Fresh or Salt?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
When I was deciding which way to go (FW or SW) I had talked to a FW ray breeder and he was telling me the water changes have to be big and frequent for FW rays to survive and that the temps needed to be 80-85 degrees so to me it looked like more work to keep them over the SW rays plus I dont have to run any heaters. :D
 
FW are ok with some fish - like arows. However, there is a LOT of bad "hobbiest" info floating around. First and foremost, they do not need daily water changes. They also don't need 80-85 F temps. In fact, I'd run them 72-76 if I could set a range. In the wild, that is what they live in most of the time. Why not match it? Most people will increase temp to make them eat more and grow faster. More food also means more water changes. Just poor husbandry if you ask me.
FW rays also need a lot of room due to size. Motoros are in my opinion the easiest to care for, but get ready for a ray that will be 3 feet across if not bigger (I've had some monster females in my time).

I like marine rays over FW for size above all else. Some of them stay pretty small. For tank mates, small groupers work well, porkfish or some of the smaller schooling fish.
 
Zoodiver, I truly appreciate your input. I also have a fascination for silver arrows and one would likely be a tank mate. It is funny as I prefer silver arrows over the more expensive arrow species. I just like the way they look better.
I am still leaning towards FW due to several reasons. Water maintinance tho possibly higher with FW rays over SW rays will be less expensive as I will be running a massive bio system with a large planted refugium so water changes will be at a minimum tho still will be often. Were as if I was doing 100+ g water change in a SW tank each week or even bi-weekly it would be costly. I also have far more experience with FW in general. I am not a big fan of SW as to me it is more messy due to the salt. I have done FW, brackish and SW and I prefer fresh as far as the maintenance aspect.
I am wondering if a 48"x96"x24" is going to be large enough for a pair of Motoros or possibly a pair of Leos? I understand that leos are far more expensive but I am not going into this to fail. I will be providing the best water conditions and a very high end system. I plan to be successful and provide the fish with a happy, healthy and long life.
Is a 48"x96"x24" reasonable or should I be thinking bigger for a pair with one Arrow? Are they going to be bored, frustrated and stressed in that size tank?
 
Leos stay smaller, which is nice. But I usually suggest starting with motoros when getting into FW rays. That tank will be a little small for a pair of adult motoros, but you might be able to get away with the leopoldi in there.
 
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