The small rays

[DiXoN]

lets discuss the smaller and what usually tend to be classed as the less desirable rays.
What rays do you think fall into this category.
I am looking for a hystrix myself so i want info too but there are a few other small max sized rays that hit no more than 15''.
Who has any of these and post some pics.
If we cover all the FAQ's on these species i may be worth a sticky.

 

[TOM A.]

Can you put a small ray in a 55gal? If so how would one set it up. Bare bottom or sand. Clay pots or wood and plants.

 

[redtailfool]

Can you put a small ray in a 55gal? If so how would one set it up. Bare bottom or sand. Clay pots or wood and plants.

Only temporarily. It wouldnt work long term. Even the smallest rays hit at least 15 inches.

 

[TOM A.]

O boy , if I get another big tank, the wife will kill me. Maybe she wont notice a 125 gal down stairs. I did see that DIY shallow ray tank post. That may be the way to go for rays.

 

[born2lovefish]

I had a ray in a 75 gallon and had to get rid of him because I moved. I have seen people keep rays in as little as a 30 gallon tank. I would NOT recommend it, but I have seen it done. I guess you just have to ask yourself if you would like to live in your house and never go outside. 55 gallon tanks are not very wide at all. You need to find a tank that has more space for him to swim. SOmeone on this site has a really neat homemade indoor pond for rays. It basically is a frame with a pond liner. If you have the room, you could make a set up like that for not that much money. Just a thought.

 

[ae2359]

I really wouldn't put a ray in a 55 unless you already own something significantly bigger for the near future.

 

[DiXoN]

yes wwre talking small rays that are ok for a 2' wide tank unlike the 3' wide tank rays like the motoro,leopoldi etc need.
these rays hit between 12-16''.
i am thinking reticulata,humerosa,hystrix.

 

[Miles]

A 55g is not suitable for even the smallest of 'teacup' rays.. The lack of turning space will stress them out from day 1 and you'll have a very hard time keeping your ray healthy for it's entire life.. Teacups rays shouldnt be imported anyways, but thats a different story..

Some of the smaller species, such as Scobina, Retics, and Hystrixs are becoming harder and harder to find.. Which is interesting, because in all reality these should be the MOST abundant due to their small size..

 

[Gman91]

instead of a 55 you might want to try a 40 gallon breeder.36x18x17. nice and low, good amount of ground level realestate.

 

[riskistang]

dont get a ray if you cantpu tit in a tank for life....you say youll upgrade, but most dont or wait til its too late.....do the reasearch for the species, and get one that you can take care of and keep it happy......tank space, filtration, water changes 2-3x a week, and food Rays are not for everyone