octopus in a reef tank?

[hnguyen]

So I came home today and to my surprise my brother was showing off to me that he just got 2 black and white clowns (I was happy to hear I got new fish I've been wanting for free) and than he went on to tell me that he also got an octopus!! I kinda freaked out at the fact and asked him why the hell did he do that. He tells me the guy at **** fish store said it was reef safe. As for what kind of octopus it is I have no idea and neither does he. I've been trying to look for it all night but had no luck finding it.

I guess my question is that is it really safe to have an octopus in a reef tank? I also have other fish in there as well along with my cleaning crew. Do you guys think the octopus will mind its own and leave everything alone or do you guys think its going to eat whatever it can get its tentacles on?

Thanks in advance for the inputs.

 

[jdabs]

I'm no expert on them, but I think your biggest concern with them is keeping them in the tank.

 

[mockery]

Unless your tank is locked down with a secure lid and covers on overflow he is going to find a way out and make a mess doing so.

 

[moebious]

I think your brother is pulling your leg. He probably got a serpent star.:lol2:

 

[hnguyen]

I agree. My main concern is that he will make his way into my overflow and get stuck somewhere. I still haven't seem the thing but my brother tells he that its very small like an almond are somewhere around there. I have a 1" drain but I still worry he'll make his way in there and stick himself to it as he gets pulled down and just cause my tank to flood. so at this point I'm kinda hoping he crawls out the tank instead of into my overflow. All my coral and other fish are worth more than a 10 dollar octopus. It may sound mean but the truth hurts right?

 

[wolfie]

moebious;563483 wrote: I think your brother is pulling your leg. He probably got a serpent star.:lol2:

Nor it an octopus. I was there Sat and the lady there ask me if I wanted.

I am worry about the ink it put out once it stuck on the powerhead.

 

[rbredding]

WOLFIE;563488 wrote: I am worry about the ink it put out once it got stuck on the powerhead.

HAHAHAHA!! that'd be worth watching...

 

[presteige]

lol... yeah id like to see that

 

[fish scales2]

I think escape is one of your worries but even more I would worry about your other fish. They are predators and opportunistic when it comes to feeding. It WILL eat your other fish and inverts are possibly on the menu as well.

I am curious as to the species, get a photo when you can.

 

[hnguyen]

Fish Scales2;563847 wrote: I think escape is one of your worries but even more I would worry about your other fish. They are predators and opportunistic when it comes to feeding. It WILL eat your other fish and inverts are possibly on the menu as well.

I am curious as to the species, get a photo when you can.

I've been trying to look for it ever since my brother got it but I've had no luck finding it. I don't think I'll ever find it. Thats the part that worries me the most. If is start losing fish and shrimp I'll know its him but If I can't take him out than I'm screwed.

 

[fish scales2]

He is hiding in a rock. Start with a rock (keeping it in the water) Bring it to the front glass and look in the nooks and crannies while slowly spinning around. If not there move on to the next rock.

 

[hnguyen]

Fish Scales2;563875 wrote: He is hiding in a rock. Start with a rock (keeping it in the water) Bring it to the front glass and look in the nooks and crannies while slowly spinning around. If not there move on to the next rock.

I don't think that will be possible. I have 180lb of live rock and about 2 dozen coral attach to them.:sad:

 

[moebious]

Hnguyen;563879 wrote: I have 180lb of live rock and about 2 dozen coral attach to them.:sad:

Usually when i see a statement like this it is followed by one of these:thumbs:.
Sorry about your dilemma.

 

[hnguyen]

moebious;563884 wrote: Usually when i see a statement like this it is followed by one of these:thumbs:.
Sorry about your dilemma.

Its all good, theres nothing we can do about it. Thats what happens when I have a brother that thinks everything that can kill my fish or coral looks good. He will sit there and tell me my chalice and the rest of my SPS is ugly but his brown hairy mushrooms is the bomb. He doesn't know anything about reef keeping and it kills me sometimes when he puts stupid stuff in my tank.

 

[wolfie]

Hnguyen;563887 wrote: Its all good, theres nothing we can do about it. Thats what happens when I have a brother that thinks everything that can kill my fish or coral looks good. He will sit there and tell me my chalice and the rest of my SPS is ugly but his brown hairy mushrooms is the bomb. He doesn't know anything about reef keeping and it kills me sometimes when he puts stupid stuff in my tank.

I know the feeling. I only have 1 rule in my reeftank. Nothing go into the tank unless I put it in myself

 

[shrimpy brains]

A lot of Octopusses are nocturnal. Try a red light at night and you may get a glimpse. Then you can fin it's den.

Yes, they can crawl anywhere. You need to octo. proof your tank.

They will definitely eat your crabs and shrimp. If you feed it well, it may leave your fish alone for a long time.

Also, it will rearrange your tank as it sees fit, and may destroy corals in the process.

If you want to learn more, go to TONMO.com.

I would recommend to get rid of it, or get another tank designed for the little guy/girl!

 

[fish scales2]

Hnguyen;563879 wrote: I don't think that will be possible. I have 180lb of live rock and about 2 dozen coral attach to them.:sad:

You must believe you can find it. Mind over matter always wins.

The problem is not just your brother, he was misled by someone who knows better!!!

 

[mcphock]

Why, there just happens to be a great article about octo care in the latest issue wwm's digital magazine:

 

[enderg60]

Non aggressive octopus? HA

With any luck it will "escape" from the tank before it eats everything.

best bet, get a fish trap and a red light, put a silverside in it and have a night or two waiting to get lucky.

 

[hnguyen]

Fish Scales2;563927 wrote: You must believe you can find it. Mind over matter always wins.

The problem is not just your brother, he was misled by someone who knows better!!!

Yes he was. Thats why I've never like going there to start with. They will sell you anything you want to buy with no regards no what your setup is and it it will affect your existing life-stock.