Stingray or Bolt Catfish

[JWIZZO]

Hi,
Hope you’re all well! Always read and used the site so thought it’s about time I posted!
I have a 7 x 3 x 3 coming end of the month.
I’m torn between picking up a Motoro ray (9” disc)
Or a bolt catfish around (10”)
Both the exact same price.

current stocking is a
Silver arowana 10”
True parrot 7”
2 x severum 5”,7”
4 geophagus tapajos 4-5”
1 x fire Eel 18”
1 x ornate 10”
All of the above with plenty of growing left.

Question being does anyone have good knowledge of either, or could point me in the direction? I really can’t decide!
will be running a 5 x18” x18” sump on the tank also.

 

[kno4te]

I’d go with the bolt catfish. The ray will increase the waste in the tank significantly. If not now then later. Plus it’ll provide some good movement in the tank. Just IMO.

 

[fishhead0103666]

I have no experience with either but I'm biased towards catfish so you can guess what I'd choose. Also, any pictures?

 

[Matteus]

Lol I’m going to stir the pot in case others won’t.

once you get the ray, the other fish will become second fiddle. Lol. They are waste factories like already mentioned, but once you have rays, it becomes a bit of an obsession.... for most, not all. They are always cruising around the tank foraging for food, flaying in the bubbles or current of your wave maker, cruising up and down the glass.

if you have the means to do it go for it. IMO.

 

[EntoStentor]

Catfish. Catfish. Catfish

 

[JWIZZO]

Thanks for all the replies! I’m tempted by the bolt as I know they are not commonly seen, and a beautiful cat. I have however heard stories of them being a pest to other bottom dwellers.
I like the idea of a ray, they’re beautiful, but I have little knowledge on them.
I really am torn on this one... anyhow I’m sure I’ll come to a conclusion, keep dropping what you would do and any experiences! I’ll post some pics of what I choose once we are out of this lockdown haha!

 

[Rhyno8]

I love my rays, one of the most interactive and interesting fish you’ll ever keep in my opinion. The flip side is filtration, water change and feeding there way more demanding then most. Motoro grow big and heavy is it a female or male? A male is going to last a lot longer in that size tank.

 

[MatteoTheEnder22]

Id say go with the bolt catfish because rays usally grow to big their social so you will need to get more than one its always a possible danger with its barbed tail.

 

[JWIZZO]

I love my rays, one of the most interactive and interesting fish you’ll ever keep in my opinion. The flip side is filtration, water change and feeding there way more demanding then most. Motoro grow big and heavy is it a female or male? A male is going to last a lot longer in that size tank.

Hi, the ray is a male, currently kept on his own, with South American chiclids and a gar. Would love to get him! I’d have the 5ft sump and then either a 50% or two 30-40% water changes a week. Would that be enough for him?

I went and had a look at the bolt catfish the other week when it arrived it’s a nice specimen and the first one I’ve ever seen.Again I’d love to pick him up just wish I knew someone who could tell me a little more so I know what to expect, they really are cool looking cats!

 

[Backfromthedead]

Im partial to the bolt cat.