Do you think I shoud try and get a young, small octo or an older larger one to begin with?

Although I do not keep them myself, through reading the chronicals of many octo keepers here I would be of the opinion that a young one is better, as their lifespan does not seem very long.

Lithographette is on the right track. Since octopuses have short lifespans, you'll have more time with your pet if you get a younger one.

However, many of our members have adopted full grown octopuses with success - it's just that they don't have their octo for very long.

Nancy