Take a look at my cold water octopus tank

[Chilly Willie]

I wish all wild collectors observed your one way trip policy!

I don't think many wild collectors think about it much, which is why I mention it on the forums. The problem of contaminating wild populations is why the Dept of Fish and Game, in California, made it illegal to take fish, alive, away from the ocean, and why they frown on people keeping tanks with local animals at all. Currently it's not illegal for me to keep my octopus tank, but that will change if collectors aren't careful. It's tough to have to kill animals that you've considered your "pets", but in the end, if you just can't keep them anymore, it's the only responsible thing to do. Luckily, octopus only live about 18 months, so it's not a very long term commitment.

 

[Rbishop]

Nice shots!

 

[Juggalo3597]

I set up a 60 gallon cold water tank about a year ago for the purpose of keeping a local southern California octopus (O. Bimaculoides). I also have some strawberry anemone, and two gorgonians. (yes, it's all legal)

Here are some pictures

you have a blue ring ?

 

[Chilly Willie]

you have a blue ring ?

Hell no. I prefer animals that can't easily kill me. I have an Octopus Bimaculolides (latin for "two-spot"). The California Two Spot Octopus is a common (and harmless) species that lives in southern California. It is extremely similar to O.Bimaculatus, often referred to as a "Bimac".

 

[DrNo]

Just awesome... my dream specimen, but clearly for experts only.

 

[Chilly Willie]

Just awesome... my dream specimen, but clearly for experts only.

Experts Only? This is my very first marine tank! I really did my homework, and I'm a naturally careful and meticulous guy, but I didn't wait to become an expert before I got my octopus. If you really want to do it, then go to tonmo.com, and read everything. Then ask lots of questions. If you can plan well, and go slowly and carefully, you can keep an octopus. Be careful, but don't be intimidated.

 

[Cheech]

great story and setup!

 

[Trigger1985]

Awsome tank, I really wish I lived closer to an ocean so I could see all this stuff all the time. And now I've learned something, guess I can go back to bed, thanks for sharing.

 

[Chilly Willie]

Here are some updated photos

First, the Full Tank Shot. The octopus is peeking over the top of the rock pile near the top right - his favorite perch.

A better show of the octopus

Here's a close up of the golden gorgonian, showing the hardware it uses to catch rotifers.

And a couple more glamor shots of the octopus.

 

[RDTigger]

Most of us aim for unique and interesting...


You have what most of us dream for...opcorn:opcorn:opcorn:opcorn:opcorn: