Sand vs bare bottom (and silca sand)

[Conzmac]

So, I would like to know the pros and cons of bare botom vs sand tanks for a stingray. And how hard is it to clean sand in a tank, ik you can't syphon it. How do you do it? And most importantly is silca sand okay for stingrays if it is a very fine grade? Thanks in advance.

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[Slippery K]

Most people prefere non silica sand for stingrays, but many people have used silca sand with no problems. The best benefit with sand and rays is that sand is more natural and allows the ray to burry itself like it would in the wild. Hence a happier ray in my opinion. For cleaning, I still use a gravel pump, but adjust the flow so it just lifts the sand. I keep the syphon about an inch above the sand to suck out all the poop and other gunk without syphoning out the sand itself. Just fiddle with the flow rate on your syphon till you find that "sweet spot" where you can easily clean, but won't lose your sand bed in the process.

Hope this helps.

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[Silent Bob]

For me I feel sand is best for rays. I use playsand in my tanks with my rays. Gives them a place to hide, also gives them something to dig thru keeping them occupied, LOL. My little dude loves digging trenches looking for food. Bare bottom tanks are easier to clean but I feel that is just being lazy. It would be like living in a home with no furniture, what is the point.

 

[Conzmac]

Most people prefere non silica sand for stingrays, but many people have used silca sand with no problems. The best benefit with sand and rays is that sand is more natural and allows the ray to burry itself like it would in the wild. Hence a happier ray in my opinion. For cleaning, I still use a gravel pump, but adjust the flow so it just lifts the sand. I keep the syphon about an inch above the sand to suck out all the poop and other gunk without syphoning out the sand itself. Just fiddle with the flow rate on your syphon till you find that "sweet spot" where you can easily clean, but won't lose your sand bed in the process.

Hope this helps.

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Thank you for your reply, it sounds like sand isn't terribly difficult to deal with so I will most likely go for it. Thank you!

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[Conzmac]

For me I feel sand is best for rays. I use playsand in my tanks with my rays. Gives them a place to hide, also gives them something to dig thru keeping them occupied, LOL. My little dude loves digging trenches looking for food. Bare bottom tanks are easier to clean but I feel that is just being lazy. It would be like living in a home with no furniture, what is the point.

Thank you for your reply, you make some very good points. Sounds like sand is the best option.

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