A few questions in advance

[_Sushi_]

Hello everybody!!

I'm interested in getting a ray. I've read that Motoros and Leos are the best for beginners, and even though I don't remember EXACTLY how big they get, I know it's quite large.

I read somewhere that the minimum tank size is 4'x2'...is this true? If it isn't, what footprint would be appropriate?

Do they need to be kept in groups, or can a solo ray be kept successfully?

I have a 75 gallon right now, that would be a growout until I got the larger tank BUILT and ready for the ray to move into. If I found a 5-6" ray, how long would I have to get the other tank ready? (built and cycled)

When they are larger, how are they moved to and from their tanks? just get a large net?

And are there any brand names of sand that are silica-free, and are smooth enough to use?

Do they need a lid? for safety precautions against getting stung, I can imagine yes, but do they jump out? And what kind of lid will I need?

I did read the "12 tips for prospective owners" sticky, and while it answered some of my questions, it didn't get them all...

Thanks in advance for any help!!
{I was thinking about getting a small lungfish and growing it out, but stingrays are more readily available than lungs are}

 

[vamptrev]

u have alot of q's. get the book by richard ross, and just start hunting for info. rays are not for a beginner.(not saying u are)

 

[Nic]

minimum foot print for either would be 8'x3'x2' and larger would be needed 8'x4'x2'.... I would sudjest getting the larger tank then getting the ray.... 75 gallon is not a good amount of water and lots of waterchanges will be needed to keep it clean... a tank with pristine water and good feedings can have a motoro or leo to 12inch in a year so deffinatly shoot for that bigger tank first.... large nets move large rays. and I would recommend covering the tank and avoiding the stinger.... miles has a very good sticky at the top as well I would read that... buy the freshwater stingray book by Dr richard ross as well....

 

[Dreamsofpeace54]

i think motoros get like 24" discs but are the hardiest. so for them id say something 3 feet wide would be best. 2 1/2 at the least.

minimum for a smaller ray could work with a 4x2 but as with anything the bigger the better.

solo is fine, but u can do multiples.

mine is in a 75 (retic) might just be my guy but it seems like he isnt growing at all. So depending on species would determine how fast you need to upgrade.

moving them isnt suggested but if you have to, id try and scare him into a bucket and move him so he doesnt get stuck in the net.

i have este's sand with mine. He seems to love it, doesnt seem to bother him and hes loves to hide in it.

I would suggest a lid for sure, my ray around 5 inches loves to push the glass tops up and down. Its cute at first but gets annoying and keeps you up all night. i have weights on them now.

Heres a website that really got me going, at the top are link to other pages with great information. http://www.raylady.com/Potamotrygon/Tankmates.html

Good luck!

 

[_Sushi_]

Ok, so for a teacup, I could use a 4x2, but teacups aren't very hardy, so I'll need more space.

There is nowhere in my house I can put an 8 ft long tank, at least not until we move...

Miles' sticky, would that be the one of what to do in the event of a sting? I've read that one already, as a matter of fact, I read that one BEFORE the tips for prospective keepers.

Since I defo don't have the room for that big tank, are there any tougher species of teacups? or anything I can do to boost the survival rate of one?

Let me know, Thanks for all the quick responses!!

 

[vamptrev]

Ok, so for a teacup, I could use a 4x2, but teacups aren't very hardy, so I'll need more space.

There is nowhere in my house I can put an 8 ft long tank, at least not until we move...

Miles' sticky, would that be the one of what to do in the event of a sting? I've read that one already, as a matter of fact, I read that one BEFORE the tips for prospective keepers.

Since I defo don't have the room for that big tank, are there any tougher species of teacups? or anything I can do to boost the survival rate of one?

Let me know, Thanks for all the quick responses!!

my teacup was very hardy. i guess it all depends on the ray

 

[stingray man]

I have one(teacup=retic) hes small and quite hardy just do ur water changes and dont have any bad tankmates and you should be good but u will have to upgrade the tank to a bigger size cause teacups get just as big but it takes for ever

 

[RARE AFISHINADO]

A 4 by 2 by 2 and a small cb motoro will be ok for a while. Just like the others I would suggest getting Richards book and read and read,, than cycle and cycle your tank lol good filtration, properly cycled with good water changes and good food = good rays.

 

[_Sushi_]

As far as tankmates go, the ray would be by itself, so I wouldn't have to worry about it getting picked on, or it picking on my other fish.

Which species should I consider that would take at least a year/year and a half to need the 8' tank? and could live comfortably in a 75 or 4x2 tank until that point?

I'll definately see if I can pick up the book anywhere.

 

[Miles]

Read the Guide to Prevention in my signature..

IMO, if you can't afford to purchase an appropriate sized tank from the get-go, you can't afford to keep a ray longterm.. They expensive to feed, and take a bit of time to maintain, especially in a smaller tank... Don't try a 75 or 4x2.. Just go buy a big tank first..