questions about octopus tanks

[saltgirllucky]

hi I've had tanks most of my life however having an octopus tank is new to me I've been looking into doing it for awhile but never had the space i finally do and I've been deep diving into tank brands filter brands where i can get live rock but i was wondering about coral and other fish being in with him, i know no small fish cause he will eat them but i also don't wanna get something aggressive that will hurt him I've seen people have octopuses with other fish but i don't know if your actually supposed to do this I'm in the process of getting everything set up i don't see the actual octopus coming in for a few months i want everything to be perfect so any tips i would greatly appreciate

 

[Fish Fan]

I have wanted an octopus off and on for many, many years, but I'm not so sure anymore that these animals should be kept in captivity because of their intelligence.

What I do know about keeping them is that they require a fully mature system, with stable, clean water. You'll need an exceptionally tight fitting lid or they can squeeze out of the tiniest holes. You're probably aware that they are very short lived, so you'll want to try to source a young one.

Have you considered keeping Cuttlefish, which might do a bit better in an aquarium?

Good luck with your project!

 

[saltgirllucky]

I have wanted an octopus off and on for many, many years, but I'm not so sure anymore that these animals should be kept in captivity because of their intelligence.

What I do know about keeping them is that they require a fully mature system, with stable, clean water. You'll need an exceptionally tight fitting lid or they can squeeze out of the tiniest holes. You're probably aware that they are very short lived, so you'll want to try to source a young one.

Have you considered keeping Cuttlefish, which might be a bit better in an aquarium?

Good luck with your project!

yes i am aware of the life span and i do know they need immaculate tanks which is why i joined because I've never tried to have a tank pet like this before i was considering a cuttlefish but the intelligence of an octopus is actually what interreges me most about them I've watched a lot of videos on their mental development and i have some tank safe toys and i was going to try and make tank safe treat puzzles kind of like the ones you buy for dogs, i may push it off for a year or two but i definently have my heart set on an octopus

 

[Fish Fan]

yes i am aware of the life span and i do know they need immaculate tanks which is why i joined because I've never tried to have a tank pet like this before i was considering a cuttlefish but the intelligence of an octopus is actually what interreges me most about them I've watched a lot of videos on their mental development and i have some tank safe toys and i was going to try and make tank safe treat puzzles kind of like the ones you buy for dogs, i may push it off for a year or two but i definently have my heart set on an octopus

Your future octopus is going to require a tank that has been up and running for 6 to 12 months to become a stable system, so in that time you can try keeping some easier fish and other critters to get a feel for keeping a saltwater tank.

Have you considered the on going costs of a saltwater system? Salt mix, RODI freshwater, electricity, etc.?

If you're brand new to saltwater aquaria, this guide may be of some help:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

 

[saltgirllucky]

Your future octopus is going to require a tank that has been up and running for 6 to 12 months to become a stable system, so in that time you can try keeping some easier fish and other critters to get a feel for keeping a saltwater tank.

Have you considered the on going costs of a saltwater system? Salt mix, RODI freshwater, electricity, etc.?

If you're brand new to saltwater aquaria, this guide may be of some help:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

yes i have definently taken into account the financial aspect of it which is partially why i waited so long to do it, I've wanted to do a salt water tank sense i was 16, been to multiple fish specific stores around new England and have just had conversations with the people who work there, if i was to do any other kind of tank i would prefer a reef tank with some tangs or maybe a smaller type of puffer fish as I've looked into them as well and they are very smart and also just adorable, my grandfather had a salt water tank for awhile he had clown fish and a few other small fish he taught me a little bit about salt tanks but i know that what a clown fish needs is going to be very different to an octopus

 

[Fish Fan]

Having a Puffer can be like having an underwater dog, and I think would be an easier animal to keep than an octopus

 

[saltgirllucky]

Having a Puffer can be like having an underwater dog, and I think would be an easier animal to keep than an octopus

I’ve looked into avocado puffers in the past I believe those are brackish water but I find those adorable another fun salt water friend I was looking into was a mudskipper or something in that family ik they do get large depending on the type you get but I heard those are incredibly hard to keep if u don’t know what ur doing

 

[Gumbies R Us]

@Üter

 

[saltgirllucky]

@Üter

Fair enough from what I’ve read and am being told god definitely needs to be involved somehow

 

[Tahoe61]

I liken keeping Octopus to keeping a cat, it's not like keeping SW fish.
As you already know Octopus are intelligent, they are escape artists and Octopus need routine mental stimulus. You can't just stop by the tank and feed twice a day.
After keeping a couple different types I had the best luck with the California Twin Spot.
I fed clams, scallops and shrimp from local markets.
Never underestimate a clever Octopuses ability to escape.

 

[saltgirllucky]

I definitely wouldn’t underestimate them I’ve seen the videos of them escaping even from people who have been keeping them for a long time, I am aware like you said they need mental stimulus and as I stated that’s one big thing that makes me really want one they are so incredibly intelligent and I’ve been looking into custom fitted tanks which is part of why I waited so long to even consider it cause ik it’s gonna cost me a pretty Penny for the tank alone, let alone the filtration system food etc, did you feed live shrimp or dethawed? cause I’ve seen different opinions of feeding live food.

