Newbie

[Hrtland_Patriot]

I have always been fascinated with Octopi, but fell in love 13 years ago. My youngest was granted a Make-A-Wish and during his trip, we got a behind the scenes VIP tour of the Seward, AK Sealife Center. While there, I was able to play with on of their female Octopus. The care taker told me she really liked me because she turned bright red and hugged my forearm. She would have continued up my arm but I got worried when her beak got close to my fingers.
Anyway, it has been love ever since. I had never before thought to own one, but now that I am retired, I find I am bored and need a new hobby.
I have done some research and understand that I will need to cycle a tank for a minimum of 3 months before getting my new baby. Where do I get living rock? Should I have a second smaller tank for feeder shrimp, fish, crab? How often do they eat? I am a night owl so I have no issues with a nocturnal Octopus but a diurnal would be okay. Please educate me so I may become a responsible hobbyist and Octopi momma.
P.S. If you have a male and female will they mate?

Please be patient as I learn.

 

[tonmo]

welcome to TONMO, @Hrtland_Patriot -- you've definitely come to the right place, in terms of learning. The best thing you can do is read and research. The Cephalopod Care forums are the ones to peruse.


Looking forward to your journey!

 

[Harbor WildWatch]

I’d recommend familiarizing yourself with general aquarium care as well as octopus care. There’s a lot of problems avoided when you have a good understanding of aquaria. You could race set up a tank for some easy fish and inverts before eventually getting your octo. I’d recommend finding a local aquarium store in your area. Just be sure before you purchase equipment, you do your research to ensure it’s compatible with your octopus.

 

[tonmo]

All good advice ^^

 

[jlarzelere]

Definitely familiarize yourself with the chemistry components as well; alkalinity and what will happen if it’s too low or high what caused certain levels to fluctuate and what chemicals can be used to fix water quality issues. Copper of course being a huge thing, if you’re buying a used tank make sure copper hasn’t been used in that aquarium before the same with rock if you’re buying live rock. Most places like petco who keep live rock in their tanks keep copper in their display tanks at all times. I would use dry rock.