Stingray tankmates.

[lukenewton]

Hello. I have just set up a new tank to get some rays. It's a 7x3x2 tank sumped. The sump currently runs 50l of k1 and in time I will be adding another 50l of hel-x. I am looking at keeping a trio of rays either pearls or mini marbles. Now as other tank mates go I am looking at an Asian arrow which I have seen many people do So should be fine? Was also thinking of adding 6 geophagus surinamensis, 6 geophagus red head tapajos and possibly a fire eel? Could anyone see any issues with this? And what order would you recommend adding fish? I was think geophagus and eel first to get the tank nicely cycled for a month or 2. Then the arrow and give it a month. Then the rays. Can anyone see any issues with this? All will be addded as juviniles and grown on in the tank.
Thanks
Luke

 

[MariaS]

Strictly speaking you should first cycle the tank and then add the fish a bit at a time

If you going to cycle the tank with fish, be sure to add Seachem stability.
It helps seed your filter and speed up the cycle and protects your fish from the effects of a cycling tank

I would not add a fire eel to a tank that is not cycled, they are too sensitive.

 

[lukenewton]

I did forget to mention I've added a fluval 405 that's been on another tank for ages and is fully mature. I'll also add some mature k1 from another tank to get the fluidised bed matured quicker. Was just thinking if I add the geo's first they can make sure the moving bed is well established.

 

[lukenewton]

Question is more what's the best order to add things?

 

[MariaS]

Question is more what's the best order to add things?

In that case I would add the geos.. then the arowana and the rays and fire eel in the end
By then your bacteria should be enough to handle the bioload

I have never had a fire eel with arowana and rays.. maybe just do a little homework on that
I did own a fire eel a good few years ago.. she was about 60cm and as thick as my wrist
I remember when she decided to dart around the tank she caused quite a commotion so not sure if Aro and rays will be happy with that
Maybe someone else can comment here

 

[lukenewton]

Okay thanks! I thought fire eels were generally quite calm fish bit anyone else had any experience with them and rays + aro?

 

[SandNukka15]

The rays will prob eat the red head geos and eel eventually.... I would go with a trio of rays and 1 asian arow

 

[lukenewton]

Fully grown geo's will be 8"+ and the eel can get like 3 ft. Surely they won't get eaten?

 

[SandNukka15]

Fully grown geo's will be 8"+ and the eel can get like 3 ft. Surely they won't get eaten?

Red head tapajos only get to around 6ish and they grow slow and eels can be slender... a big ray can easily eat them... trust me I know from experience and others on here will tell you the same thing

 

[SandNukka15]

Also dont cycle with these fish... ur gonna run into problems and dead fish... do a fishless cycle and add ammonia