Getting into Salt Water, with an octopus!

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I live about a half mile from the sound so daily 100% waterchanges on a small tank is pretty simple. It would be much easier if I could find out if the local sand and rocks already have beneficial bacteria on them or not so I can set up a larger tank for him.

If I cant keep him alive, he will make superb cobia bait, it is cobia season after all. If he does make it and gets much larger, I can for see him meeting a large grouper in the future. Win-win all around.
 
The octopus at a LFS here will open jars to get at crabs and crayfish. And he will push himself through a 1 inch pvc pipe into another tank. It's awesome. And when he camouflages against the rocks you can't see him at all.
 
I dont think chunks of asphalt from several hurricanes from years past would be illegal to harvest.
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LOL
 
Several things I'll toss out there, and we'll see where this goes:
Let's assume you have the permit to collect in FL. Taking wet rock/sand is illegal since they don't allow permits for that. You'll have to buy stuff like that for your set up.

A tight lid on a bucket is very poor for gas exchange and water quality. Daily 100% changes are giving this guy huge chemistry swings - and you need to look for something more stable. Also, water by the shore it mostly crap.

You'll need a big tank and enough life support (filter) to keep up if it decides to ink the tank at any point.

They like hiding spots, and will need a secure set up (as posted). Just keep in mind anything bigger than it's beak (which is about the size of an airline tube at this point) is a hole big enough it can wiggle out of if it wants.

If you get all that, and can get it eating you're pretty well off.
 
Zoodiver;5085957; said:
Several things I'll toss out there, and we'll see where this goes:
Let's assume you have the permit to collect in FL. Taking wet rock/sand is illegal since they don't allow permits for that. You'll have to buy stuff like that for your set up.

A tight lid on a bucket is very poor for gas exchange and water quality. Daily 100% changes are giving this guy huge chemistry swings - and you need to look for something more stable. Also, water by the shore it mostly crap.

You'll need a big tank and enough life support (filter) to keep up if it decides to ink the tank at any point.

They like hiding spots, and will need a secure set up (as posted). Just keep in mind anything bigger than it's beak (which is about the size of an airline tube at this point) is a hole big enough it can wiggle out of if it wants.

If you get all that, and can get it eating you're pretty well off.
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Very good points here... These guys can slip through almost any crevice. Be VERY CAREFUL with your setup. I have heard stories of octopuses climbing out of filters ( they went up through the intake tube) or through screens on top of the tank. They are extremely smart, more than you might think. I would get the thing identified and get a tank according to it's adult needs
 
Taking a chunk of asphalt from the bay is illegal? Some sand? I find that very hard to believe. Can you point me to the legislation that says so?

My original intent on him was to be used for bait so I guess I will just give it my best
 
OMG I sooo love Octopus! The only one I have is a 48 inch stuffed animal on my bed! That is so cool you have one! Wish you the best of luck!
 
Actually it most states its true. No I live in FL to and will someone say anything to you? probably not. However if Florida Fish and wildlife were to see you, they may and they can give you a fine. Where are you at in Fl? alot of areas are protected too
 
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