Sam has Died

[dbbga]

this morning I got up and checked on the tank and Sam was not there, I looked and looked and she was on the floor next to a chair, she had gotten out through a small airline opening that i thought there was no way she could get thru I was wrong

 

[tonmo]

I'm sorry Deb. Here's my favorite pic of Sam:

 

[Nancy]

Hi Deb,

So very sorry about Sam She was certainly a fine little octopus. I often enjoyed thinking that Ollie had a sibling not too far away.

Tonight I will make sure that Ollie is thoroughly ducktaped in - I'm shocked that Sam was able to get through such a small hole.

All the best,

Nancy

 

[stevesfish]

sorry to hear about your loss.

 

[corw314]

So sorry to hear about Sam...... I must admit I've been a little lax with sealing the top, cause I keep having to fix the powerhead. I am going to go duct tape it to death before work.....

Carol

 

[dbbga]

Well under much investigating, I have found that the duct tape in one area had lost its stickum due to removal for maint. and i guess the SW had something to add also. I really need to find a way to seal the tank but also have a way into it to do routine maint. any suggestion. I feel like such and idiot for not noticing. The whole house is devestated and we miss Sam so much. They all want me to get another Octo but I really want a better system of sealing the tank and ANY suggestions would be appreciated. I guess I underestimated the curiosity of these amazing creatures.

 

[cthulhu77]

Hey Deb, I am really sorry! That has happened to me also, it is amazing what they can squeeze through...the only way I have found to totally counteract that (at least for me) was to go to a drilled system. That way, the entire top of the tank is covered completely. It is also way easier to maintain, but it is expensive.
Best wishes,
Greg

 

[Nancy]

I've discovered the same problem with the duct tape. The only solution I've found so far is to keep a big roll of duct tape and scissors right by the tank, and frequently replace the duct tape.

Mostly I've used black to match the stand and cover, but using a bright color (I use neon yellow) in key places helps you see what condition the tape is in.

Again, sorry about Sam.

Nancy

 

[lawfish]

Hi Deb:

I'm really sorry to hear about Sam. It makes me wonder just how secure my tank is??? I too use duct tape to seal the tank, but I think that I will be a lot more careful in checking its condition from now on.

Nancy, keeping a roll of tape next to the tank is a geat idea. I am definitely going to adopt that practice.

Deb, I hope that you don't let this misfortune disuade you from getting another octo. I guess we all know that our little buddies won't live forever, but I think that the amazing pets that they make while we have them makes up for the pain when they pass. :?

George

 

[dbbga]

Well im going to silicon the back of the tank shut and leave the front glass weighted down for access and yes I just ordered my new octo, moving forward here we go again

 

[corw314]

Good for you!!!! Back on the horse so to speak!!!! Octopus's have this charm, that once you've had one, you always want another! Did you order from Fish Supply?

Carol

 

[lawfish]

Deb:

Good for you!!!!! Good luck!

george

 

[dbbga]

Yeah I would say I hooked. No I didnt order from fish supply i never even thought of that anyway the guy i got Sam thru wasnt in today so i have to call him back tomorrow if cant get me one then ill go thru FS. ANd anyway hubby is going to let me have a 120gal so im going to go thru FS for everything in that tank

 

[Colin]

Hi Deb

it is a really good idea to have all your water parameters checked by test kits or by the LFS... just to make sure there wasnt a 'reason' for outer aquarium exploration...

perhaps an ammonia spike, pH change or even temp rise?

just to be safe

C

 

[dbbga]

Collin I did just that on the same day. The water params were ok. I think that Sam just wanted a go at my 14" Oscar that was in the tank a few feet from her, well thats the way she was headed anyway.