Stingray lighting

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
S

sbrodacz

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 9, 2009
832
0
0
Illinois
I have pretty much setup my tank and it's in the process of cycling. I still need to get lighting. What is my best option for lighting for a stingray. I have a 125 gallon tank. It has a glass top divided into 3 sections. My local fish shop said to get reptile lights and use 25 watt bulbs. I am not sure if that is the best solution or not. Plus I'd have to figure a way to raise the lights. I was thinking of just going to walmart and buying 3 18" fluorescent fixtures.I am not sure if that is too much or too little. The tank has been built with the main purpose of housing a stingray. I do also plan on getting a gar and arrowana, not sure if that will affect the kind of lighting to use. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
Stingray are bottom dwelling critters. They are often in murky waters. Subdued lighting may be the best. Find a wattage that is economical and enhances your ray. If you do not need the wattage to grow plants, choose something small, soft and economical.

Bright lighting, in my experience, spooks the rays. My rays seem tense and easily startled when exposed to strong lighting. I have (1) 40w CFL to light my entire system.

FM
 
I ended up buying 3 18" strips from walmart. They were only $6 each. If it ends up being to much I can always turn off one or two. I was told that I could put a strip of electric tape on the blub to help dime it.
 
I used a T5HO on my rays and they were less active.... i now use a regular flourescent bulb less than 20watts, and they seem alt happier.....

Dont put tape directly on the lights... it will dim them, but with some time, the tape could melt, or worse.

I would just use one strip if you want the tank dim. an 18" light strip is under 20 watts anyway, it wont be brigth enough for you to have to dim it further.
 
The 3 strip lights should be fine. I had the same set of lights on a 125 as well.
 
Thanks guys. The lights really do light up the tank nicely, but I'll have to see how the ray acts with them and can adjust it accordingly.
 
Don't turn on any of the lights to start when you first get your ray. After your ray gets settled in and starts to eat then turn on one for a few hours a day and see how it effects your rays. Keep going from there.
 
Thanks Sky, I remember reading in the stickies to keep the lights off for a few days while the ray gets adjusted.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom