Thoughts on Astroturf and escape preventatives....

[Balor]

After reviewing some old threads and doing a little more research, I'm wondering why Astreoturf is such a good escape preventative. Is it just the texture? Could any texture similiar to this work? My idea is to glue astroturf or something similiar to inside of the glass panel I have and than to glue around any holes where the filter penetrates the tank.

BTW anyone know a good place to get astroturf?

 

[cephalopoder]

Astroturf is mainly used for giant octopus because their suckers can not get a grip on the surface. It does not work if the octopus can reach over the astroturf and is not practical in the home aquarium on smaller species. A good lid with nothing hanging over the edge of the tank is prefered. This can be done buy drilling the tank and using bulkhead fitting and a sump. The good news is O.bimaculoides is not prone to escape but this is one species that is the exception. Even this species can escape should water conditions become unfavorable or possible other resons so its always wise to plan your tank with a way to close it up tightly while still allowing the tank to breath.