Lid suggestions for Ruby Octopus

[Harbor WildWatch]

Since pancake passed last month, I’ve been planning and slowly getting my other system ready to house another octopus. I have a scientific collection permit which allows my to collect two Ruby aka pacific red octos (Octopus rubescens) and there’s a local beach where I typically find them a few times a year.
I’d like to house the octopus in our 65 gallon cube tank. It’s been well established for years and currently houses aggregating anemones, some crabs, and a couple tidepool sculpin. These will all be moved out before octopus moves in, lest they sting it or become lunch.
What sort of lid should I make for this tank? I’m leaning toward just a thick piece of acrylic and some weights at the corners. Very low tech but effective. I have t found the red octos to be super apt to escape through the top much.

 

[tonmo]

Wow, that's going to be amazing! Have to ask about the scavenger hunt; are those facts found at the kiosks when swiping? Awesome setup; looking forward to expert suggestions. In the meantime, some past, high quality guidance on this from Dr. Roy Caldwell (@Neogonodactylus):

Thread 'Escape proof tanks'

Aug 12, 2013

The cheapest and easiest method to create an escape proof octopus tank that I have found involves replacing the canopy on a standard 10, 20 or 35 gal tank and cutting a sheet of glass (at least 1/8th inch thick) to just fit into the depression around the top. You have to measure this carefully and have the glass cut to precise specifications so that there are no gaps when it is in place. Glue handles or use suction cups to help in lifting the glass for maintenance. Do not use plexiglass. It will warp and leave gaps through which the animal can escape. Large octopus may be strong...

• Neogonodactylus
• escape lids
• Replies: 15
• Forum: Tank Talk

• 

 

[Harbor WildWatch]

Wow, that's going to be amazing! Have to ask about the scavenger hunt; are those facts found at the kiosks when swiping? Awesome setup; looking forward to expert suggestions. In the meantime, some past, high quality guidance on this from Dr. Roy Caldwell (@Neogonodactylus):

Thread 'Escape proof tanks'

Aug 12, 2013

The cheapest and easiest method to create an escape proof octopus tank that I have found involves replacing the canopy on a standard 10, 20 or 35 gal tank and cutting a sheet of glass (at least 1/8th inch thick) to just fit into the depression around the top. You have to measure this carefully and have the glass cut to precise specifications so that there are no gaps when it is in place. Glue handles or use suction cups to help in lifting the glass for maintenance. Do not use plexiglass. It will warp and leave gaps through which the animal can escape. Large octopus may be strong...

• Neogonodactylus
• escape lids
• Replies: 15
• Forum: Tank Talk

• 

Yes we do two different levels for kids to complete while at the marine life center. One for 3 and up and one for 8 and up. They have to look at all the tanks, signage, videos and other displays to find all the answers. It’s very fun for young families.

 

[Harbor WildWatch]

Coming back at this tank now that my low tide programs are finished for the year.

I’m looking at mesh lids that I can DIY to fit the unique shape of this tank. They can be made of mesh with magnetic trim. I’m thinking I can either up the strength of magnets or affix the mesh to an acrylic frame that sits on the tank and is weighted at the corners or edges.

I also found these turtle enclosure locks that I could potentially use with the right thickness of acrylic. Still playing with it.

 

[KD5054]

Not as visually pleasant unless you have a cover to hide it, but using artificial turf is also a great solution to keeping curious cephs in.

 

[Harbor WildWatch]

Ok I got the mesh kit and here’s how it looks all set up. It was fairly easy to do too.
The only drawback is how much light it blocks.
It seems secure enough for a pacific red octo but I doubt it would work with anything that was really determined to get out. But I’m hopeful this will do the trick for my tank.

 

[tonmo]

looks pretty slick, and presumably secure! Looking forward to seeing it in practice.... Thanks for the update

 

[KD5054]

Looks great!