New to this hobby

[Mewcan]

Hi! I accidentally found this site while I was researching the possibility of owning a little octopus. I have dozens of questions, can anyone help????

I am wanting a small bimaculatus or briareus, which is the best for a beginner? I heard these two are more "hardy" than others. What should the salinity, PH, temp, nitrate, nitrite and ammonia levels be?

I have a live rock system with a wet/dry pump (eclipse system hood), no sump or skimmer, are these essential, can I get away without using them?

I have lots more, but I need to get them all together.

[Rinaldi]

Read, read, and read if you are going to undertake this project. Start here for some good information:

Cephalopod page
http://is.dal.ca/~ceph/TCP/index.html

Cephsource (No longer operating, but the information is Good)
http://www.sealifeaquarium.com/cephsource/


Other notes:

- Bimaculatus or Bimaculoides will be less escape prone
than Briareous

- Keeping a lower temperature is important to octopus lifespan.

- Water quality is important and they are messy eaters, so good filtation is recommended. A skimmer would help. Zero ammonia and nitrite is the goal.

- Prepare to have a live source of marine crustaceans. Avoid freshwater live foods if possible, including goldfish. Crayfish and fiddler crabs are fine. Some feed frozen shrimp to octopus if they will take it.

- Make the tank escape proof - These creatures are amazing - Some species are less adapt to attempt escape (Some even keep Bimacs without a lid on tank, but this is a risk)

- I personally like larger tanks, but many seem to put octopus in small tanks.


I have a collection of articles and materials which I could copy and send to you for a small charge (copy and postage).

[Mewcan]

I have researched both of those sites. Do you know of any others? I am the type of person that wants most if not all of the basis covered when it comes to pets/animals!
Thanks!