How to Grow Squid

Home aquariums can range from the spectacular to the simple. Complicated aquariums can feature dozens of species, but many home aquariums contain only one or two species. The choice belongs to the aquarium owner. Aquarium owners who choose to grow squid in their tank may want to reconsider doing so. A squid's lifespan in an aquarium is measured in weeks, not years. Experts recommend aquarium owners interested in growing squid grow octopi instead, because octopi live longer in captivity. However, it is possible to grow squid in a home aquarium by following the same basic steps required for housing any species of fish.

Things You'll Need

  • 5-gallon bucket
  • Reverse osmosis deionized water
  • Marine Salt
  • Hydrometer
  • Fish tank
  • Aragonite sand
  • Hanging filter
  • Power head
  • Heater
  • Raw cocktail shrimp
  • Aquarium water testing kit
  • Thermometer
  • Squid
  • Saltwater feeder shrimp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research the species of squid you're trying to grow. Ask the retailer you purchased the squid from for the optimum specifications regarding the temperature, salinity and ambient chemical levels in the water.

    • 2

      Fill the bucket with approximately 4 gallons of reverse osmosis deionized water. Add 2 cups of marine salt and mix until dissolved. Test the salinity of the water with a hydrometer. Most saltwater aquariums require a salinity of 1.026, but the squid might require slightly different levels. Pour the water in the fish tank. Repeat the process and fill the tank to the desired level.

    • 3

      Add 4 inches of aragonite sand to the bottom of the tank. Install the hanging filter, power heads, and heater inside the tank according to their manufacturers' directions. Put one or two raw cocktail shrimp in the tank. Let shrimp decompose for 10 days so it can add helpful bacteria to the water. Then test the water with the aquarium test kit. Refer to the information from the squid retailer to recognize the optimum ammonium, nitrate and nitrite levels as well as the pH level. If the levels are not correct, test every day for several more days. When they're ready, remove the shrimp.

    • 4

      Add baby squid to the tank. Feed the squid a diet of saltwater feeder shrimp according to the schedule given to you by the retailer. As the squid grow over time, the water level in the tank will decrease but the salinity will increase. Test the salinity twice a week and add only RO water as needed. Do not add salt to the water as you did when setting up the tank. That only increases the salinity level and can kill the squid.