couple questions about salt stingrays

[XRAYZ]

i have not kept a salt water tank before but i am not a total noob when it comes to aquarium care and maintence. i would like to keep some stingrays but freshwater rays are illegal in AZ. saltwater could be an alternative. from the research i have done so far, a yellow or a cortez ray are my options.

my plans if i get them.....

i would like to keep a pair in a 135 gallon by themselves. the tank has a foot print of 72" x 18". i have 2 filters a cascade 1500 canister pushing 315 gph and a aquaclear hob at 300 gph. i also have 2 powerheads that do 925 gph each.

how long would would i be able to keep them in the tank above?
which species is better for my situation?
what additional equipment would i need to purchase?

once again the pair of rays would be the only things in the tank.

thanx in advance
--ray

 

[Zoodiver]

Both of those would be fine. I'd suggest cortez - since they seem to do a lot better. They are very hardy and take to captivity very well. They also look really cool!

 

[Oddball]

Do some research into protein skimmers. A properly maintaind skimmer will maintain good parameters in the tank by removing huge amounts of wastes and help in avoiding the need for frequent water changes/salt replacements.

 

[krj-1168]

Personally - I would go with a small poly pool instead of 135 gallon aquarium.

Better design for the rays.

The Cortez is also likely easier to get thru your LFSs & dealers - since they are found in the sea of Cortez(Gulf of California).

 

[XRAYZ]

thank you for the advice.

my new plan is to get a 300 gallon round rubbermaid pond with a diy wet/dry. my extra bedroom was empty anyways...lol. and cortez stingrays it is. i am still planning on just one pair.

what color sand would look the best for the cortez. i think i am going to use the 3m colorquartz. currently useing this type for my bichirs and it is great for bottom dwellers. nice heavy, round, and ceramic coated sand. the colors i would choose from include black, red, green, teal, white, gray, and lavender.

 

[krj-1168]

Generally - Elasmobranches have very sensitivity bellies.

And bottom- dwelling elasmobranches - skates, rays, or sharks like bamboo, catsharks, bullheads, nurses, & wobbies - require a xx fine grade of sand - as in Caribsea's Bahama Oolite, or xx fine beach sand.

Given the Cortez's natural coloration. IMO a light color - like white, light tan, or light gray would be fine. Possibly mined with some black may also work.

Also you should consider using some Live Sand in the pool.