A lot of people are under the false impression that Octopuses require excellent water quality. Technically, this is not the case. They are very tolerant of Nitrates (for an invertebrate). However, they are still intolerant of what I call "The Big 3" - Ammonia, Nitrite, and Heavy Metals (especially Copper). In addition, they require more oxygen than a fish the same size (remember, they do have 3 hearts).
So here's where the Eclipse system comes in. As we know, it does an excellent job (specifically the bio-wheel) of removing Ammonia and Nitrites from the aquarium, however it does its job so well you end up with more nitrates. However remember what I said earlier, it isn't really as big a deal as all that. Regular partial water changes will keep them at very acceptable levels.
Now take a look at this pic:
Look at the first item (1.) - Water enters the Eclipse system via a magnetic impeller, and drops down onto the filter media. Here is your FIRST air/water exchange (that's GOOD for keeping tank Oxygen levels up).
Next, look at the second item (2.) - The spinning bio-wheel. Here is your SECOND air/water exchange. If you look closely towards the middle of the bio-wheel, you can actually see air bubbles forming.
Next, look at the third item (3.) - The exit flow. The water is shot out and drops down yet again into the tank water. This is your THIRD air/water exchange.
Lastly, notice the blue filter cartridge containing a long strip of carbon (that's GOOD for removing harmful items from the water and absorbing ink if the octopus inks).
Continued in next message...