- Joined
- Feb 3, 2011
- Messages
- 192
Since I'm 3 days away from receiving my first bimac hatchlings I thought this was a good time to start journaling, both for my sake and for others who may be doing the same thing in the future.
First, a brief synopsis of how this came to be: I became interested in octopus many years ago but knew I was not qualified to care for one. Instead I got into saltwater tanks with fish and corals and became addicted. Three years later I am again renewing my fascination with these wonderful creatures. As I was re-doing my research I saw a post from a student at Boston University looking for homes for some Bimac hatchlings. Being heavily into animal rehab and rescue, I jumped on the opportunity and privilege and will be picking some up this Sunday.
I've had dozens of different ideas running through my head as to the best habitat to set up and have nearly driven myself (and others) crazy. I've decided to stop thinking of the housing for the "full grown" bimac because I need to cross the other bridges before I (hopefully) get to the adult housing. So, my latest idea as of this morning is below and I am hoping I will receive comments, suggestions, modifications, etc.
Purchase a 20 or 30 gallon aquarium. (I don't want to use any of my old ones because I want a sterile, uncontaminated start). I then want to purchase another Fluval G-6 (I really love the one I have) which will be VAST overkill for a small tank, but better more filtration than less, right? I will add 10 pounds or so of live rock from my other tanks, and am not sure about a sand bed (thoughts here, please?) Then, inside of this tank, I want to set up a Kriesel type of system. I will purchase the largest plastic goldfish bowl I can find, cut "windows" into both flat sides, and cover them with the finest mesh I can find. I will submerge this into the tank, place a weighted piece of acrylic or glass over the top, and that will be the home for the hatchlings. I don't think I will need an airstone in there because the flow from the Fluval should be plenty strong on the outside of the goldfish bowl.
Does this sound like a good starter plan? If I find that the hatchlings can't be kept in the same container (fighting) I will place breeder nets in that fishtank with one hatchling in each. (not sure how I would cover those, most I've seen don't have covers).
My first three questions are:
- Do I want a live sand bed or a bare bottom (this question applies to the tank and the goldfish bowl)
- Do I want any macro algae in the goldfish bowl for them to hide in/play with?
- Will a large canister filter be sufficent for a while or should I plan to put a skimmer in there?
Fire away - I'm all ears, and VERY excited!
Sue