sting ray

[envy]

i been thinking about getting a stingray for a 125 gallon tank but not to sure if i should. if anyone on here has owned one what advice would you recommend in my success. my tank will be empty with the exception of reef sand. let me know what yall think i also have a 55 gallon i was also thinking about but i know most will say the 125. thank you in advance for your reply.

[StevenSeas]

I honestly don't believe that a 125 is large enough for a ray, nor for that matter are 90% of standard run of the mill aquariums that aren't specially built. This is because most rays will get atleast 12 inches wide and in an 18 inch wide that means that it will only have 6 inches to move side to side. It most likely wont be healthy in this size tank granted it is 6 foot long, that doesnt negate the lack of lateral movement that these species love. They are more about surface area rather than volume so height doesnt really play a part at all.

If you do decide to go with a ray, choose the 125. Get a ton of filtration for it, great over sized protein skimmer, and a sump with tons of LR and macro. Also make sure current is moderate/strong, with good surface agitation, but not lanier, and that all inlets have diffused suction so it cant get sucked onto the current makers. Keep metal out of the tank no matter what as well as no stray current so employing a ground would be helpful, as they have receptors that receive electrical current and stray voltage can "drive them crazy."

For feeding make sure that the food you are feeding are varied and rarely live unless they are enriched. All frozen foods should be enriched with iodine/iodide. This is due to a large portion of the diet being crustaceans that are high in this, but when they are killed and frozen the iodine isnt kept. A lack of iodine in a rays diet will cause whats called a goiter, it is a mass that can get fairly large right after their mouth and will eventually inhibit their eating.

just my opinion mixed in with some research and experience

[ErikH]

I have a 110g tank that would be perfect for a small ray, like a blue spot. It's 40x40x17 and is for sale. It's pentagonal, so the dimensions aren't exactly the same.

[justahobby]

X One Million!! Wow, Great summary man! I had one question when reading this, Why do you say "Rarely (feed) Live?"

[StevenSeas]

I say rarely feed live, due to the fact that feeder fish like rosies or goldfish or any of the others are high in thiamine and low in nutrition, goldfish are also high in ammonia and fat, as well as their scales are difficult to digest. As far as feeding ghost shrimp, imo it should be as a treat and to wean them onto frozen food. But as to why not is because unless you feed them yourselves and "gutbust" them they tend to be devoid of nutritional value. just my optionon

[justahobby]

I see. Yeah, I wouldn't fee those either lol.

[StevenSeas]

I would like to add on to the prior statement concerning rarely feeding live foods. That being if you do feed mollusks, clams, or other shellfish that you can get the live variety from HEB, or fish markets make sure that they are OK for human consumption. These can be added to their diet to add variety and keep the diet natural. However, to keep your specimen healthy frozen alternatives of these are readily available and are imo better options as they are disease free. The live ones could potentially harbor parasites, or other illnesses that could be passed onto a immuno-suppressed (due to its being in captivity) stingray. These issues tend not to affect hnumans but they can, ie food poisoning, shellfish usually are more prone to causing this than other foods. IF the food is frozen it helps eliminate a large portion of potential problems, plus its cheaper and easier to feed and stay on a rhythm with.

[justahobby]

I agree w/ parasites being a risk factor. Again, great summary. It was good to hear someone mentioning that standard tanks are not designed to house sting rays and sharks. Kiddie pool style tanks (short w/ a big footprint) are much better.