newbie questions please assit

[top dog]

Been very long time since i have posted on MFK, but need some help for potential stingray tanks.
If i could get the following answered so i at least know i am moving in the right direction and going to provide long term captive solution for the rays.
Ideally i am looking at BD hybrids. as i like the black base color and white dot contrast but do not have the money for a pure BD and do not trust the importer enough that this is what will be supplied.
1) believe most hybrid rays have a lot of motoro in them will a dark black pup stay dark into adulthood.
2) do hybrid rays have the ability to grow with hybrid vigor or at largest will they only grow to same size as a pure BD
3) tank size I have a empty 180cm long 60cm wide tank witch will ideally house 2 female bd hybrids for the 1st year, A 240cm long 80cm wide tank to house 2 females and young male for year hopefully 2 years till i can build larger tank. Is this a time scale correct

thank you in advance
regards Mark

 

[Bigfishnut]

Tank sizes seem ok to get you started. Be sure to have adequate filtration and be fully cycled. Rays need a lot of extra bio due to the fact they produce a lot of ammonia compared to other fish. As far as hybrids, there is no predicting how they will develop. If they have a dark base, likely they will just get better with age.

 

[top dog]

thank you
tanks is fully cycled with large sump filter and moving bed chamber,
will be doing a 30% water change every 3 days and constant water test to ensure nothing is building up.

 

[tlindsey]

Tank sizes seem ok to get you started. Be sure to have adequate filtration and be fully cycled. Rays need a lot of extra bio due to the fact they produce a lot of ammonia compared to other fish. As far as hybrids, there is no predicting how they will develop. If they have a dark base, likely they will just get better with age.

^
This

 

[Bigfishnut]

I also recommend looking into a constant drip. It's the best way to keep your water quality consistent. I run drip on my ray tank and some of my other large systems. It won't fully eliminate water changes, but will help a lot. Mostly it helps to avoid big fluctuations which can stress rays.

 

[top dog]

I also recommend looking into a constant drip. It's the best way to keep your water quality consistent. I run drip on my ray tank and some of my other large systems. It won't fully eliminate water changes, but will help a lot. Mostly it helps to avoid big fluctuations which can stress rays.

tank standing in the middle of my lounge so drip system aint going to happen unfortunatley.
when they have but on some size and move them to the 8 foot i will have a drip system set up waiting to go