Please Help; Arrow/Datnoid/Hystrix Tank

[blackdat13]

Just looking for some advice, I'm not an expert, just a growing enthused hobbiest, I've had arrowanas before but this is my first datnoid and ray. I'm looking for information on using real plants compared to fake. What plants can I use/what will work best with my trio, and what will I need to keep plants

Ish
3." Black Arrowana
3.5" Gold Datnoid
4" Hystrix Ray

Set Up:
125gl (long)
Riverstone substrate (small 3-5mm rounded and smooth)
2 Marineland 350's
1 Marineland C-360
30gl homemade Sump (bio-balls, ceramic tubes, carbon, floss/polishing pads, spongescrubbies)

I do water changes bi weekly. Ammonia and Nitrate test always come back fine, and I never have a problem with water clarity. I know I will most likely have to change the lighting but I'm looking just for some advice thanks

 

[Venom Stinger]

unless you suspend your plants somehow...like maybe cutting a flower pot in half and gluing it to the back of the tank...mid to upper level.
the problem with rays and plants is that they always dig up the plants looking for food.
rays are hell on planted tanks.

may i ask how long you have had your ray?

 

[blackdat13]

I've only had him about two weeks, I went with the hystrix because I've read that the motaro and Hys are the easiest to maintain and I wanted to get comfortable taking care of the species before I jumped into the deep end. Not too fond of the motaros coloration. My ray and a true Hystrix, not a common someone labeled as a Hys. Hes a male and eating frozen bloodworms and seems happy. By far the coolest fish I've ever had I'd love to have a pearl or a flower!! Do you suggest any decorations? Do you know anything about the hybrids? From the little I've read it seems they are extremely fragile and have sort life spans

 

[Venom Stinger]

well you started off good with a 125. plenty of surface for a small hystrix. your filtration is good.
my advice is to get rid of the fish. sorry, i know that hurts but its what i would do. less stress on the ray in a lot of ways.
i wouldnt do decor either. sharp rocks and pointed wood is not what a ray needs.

i know some about hybrids. my favorite is the bdxpearl mix.
im not really sure where you read that but i believe its false about fragile and short life spans.
i guess depending on the kinds of rays..who really knows at this point. its all so new.