems with algae. If this concerns you, I would suggest removing all of the cuticle that you can after a feeding.

Roy

 

[OctoMonkey]

very good point Roy and something i had never thought of

 

[Crevalle]

"Cuticle?" Could you elaborate? Are you referring to the actual exoskeleton, or joint material?

 

[Gonodactylus]

The entire exoskeleton is loaded with phosphate. The more you can remove the better. When feeding crabs or shrimp, often what remains is the shell sucked clean. I usually try to get this out the same day.

 

[Crevalle]

Wow, you learn something new every day. I never would have guessed. Thanks for the info.

 

[gwrulzmylife]

Squidward (my octo) is a mean critter! Attacks the net that I use to try to clean up the shells. He also (seriously!) seems to be sprouting horns above his eyes. Is he the devil or just that species' trait to have horns? I got him from octopets.