Interior of Spiracles are Red

[Marius]

Do you guys recommend a certain type of salt? I remember someone saying he used
Mortons Water Softener Salt, is that Ok.

Aquarium salt ...no additives. One can use the bulk seasalt from Costco, or whatever big box store, just make sure you get the "no additives".

 

[Nic]

i use morton kosher salt (non iodized) and alot of people are buying the 50# bags of morton solar salt for 5$ at HD and lowes

 

[Miles]

To be completely honest, I think that you are thinking about this too much. We have all been new to the hobby and god knows I have had more than my share of sleepless nights worrying about my rays.

The spiracle is a modified gill. Gills are generally red in color. You have had some recent issues that may cause some irritation. It is nothing to worry about.

If a ray is eating, it is fine.

I never medicated a ray with anything more than salt. Avoid it if at all possible. Go back to the basics.....

1). Keep your water clean (don't add things, don't use RO, don't adjust the pH)
2). Give them lots of good foods

They'll be fine.

Colin

 

[keepinfish]

my pups that were born about 3 weeks ago, they have had red spiracles all along, they are in Bare bottom tank, i think it is normal in young rays...

 

[abortedsoul]

Did you take the advice and treat 3lbs salt per 100 gallons? If tail is turning white I would say you have not? Just use salt

I have 2 1/2 lbs salt / 100 gallons. in the tank at this very moment, and I've been raising it with each water change. The whitening already went away- I think she bumped the tip of her tail and it bent a little bit.

Thanks for the advice Mike. My rays are alive because of your help.

 

[abortedsoul]

The tip of the female's tail has broken off; currently no discoloration. I've been using aquarium salt from the lfs, but I'll be heading out to find some kosher salt this afternoon.

Is the dosage different for kosher, or is aquarium salt the same thing with a bigger price tag?

 

[FishDog]

The tip of the female's tail has broken off; currently no discoloration. I've been using aquarium salt from the lfs, but I'll be heading out to find some kosher salt this afternoon.

Is the dosage different for kosher, or is aquarium salt the same thing with a bigger price tag?

Dosing is the same and yes aquarium salt just carries a bigger price tag.

 

[Miles]

I see retic tails break alot its pretty common.. alot of time its from them climbing up the glass and bobbing up and down on their tail.. especially if the substrate is sharp, they are not only more likely to do the 'bobbing' thing because they are trying to escape the substrate (like they can do in the Wild ) and then they bounce that part of the tail on the sand it causes damage/infection..

 

[ashleysomething]

I see retic tails break alot its pretty common.. alot of time its from them climbing up the glass and bobbing up and down on their tail.. especially if the substrate is sharp, they are not only more likely to do the 'bobbing' thing because they are trying to escape the substrate (like they can do in the Wild ) and then they bounce that part of the tail on the sand it causes damage/infection..

yeah, i can see that. it happened after we took the sand out, but it was probably the glass bottom that did the trick. it's good to know that it's pretty common.

and it's crazy... she's been growing this second little barb. is that common also?

 

[Nic]

yeah, i can see that. it happened after we took the sand out, but it was probably the glass bottom that did the trick. it's good to know that it's pretty common.

and it's crazy... she's been growing this second little barb. is that common also?

yea one of the stingers will shed soon... other is a replacement