Hi narkotik, I would get at least a minimum footprint of 72" by 24" if you want a tank that'll suit the rest of it's life, seeing as they get to 18" maximum (haven't ever seen one that big though).
maintenance... very clean water, small more frequent water changes, a good diet. basically the ideal way to keep any fish only difference is I found the payara to be more fragile and sensitive than other fish I've kept
i would love to add some rays, just dont have the space right now with a couple pbass going in soon! hahhaha love your avatar. definitely describes your tat
I figured I'd snag a few armatus while they're in season. John (ECZS) hooked me up with a few freshwater hermit crabs as well. supposedly there is only one type of true freshwater hermit crab, the clibanarius fonticola. only found in one region in the world and is supposed to be protected by international wildlife laws. don't know how he got em and if they're the real deal, but they're pretty neat.
they're trained on massivore pellets
got a gash from jumping. but he's looking fat and redder these days