Octopus and Reef tanks...

[javajoe]

My interest in starting a reef tank actually started after seeing something on the learning channel about the "Mimic Octpus"... it got me wonering if you could keep an octupus in a tank, and after some searching, found out that yes, you can. In the process of my research, i discovered information on reef tanks, and decided that this would be much more fun, and have changed my goal from raising an octopus to setting up a reef tank.
NOW- you can probably see where this is going...
1. After i have an establised reef tank, can I add an octopus? (this would be a tank with LS/LR 4inch DSB, 50 gallon tank)
2. If i plan on doing this, what should i avoid putting in the tank? (If i ever DO add an octopus, i will add this once it is establshed for wuite some time.)
(I am aware that the lifespan of the octopus is very short)
Thanks in advance...
Joe

 

[aquaman2]

dont add any crustations and i dont think fish would work also. i have seen a octipus in the same tank with several star fish at a public aquarim. Also im not sure you will be able to find a mimic octipus except on the net. You need a very tight cover and no holes in it or the will get out. I am not a expert on octipus this is just info i have.

 

[javajoe]

Oh- i should have mentioned- i am not looking for a mimic-- from my understanding, they are not all that common so i would not expect to be able to get one of those....
thanks-- so no fish... unless i want them to be dinner i suppose?

 

[mark-24]

You're gonna want to stay away from octopus or any kind. They are very difficult to keep alive in captivity, need absolutely perfect water condictions, an extremely tight hood with no holes or cracks at all, and octopus/octopie, whatever the pulral form is, they are all very aggressive animals they will almost totaly destory you reef tank. They do best in a species only tank, and if you don't provide one, he'll make it his own tank. Please don't get one of these amoazing creatures, it's a big mistake.
-Mark

 

[pufferlover]

The other main down thing is that they only live a year or two at best.

 

[ke4nfy]

i have to agree with mark-24 everything i have read or been told about them is that they will just about destroy your setup to make a home

 

[playtime]

There are a few people on this board who have had them. Personally, I wouldn't. Basicly everyone here has given you the right advise. You can do a search on them using the search button on top. No one really talked about inking. That is a real problem. Should he/she get stressed, spooked or other, he/she can ink the tank which can kill everything including him. I would hate to see you put so much hard work and money on a great reef tank and have it destroyed by an octopi. They told you that they have a short life span but they didn't give you the right time line. 6 months . thats not long enough in my eyes. Why risk it.
Playtime

 

[@knight]

octapi will destroy a reef tank in no time flat! they will move around your LR, they are mean, and will eat any fish or invert it can get its hands on. they are cool creatures, but just not good in captivity.

 

[mal]

Sammy is right, the ink is not poisonous, it is a means to escape. In large concentrated amounts (aqauriums)it is thought to interfere with the exchange of oxygen, thus causing death to it, and other inhabitants of the tank. I have done extensive reading on keeping an octopus. There is a lot of very good information out there on keeping them. Some of the best research is by behavioral phychologists. They are VERY smart animals as metioned. They can negotiate mazes and complete simple and some complex problems. Again as mentioned, they are very accomplished escape aritsts. They will re-arange everything in the tank to thier own desire, and will eat pretty much anything, especially fish in the tank. Most research I have read has decribed in positive light the "personality", and relationship octopus develop with the keeper. A species specific tank is also a must. Some newer research also suggests water quality does not have to be as "perfect" as once thought. In nature the lifespan is about 2 years at the most in the longest lived species, 1 year in most others. If you want to get one, do so. Just do all the research you possibly can to assure you provide the best environment you can. The same as you would any other animal you keep. From what I have read they are most difficult to keep, bar none, but also the most rewarding. Good luck with whatever you choose.