Rays and gravel??

[michael]

Have kind of wanted a ray and I have gravel in my tank. Is this not a good idea? The gravel is the smaller spectre stuff not the nice smooth river stones I should have went with. Will the gravel scratch him up and be a bad idea.

 

[Zoodiver]

If it is too rough, there is always the chance of them not taking to it well.

 

[michael]

bump only one response. I still would like some more opinions. thanks zoo

 

[tank90]

If it is rough a ray can scratch or cut their belly. I had figi sand in my tank and they liked it, but funny enough i got tired of cleaning it so i changed to a bare bottom tank and installed a 36 inch bubble wall and they are about 10 times more active than they were, and they love playing in the bubbles. One thing i have noticed is that my water is 5 times more clear than it used to be, and the tank is WAY easy to keep clean.

 

[redtailfool]

Michael, If its smooth gravel, like riverstone then it should be good. But if it has sharp edges, then it wont be good for the ray.

 

[riskistang]

Maybe large smooth river rocks/stones would be ok.....any edges or irregular shapes might scratch or cut the ray......go with sand!

 

[ole]

i had mine in with some gravel.. it was not the smoothest stuff either and they were fine. i wouldn't be too worried if it's smooth.

 

[Wildy]

i had mine in with some gravel.. it was not the smoothest stuff either and they were fine. i wouldn't be too worried if it's smooth.

I disagree, i used some plastic coated stuff , and i had infection after infection until i removed it. The gravel must be round and smooth, sand is the best substrate for rays i.m.o.

 

[Honda12]

I don't really prefer gravel but it just has to be round and smooth. IMO sand is the best option for rays but if you like they looks which I don't you can go with a bare bottom.