Dwarf Octopus DIY Nano tank build

[TomStav]

Recently I have been Searching the Internet for something different for a single species tank, and I am very interested in a Dwarf octopus tank.

I would be starting this project from scratch, here are my initial plans...

I would like to build an acrylic 10G tank with overflow and a fully escape proof top, I have a great glass shop nearby so I would get all of the acrylic cut and assemble myself (not sure on the type of glue used for acrylic tanks as I don't want to use silicone, I want cleaner edges). I would like to drill 3 holes in the bottom of the tank so that I have no cables and pipes in the DT so that the top can be completely sealed. I plan on getting an overflow section made on the back panel with a durable mesh over the overflow grates to ensure the octopus doesn't harm itself or find it's way into the sump. I plan on two return pipes for adequate circulation. A 2-3 inch sand bed (fine dry aragonite), with a few large LR making a cave for the octopus to call home. Lighting TBD, maybe just red LEDs as they are nocturnal so I could still view it.

I would like to add a 10-15G sump with three compartments, 1) filter sock with LR rubble, 2) HOB skimmer (rated for 75-150G) and heater and UV, 3) 400-800 GPH return pump with filter pad (will be rinsed frequently). The sump would not be covered to allow for good gas exchange. Thinking possibly white & blue LED lighting (need to research), enough to sustain the LR and beneficial algae.

I will draw some diagrams of the tank and sump design and share them here tomorrow.

Once the tank has fully cycled and sustains perfect conditions I would like to add a Dwarf octopus. My first plan is to find a reliable breeder. Due to there short life span (6-12 months) i need to be sure to find a juvenile tank bred octopus. Also as they are hard to identify when they are young and I want to be sure I am getting the right species! I am still researching which species to get as I have lots of time until the tank would be ready (as it only exists in my mind right now!), I'm not rushing this project at all! I have seen some that only grow to 2-3 inches, if you know of any particular species I would be grateful. I would do 25% PWC per week or possibly even biweekly.

Also I will be researching feeding once I know the species, I would prefer to feed the octopus mainly on live foods (clams, crabs, shrimp, snails etc) but I need to look into this more. Also I plan on interacting with the octopus daily as I have read that with constant challenges and brain teasers they live a longer happier life.

I know this is a big commitment but I would be up for it, I have experience with SW fish care and am confident I can produce the perfect habitat but first I need to gain some Knowledge about the Dwarf Octopuses so that I do everything right! So any thoughts and suggestions about anything in this project will be greatly appreciated!

 

[jenatron]

Definitely tagging along! I loooove octopuses.
Have you heard of Tonmo? It's a good cephalopod website.
Good luck!

 

[iDream]

I believe mercatoris is a good dwarf species, be careful of blue ringed octopuses. Deathly poisonous and not at all a good species to keep.


Definitely good on the large skimmer and escape-proofing the tank, as well as the red LEDs. You've been doing some reading lol. I'm far from an expert on them, but jenatron and I did tons and tons of reading about them, as we wanted to keep one as well.

I'm definitely along for the ride

 

[TomStav]

Definitely tagging along! I loooove octopuses.
Have you heard of Tonmo? It's a good cephalopod website.
Good luck!

Thanks for the link, very helpful!

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[TomStav]

I believe mercatoris is a good dwarf species, be careful of blue ringed octopuses. Deathly poisonous and not at all a good species to keep.

Definitely good on the large skimmer and escape-proofing the tank, as well as the red LEDs. You've been doing some reading lol. I'm far from an expert on them, but jenatron and I did tons and tons of reading about them, as we wanted to keep one as well.

I'm definitely along for the ride

Sooooooo much reading! I am definitely leaning towards the O. Mercatoris octopus, I found some for sale at gulfliverock.com, however I will contact them to find out if they are captive bred as I don't want one straight form the ocean, but I still have plenty of time to find a better source.

I have sketched up some designs for the tank and will post them tomorrow to get some feedback.

Thanks

Tom

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[iDream]

Yeah mercatoris is a good small species but I believe the are really nocturnal, as in the lights on in the room will keep them in hiding.

Either way I'd be super jealous of you!

 

[Swimzebras]

Do they eat non live/non moving food if you were to put it in a jar?

 

[TomStav]

Do they eat non live/non moving food if you were to put it in a jar?

They can eat raw shrimp & clams etc but I would prefer to keep it fed mainly on live foods, such as snails and crabs etc, maybe even the occasional feeder fish, just because I think the more natural the better it would be for the octopus. I still need to research the feeding but that's the basics from what I gather.

 

[Swimzebras]

Cuz it seems like itd be hard to keep a ton of mediumish sized live food on hand

 

[Swimzebras]

Wait, also, what will you do for a CUC? Cuz won't the octopus eat everything?

 

[Dylan5359]

I don't think they'd bother serpent stars.

-Dylan

 

[Swimzebras]

Oh! That'd work for most of a small CUC right?

 

[Dylan5359]

What size tank?

-Dylan

 

[Swimzebras]

Not for me, ten gal. This actually isn't my thread! I guess I'm sort of intruding, I'll try to step back a bit! Sorry

 

[Dylan5359]

Oh haha. I thought you were who made this thread! It's fine. What you ask may be a question someone else has. And for a ten gallon... That's a tough one. Honestly no. But a serpent star and FWC's would be okay.

-Dylan

 

[TomStav]

Cuz it seems like itd be hard to keep a ton of mediumish sized live food on hand

I plan on keeping a weeks worth of live food in a rufugium that I have on my larger SW tank. I will probably alternate feeding live and dead foods every day.

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[TomStav]

Wait, also, what will you do for a CUC? Cuz won't the octopus eat everything?

As for a CUC in the DT its likely that nothing will survive with the octopus, as it's going to be a primarily dark tank (red lights) so algae blooms should be minimal and with the strong filtration the waste from the octopus shouldn't be a problem. I have a guy that can supply me large quantities of marine snails for a great price so I plan on throwing some in every week or so to clean up, and if the octopus is well fed then some may live for a while...

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[Dylan5359]

Serpent stars, dwarf octopuses might not bother.

-Dylan

 

[TomStav]

The dimensions of the display tank is going to be...

12"W x 15"L x 12"T

Making approximately 9G at fill level.

The back and sides will be 3/8" black acrylic and the front will be 3/8" clear. The bottom panel will be 1/2" black arcrylic. This will eliminate a lot of light entering the tank (as this will be a dark tank).

The top will be made of 1/4" clear acrylic.

I am yet to finish the sump and plumbing plans but plan on around a 10G sump.

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[TomStav]

Serpent stars, dwarf octopuses might not bother.

-Dylan

Not sure about this, I would put money on the octopus eating it, though it's a good thought.

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