Octopus for first tank

[Saltwater noob]

Could you give me an example of a situation or two and possible remedies for them? Looking for information that could help me resolve those situations. Just curious what I'm getting into and people that are willing to help, with physical experience seems to be the best venue for that. Thx

 

[Reefrookie220]

Read, Read, Read. Then take a bathroom break, grab a bite, then read some more. Then you'll probably be tired of reading so take a break....and on that break READ.

 

[Tahoe61]

I kept and collected Octopi during the 90's and early 2000.

Keeping one is much like keeping a cat or dog. It's not a put in tank and walk away pet like fish and corals.

Acquiring a healthy specimen is extremely important. I recommend the California Two Spot, Octopus bimaculoides.

Prepare to be amazed and then heartbroken.

 

[kangadrew]

I have some experience keeping octopuses from back in the '90s and thought I would share my thoughts on your post.


Based on this comment alone, I believe you have a lot of researching ahead of you.


Keeping octopuses can be a great project, but a main factor should not be their short lifespans.
You should have a firm understanding and experience with successfully keeping a saltwater system prior to keeping an octopus. Octopuses are sensitive creatures that need a stable environment; which varies dependent on species. Keeping octopuses should not be regarded of lightly; plenty of research, study and considerations for their needs and well-being need to be planned out and achieved prior to purchasing.

If you have not read the book, Cephalopods by Dunlop and King, I highly suggest you do.

When it comes to which species to keep, please pass on the Mimic Octopus. They may be striking in their colors and patterns, but they often do not exhibit any mimicry in the aquarium and they do not have the best survival rates.
There are plenty of small species to choose from that have fared better in captivity.

So if you do plan on keeping an octopus...
Do a lot more research.
Set up, establish and maintain a successful saltwater system.
Determine a specific species you want to keep.
Do more research on the selected species.
And create a habitat for that species.

Octopuses are amazing animals!
Someday I would like to keep them again, but I am content with my reef tanks for now.

Yeah, this is pretty spot-on. You generally want a very established saltwater system. I currently have a caribbean reef octopus, and she lives in a 75 gallon as they can reach around 2 feet long. I wish I could move her, but I'm saving up for something around 180 gallons since she's still small. I cycled my tank for a month and added an octopus and it died in 2 days, even though parameters were very close to perfect (0,0,0) but one little thing was off. After letting it cycle for 3 months everything was perfect. You need a sump for equipment, and make sure to mesh off the plumbing. You need carbon for when they squirt ink. You need hiding spots, so lots of live rock. You need a tight fitting lid - I duct tape mine and it holds well. Also you need heavy filtration because they are messy feeders. I am currently running a protein skimmer (rated for 180 gallons) as well as a canister filter (rated for around 50 gallons) and it barely keeps up. They are very cool animals, but don't live long and they are very hard to keep - if you're starting, pick up a 40 gallon and build yourself a nice little reef.

Oh and btw, mine has been kept with corals for her life and has been fine, but they've been heavily glued down. But once she went in the CUC was toast!