Thanks again everyone,
Sorry for the long delay, but we've been on break for a week, followed by the blizzard of 2007, so I havn't been around a PC for quite a while. Norge, we're going to be using bimacs and looking at some aspect of their behavior, especially demonstrative learning abilities and the factors or cofactors that enhance these abilities. The real details are still TBA and dependent on the funding we receive from various departments. We're looking into the basics of tank construction this spring, setting up a marine system, and letting it cycle until about August when I'll start to add our research animals. If Octopods don't work out (hopefully they do!) we might look at other marine aquaria that demonstrate documented learning and complex behaviors (perhaps mantis shrimp).
Just another quick question, I'm thinking of building a U shaped tank to house two individuals. Imagine a large U, with the two vertical sections as housing, and the horizontal section as an experimental chamber we can encourage the animals into for trials to avoid any complicated movement. There will be *strong* divisions between all three sections to prevent escape/intrusion into the living quarters and certain chaos generated between two octopods. As far as tank water flow goes, I realize this may be problematic. Would people suggest we carry out the U construction, or just create a large square shaped tank and include tank dividers that allow water passage to artificially generate the U shape? Just don't want to create or encourage dead spots, and I think moving water in the U might be challenging. Perhaps fellow researchers have a better understanding/past experience with tank schematics. I'll post what I've drawn up if people are interested/need help envisioning the U proposal.
Thanks in advance!
-O