going to buy a FW stingray

[Tucc185]

I've been researching FW rays for a while now, getting things ready for a setup, planning and plotting, etc. So I have a 30 breeder (before anyone gets indignant or starts hyperventilating, I am fully aware this will not house an adult ray), drilled, with a pretty powerful wet/dry, and a 75 that will soon be empty (goodbye reefkeeping!). I know now is a good time to get healthy rays, in fact just yesterday I was pleasantly surprised when three little motoros showed up at the LFS where I work! So I'm going to go ahead and set up the 30 breeder for now, but a few questions on setup. First, sand or gravel? I have both the estes fine grain sand (seems pretty non-abrasive), and estes #1 natural river gravel (might be a little rougher around the edges), so which one works best? Also, are plecos problematic with rays? (my gut instinct is yes, but not sure). Any other suggestions? I read the sticky on rays, and I have Barron's FW sitingray book, the aqualog one I just ordered on Amazon, so I think I have most of the basics covered. Thanks for any insight,
--Mike

 

[Vitaliy]

75 gallon will still not be enough for a single ray. Some people manage to keep Plecos and Rays together but many people find it problematic as some Plecos will try to “suck” on rays? Perhaps someone with more experience be able to elaborate more.

 

[Oddball]

This mix of species is problematic in both directions. Plecos may develop a taste for ray slime and the ray would be a goner. Someone on the site recently posted a pic of the result of his introducing a 10" scarlet pleco to his ray tank. One of the rays ate over half of that big pleco overnight (including scutes and skull).

 

[Tucc185]

Okay, figured that pleco/ray mix would be an issue. As far as tank size goes, I'm not too concerned. I can and will get a large tank, probably a custom built, as the ray grows. I'm thinking that 24" high by 60" long by 30" deep might make a nice display. I also have my eye on a 120 that might suffice if the person who has it decides to sell it for the right price. Of course, I could always convert one of my indoor turtle ponds into an indoor ray pond...hmmm. So anyways, I have plenty of space, but I wanted to start with the 30 breeder because it has a well established biological filter already. Thanks again, and I'd still like to hear any advice about sand versus gravel.

 

[bluedempsey]

but I wanted to start with the 30 breeder because it has a well established biological filter already.

even so! rays put a tromendous load on the bio. filter
also thinks go bad faster in a smaller environment
i would convert your turtle pond to a ray pond instead of put the ray in a 30 gallon!

just want the best for a ray!