is this tank big enough?

[khayman218]

I had 5 medium (8-12 inches) motoros in a ~200 gallon pond. It was 12 inches deep and 48" by 80". They seemed extremely happy; always motoring about the pond and crowding over to the feeding corner each time I turned on the viewing light. They never seemed crowded in the pond at all.

Is 12 inches too shallow for them? Sometimes they would run up the sides and out of the water a bit, but I have kept motoros in a much deeper tank and they did the same thing from time to time.

 

[T1KARMANN]

I had 5 medium (8-12 inches) motoros in a ~200 gallon pond. It was 12 inches deep and 48" by 80". They seemed extremely happy; always motoring about the pond and crowding over to the feeding corner each time I turned on the viewing light. They never seemed crowded in the pond at all.

Is 12 inches too shallow for them? Sometimes they would run up the sides and out of the water a bit, but I have kept motoros in a much deeper tank and they did the same thing from time to time.

24inch deep is better or the ray maybe able to climb out of the tank

 

[vexter]

It would be pretty difficult to prove a 24 inch deep tank is justified in the climbing out of. I mean if they are using their tails to pole vault out of the tank maybe. But If they ray is trying to climb out of a 12 inch tank and itself is only 12 inches in diameter it would be required to push off the ground with its tail. Or, It just swims to the surface gets a bit out of the water but at this point, it doesn't matter how far the bottom is because its not using it as support. 12 inches should be fine. (of course by 'run up the sides and out of the water a bit' you mean they are swimming vertically and bits of their fins are out of the water. Unless the tank and water level are the same height. I think 12 inches heigh shouldn't cause that much worry.

 

[T1KARMANN]

as a motoro can grow to 24inch dish it chould easy climb out of a 12inch deep tank

even a retic at 16inch disk wount have much trpible climbing out of 12inch deep

in a tank its diffrent as you have the strenght bars around the top but in a pond it will be no ptoblrm have you seen a ray jump on its food or up the side tank glass

 

[teguc1]

sorry for the lack of dimensions. It is 6' x 29" tall x 24" wide. I agree with a prior post about the overstocking issue and what is considered too much or not enough space. That is why I am asking for "real life" experiance with rays. I have no idea specifically which one I would purchase. My question is strictly generic. I am trying to convince my wife to let me trade all my cichlids in and start a ray tank with maybe an aro as well. Don't know just trying to get info from people and not just websites. Thanks for all help/constructive thoughts.

 

[knight]

220gal tank is enough to house a ray, but it all depends on what kind of ray . Filtration are also a factor.

For ray starters you wanna try motoro for i guess they are the hardiest among all rays.

On a tank Female Motoro can grow 18" diameter, while Male Motoro around 15" disc diameter

 

[teguc1]

so like one motoro or a teacup? OR could I do one motoro and one teacup in the future? Do I need to introduce them all at the same time? Are they like cichilds and really territorial? So many questions, yet there are so many differing opinions and/or answers.

 

[hollywood69]

dude you can have 3 motoros!!!!! get 2 females and a male, or you can have 3 of most rays, except for tiger, china and ceja rays! just research and invest in all the filtration you can think of, you will be fine!

 

[teguc1]

gracias! I am really tryin to figure this ray thing out. I have kept just about every kind of Central American cichlid there is over the last 4 1/2 yrs, done a salt tank, and have always been fascinated by the Rays and Aros. My wife is finally on board with me gettin a Ray so I am very excited to say the least. I have 2 cannister filters on the 220 tank right now and am looking to put an emperor on it as well for more oxygenation and filtration. I am really lookin forward to doing this. Now, my LFS is going to want like $150 per motoro. Is that a rip or is that a normal price? I already saw there prices pre-markup.

 

[Alex.P]

so like one motoro or a teacup? OR could I do one motoro and one teacup in the future? Do I need to introduce them all at the same time? Are they like cichilds and really territorial? So many questions, yet there are so many differing opinions and/or answers.

Your tank is ideal for a pair of motoros, Scobina, teacups and if you get really into rays, which you will, maybe some of franks P14's. But remember all rays grow huge and you will know when it's time to upgrade.
Stingrays aren't territorial at all and enjoy eachothers company most of the time. As for the quote that the lfs store is giving you it sounds ok for a healthy ray.