First time ray keeper

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
MadRussian79

MadRussian79

Candiru
MFK Member
Mar 16, 2009
695
2
48
Where my fish swim
I'm right at the edge but still nervous to take the next and final step. I have a 256 gallon tank, with 2 Eheim pro 2 and 2 Eheim pro 3 filters on the tank. The tank is fully cycled and getting 2 50 gallon water changes per week. pH is controlled with a CO2 system and is rock solid at 6.8. Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are below the detection threshold of the Tetra, API, and Fluval test kits. The tank is 1/3 fine gravel with laterite and 2/3 3M fine quratz sand. As far as I can tell the tank is set up for rays but I'm very nervous about actually getting one. Is there anything I should add or am I being paranoid.

Also looking for advice on a first ray pair. Price is not really an issue I just don't want to kill one of these majestic animals be it a $2k leo or a $65 "Teacup". I know to look out for broken tails, avulsed stingers, obvious injuries, fungus, and Death Curl and the animal should be seen eating. Anything else I should look for?

Thanks in advance.
 
In my humble opinion, get a ray and get over it. Stop worrying. :)

Your set-up sounds more then adequate. Go on the Marketplace and find someone with captive bred Motoros. They are pretty, hardy and cheap. Give them a year or two to grow on you then move up to something else such as Leos or a Tiger.
Respectfully,
FireMedic.

PS: Just do it! :)
 
vladfloroff;3218036; said:
I'm right at the edge but still nervous to take the next and final step. I have a 256 gallon tank, with 2 Eheim pro 2 and 2 Eheim pro 3 filters on the tank. The tank is fully cycled and getting 2 50 gallon water changes per week. pH is controlled with a CO2 system and is rock solid at 6.8. Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are below the detection threshold of the Tetra, API, and Fluval test kits. The tank is 1/3 fine gravel with laterite and 2/3 3M fine quratz sand. As far as I can tell the tank is set up for rays but I'm very nervous about actually getting one. Is there anything I should add or am I being paranoid.

Also looking for advice on a first ray pair. Price is not really an issue I just don't want to kill one of these majestic animals be it a $2k leo or a $65 "Teacup". I know to look out for broken tails, avulsed stingers, obvious injuries, fungus, and Death Curl and the animal should be seen eating. Anything else I should look for?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...


sounds like you have done your reading, you should be ok. They are no harder than other fish, just get larger than most. I would go for motoro, for your first pair, or Retic, or Hystrix (if you can find one)! Like you said make sure it eats
 
FireMedic;3218108; said:
In my humble opinion, get a ray and get over it. Stop worrying. :)

Your set-up sounds more then adequate. Go on the Marketplace and find someone with captive bred Motoros. They are pretty, hardy and cheap. Give them a year or two to grow on you then move up to something else such as Leos or a Tiger.
Respectfully,
FireMedic.

PS: Just do it! :)
Click to expand...

keepinfish;3218293; said:
sounds like you have done your reading, you should be ok. They are no harder than other fish, just get larger than most. I would go for motoro, for your first pair, or Retic, or Hystrix (if you can find one)! Like you said make sure it eats
Click to expand...

I agree with both of these guys! Ain't nuthin' to it but to do it! Since you've done all the research, just make sure to start off with a healthy ray (like a captive bred motoro)...it will build your confidence as you care for it and it thrives. Then, as you feel more comfortable and realize that once you know what to do, its pretty easy, move to the more expensive and/or fragile rays. Good luck!

LJ
 
Sounds like you've done your homework. I'm not sure how a co2 system in a ray tank will work since I have no experience with that but everything else seems top notch.
It sounds like money isn't going to be your big issue and your knowledge is good so I would say get the Ray you want unless it's a flower or tiger.... unless they are allready acclimated and have been in captivity for awhile then there just as easy as any other ray.
 
You are ready, go for it!!!!
 
I would suggest getting a CB motoro, just to start off with. They are good eaters and pretty hardy. Considering afew forum members have them for sale and that you won't have the risk of parasites. The only other thing I would suggest is that if you are gonna have tankmates, I would get them first. Just to make sure its fully cycled, it you know what I mean.

You should be fine, don't know until you try. Good luck and keep us posted.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom