Octopus &.....

[Evan]

What could I keep in a 77 gal. tank with an octopus? I was hoping a triggerfish(orange-striped).

 

[neptune]

No trigger fish, it will eat your octo or visa versa, but my money would be on the trigger if you got a baby octo.

You could put a starfish or urchin in there, as long as it does not have sharp points.

GL

 

[NickA5582]

No fish can be kept with an octo, only itself and maybe some echinoderms, but like Neptune said, get a pencil urchin because they can't poke your octo.

 

[Evan]

OK since they don't live that long I'll try one. Can I put a bimac in my tank? Also I can't afford a protein skimmer but we a bimac be OK without it? Also do they bite?

 

[Burstsovenergy24]

Evan, you cant just get an octo because they dont live long! That's horrible!


But to answer your questions:

1. Yes, you can. I wouldnt, not now at least.
2. No. My skimmer was $100; can you afford that?
3. Sometimes.

 

[Evan]

thats not my reason that came out wrong!

 

[cthulhu77]

An octo tank requires the same water quality as that of a good reef tank...so most of us use protein skimmers...I would splurge on the skimmer, get the best one you can $$ !
On the bright side (pardon the pun, I couldn't resist) you don't need to have halide lights, so just a standard flo. fixture is ok...
Be sure an put your tank in the database when you get it up and running...good luck!
greg

 

[joel_ang]

A bimac would do well in a 77 gal. You could try builing a DIY skimmer, we have an article here on how to do just that.

 

[Nancy]

A word about protein skimmers. You see their real value as your octopus grows. As your octo puts out more waste, the skimmer becomes more valuable in keeping your tank clean. And you'll be really greatful to have the skimmer when your octo inks, because it does such a great job of removing the ink from the water.

Nancy