Retic Stingray questions

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Snakehuntr_007

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 21, 2008
13
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Alabama
Hey all, I just got my new retic stingray (and my first stingray) a few days ago. I did a LOT of research and only have a few questions. First of all, I read that they do NOT like nitrates. Does this include Nitrites or Nitrates or just n02 as a whole? Also, I read that you should have a sump. Well.... I don't have a sump set up, but I do have a fluidized bed filter. Will this suffice for the biological filtration? I also have a canister filter and HOB filter too. Few more things here... Mine started eating the next day after I got him (or her) It is eating Shrimp and Krill, is this a good food for them? I also read that they like earthworms and bloodworms. I will get him on these soon. And my biggest question, probably the least important, is what tankmates can I keep with them? I figured that if I was keeping my whater chemistry this clean I could have discus, and I have seen pics of stingrays and discus, but I think its controversial. But besides discus, what can I keep with them? Thanks so much for your help!

Snakehuntr_007
P.S. also any other tips you can share is awesome!
Pics soon
 
wow, already on shrimp... thats really good normally retics dont eat frozen shrimp right away, IMO keep it on shrimp and a switch it up with earthworms or something....
 
I'm a rookie to stingrays but I'll help you with what I can. Stingrays are sensitive to nitrates; Nitrites are deadly to all fish, this along with ammonia is why you wan't your tank to cycle first. The bacteria converts the nitrites and ammonia to nitrates. If you have all three of those filters running I'd imagine that'd be sufficient as long as your tank gets turned over enough.
From what I've heard about tankmates, you should stay away from anything that is small enough to eventually be food and any aggresive species. Like I said though, I'm just getting started with rays too so I'm sure more experienced ray keepers will have more to add.
 
Hey, thanks guys. Right now my chem levels are awesome, but I will definately keep a close eye on that. I'm happy that it is eating shrimp already. I'll definately try tokeep it swapped up on food though.
 
nitrites are a no no.... nitrates are not a issue... just try to keep them Low.. i know of plenty of people keeping rays in 100ppm and higher... also there is a member that bred p14 with high nitrate.... just keep doing water changes and after your tank is cycled properly throw the test kit away...
 
Ok, i was wondering about the nitrates. I mean, its nearly impossible to get rid of them entirely right? Thats cool, I can take care of ol' ammonia and nitrites
 
you can get rid of them but you still need water changs to replace minerals etc..i the water..pick a day of the week and do a 50% water change.... simple is best..
 
Well well well not much people r giving full answers to ur question. When u have ray it is best to start out with a motoro ray but the retic as longa s the water is clean and he is eating then great! :D also u don't need a sump. As long as u have good filters which cleans the water then okay. Ur food u r feeding ur ray with is awesome and the people are right switch it around. Chemicals u got that covered. Tankmates! discus is okay but u need very very clean water because discus schools so i think u will get atleast 3 of them and stingrays can go with anything pretty much as long as the fish is out of the rays way and they don't fight. Best fit tho to me is a arowana. Little expensive (get silver cheapest and most common go around 20 dollars a pop depending on the store and area.) I can also tell if ur ray is a girl or boy if u give me a picture on the tail and bottom of the ray. Backside more direct. What else.... I think that is it. U seem like u r going pretty well. Hope for a update when ur ray comes in and pm about the male and female thing easier on me :D
 
Hi,

Your're lucky that your Retric is eating shrimps ;)

Please, tell us what is your tank size - it will help to answer for your questions ;)

GL !
 
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