 

[DSC reef]

I was successful for a year, the octopus I had had a short life span, Caribbean i believe. I wouldn't keep anything with it personally, they make a mess when they eat so it was tough keeping that water clean. Such a cool octopus though, really interactive. I probably wouldn't do it again. I wish I had more pictures to show you. Just remember, octopus are escape artists, literally houdinni of the sea

 

[saltgirllucky]

I was successful for a year, the octopus I had had a short life span, Caribbean i believe. I wouldn't keep anything with it personally, they make a mess when they eat so it was tough keeping that water clean. Such a cool octopus though, really interactive. I probably wouldn't do it again. I wish I had more pictures to show you. Just remember, octopus are escape artists, literally houdinni of the sea

Oh he’s beautiful do you have any tips besides a custom lid and Velcro straps on every inch cause I have a few ideas on how to escape proof the tank looking to see what else I could try

 

[Üter]

look through my tank thread. it might answer many things for you. if not, shoot me questions.

 

[DSC reef]

Oh he’s beautiful do you have any tips besides a custom lid and Velcro straps on every inch cause I have a few ideas on how to escape proof the tank looking to see what else I could try

Mainly just try to get the closest fitting lid without any escape holes you can see. Remember, if you see a hole or a gap think that the octopus cant get through that, I guarantee he can Thank you for the kind words

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

hi I've had tanks most of my life however having an octopus tank is new to me I've been looking into doing it for awhile but never had the space i finally do and I've been deep diving into tank brands filter brands where i can get live rock but i was wondering about coral and other fish being in with him, i know no small fish cause he will eat them but i also don't wanna get something aggressive that will hurt him I've seen people have octopuses with other fish but i don't know if your actually supposed to do this I'm in the process of getting everything set up i don't see the actual octopus coming in for a few months i want everything to be perfect so any tips i would greatly appreciate

One thing I would suggest is to first determine which species of octopus you are considering, they are not all equal in terms of their husbandry needs.

Personally, I only keep octopus in a species-only tank, it simplifies things immensely. Besides, they are so cool that you really don't need any "icing on the cake" by adding other species.

 

[BryanM]

I definitely would want one as well, but I do not believe I could keep up with the husbandry they require.

 

[mr frogfish]

I have wanted an octopus off and on for many, many years, but I'm not so sure anymore that these animals should be kept in captivity because of their intelligence.

What I do know about keeping them is that they require a fully mature system, with stable, clean water. You'll need an exceptionally tight fitting lid or they can squeeze out of the tiniest holes. You're probably aware that they are very short lived, so you'll want to try to source a young one.

Have you considered keeping Cuttlefish, which might be a bit better in an aquarium?

Good luck with your project!

yes i am aware of the life span and i do know they need immaculate tanks which is why i joined because I've never tried to have a tank pet like this before i was considering a cuttlefish but the intelligence of an octopus is actually what interreges me most about them I've watched a lot of videos on their mental development and i have some tank safe toys and i was going to try and make tank safe treat puzzles kind of like the ones you buy for dogs, i may push it off for a year or two but i definently have my heart set on an octopus

I have had many octopus! I had a wunderpus named Rosie, and currently am setting my sights on a prickly algae octo. For a smaller species like the prickly, or the wunderpus, I’d recommend at least 30 gallons. For the larger species, a 65 gallon works. Also, if the tank has an overflow bow, tape the other side with Velcro! They can (and will) squeeze through holes as small as their beak which is the only solid part of their body. A Refugium and skimmer is recommended as they have a high bioload, and their ink can cloud the water for hours on end. Talk to me in the future about this. I’ll see if I can lend a hand through my screen. Good luck!

 

[mr frogfish]

I definitely would want one as well, but I do not believe I could keep up with the husbandry they require.

It is possible- and if the care requirements are met, they thrive! Give them toys, and other things to enrich themselves with as well, they can die from boredom.

 

[mr frogfish]

hi I've had tanks most of my life however having an octopus tank is new to me I've been looking into doing it for awhile but never had the space i finally do and I've been deep diving into tank brands filter brands where i can get live rock but i was wondering about coral and other fish being in with him, i know no small fish cause he will eat them but i also don't wanna get something aggressive that will hurt him I've seen people have octopuses with other fish but i don't know if your actually supposed to do this I'm in the process of getting everything set up i don't see the actual octopus coming in for a few months i want everything to be perfect so any tips i would greatly appreciate

One thing I would suggest is to first determine which species of octopus you are considering, they are not all equal in terms of their husbandry needs.

Personally, I only keep octopus in a species-only tank, it simplifies things immensely. Besides, they are so cool that you really don't need any "icing on the cake" by adding other species.

Put Velcro on the inside of your overflow box if you have one! The feeling of that Velcro makes them steer clear of hiding in the overflow box. Make sure you don’t have ANY impurities. Especially copper. Even a small amount can prove fatal. Use nice rocks, give it places to explore and hide. Drop in shells, and toys! They are creative and love to build caves! Deep sand beds help. Interaction with them daily is advised.