Cuttlefish troubles! Need of some assistance!

[CuttlefishLover]

Hey everyone!

I have many questions to ask about some very specific things. But first I just thought that I should mention to you all that I have ABSOLUTELY no clue, what so ever, on saltwater aquariums! So if you want to talk about complicated things like HP or complicated stuff like that, please talk in such a way as if you are talking to a true beginner! Thanks!

Anyways. I currently live in Uganda, where are none, honestly, no saltwater aquariums at all! This of course kind of messes up my dream, because my dream is to own my very own cuttlefish!

Cuttlefishes has always been a dream of mine to own! They are simply just awesome in every possible way, I mean, look at ‘em! How awesome does it get? Well, anyways, I am finally moving to a place where I can full fill this dream of mine, nowhere else, but Abu Dhabi! This is the ideal place to take my obsession to life and buy myself a cuttlefish! But first I have some questions, which was the actual reason I decided to post this.

For starters, after a lot of research, I decided that the species of cuttlefish I want is the Sepia Bandensis. After what I know, this is the world’s smallest species of cuttlefish - only growing up to 10cm. Does anyone know a standard price for these guys? (in dollars please)

I would of course like my S. Bandensis to enjoy his tank, so I have read that 30 gallon is best for him. So that is what I am getting. I also want my cuttlefish to live in a nice habitat.

Should I have live sand? Is that a must? And the same with live rocks, do I need that for my cuttle to survive? Or can I use artificial? (Which is much cheaper). Also, are corals necessary?

And again, I really am a beginner, so what equipment should I buy? And I mean all! Every single detail in necessary stuff I need to set up my aquarium and the total price for everything!

Thanks for all answers! Really appreciated!

 

[maxxin69]

We have some in our DT at my LFS :smile: The most important thing that you would need is a decent supply of live feed shrimp (grass or ghost shrimp work great), you can ween them onto frozen, but the ones that we have only eat live. I would advise getting sand, I haven't really seen them do anything with the sand but it provides for a much more natural habitat. You can use artificial, just make sure you use an adequate amount and have plenty of caves for them to hide in. Corals are by no means necessary, but you can add them if you want.

Equipment wise, you could just go with a standard 30 if you can get one (there's no 30 that I know of except for the Nuvo by Innovative Marine), although there are stock 29 gallons. A sump would be preferable since it would provide more water volume, but if not a HOB would probably suffice if you go with one that is rated for at least double the tank volume or a canister that is rated for about 50 gallons. A skimmer is highly recommended, they are really messy eaters. I have no clue what your prices are in your area, but around here it would cost about $600 or so. Also, use ONLY RO or RODI water. Other non-filtered waters and even distilled has impurities that can be toxic.
:director:Welcome to R2R!!!!!!

 

[redfishbluefish]

My only comment to this thread is that you need to realize that they only live a couple years. And I have to agree, they are the most fasinating little creature there is with their abillity to not only change color, but also change texture.

 

[maxxin69]

My only comment to this thread is that you need to realize that they only live a couple years..

It's a same that they are so short lived :cry: they usually don't last over a year, unless you get them as teeny weeny babies.