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i am a newb at F.W rays or ray for that matter. my first questions are what are the sizes of the smallest rays, and what are the right tank set-ups.

Sobina, rectics, and histrix are the smallest. If anyone tells you that "teacup" rays are the smallest, they don't know that they are talking about. Teacup is just a term for baby rays and some "teacup" rays can get up to three feet long! Sobina is the rarest of the small rays, but is also the smallest, at about a foot. Histrix are slightly bigger. Rectics are about 14" long, but have huge tails, so they are at least 2' long including the tail. The minimum tank size is at least 90 - 100 gallons, but like all fish dememtions are the most important. Height is not an issue at all, so you could have a tank that is only 1' high, and the rays would thrive. They are mainly bottom feeders, but they are extremely active (and thus eat like pigs). The tank should be excellently filtered and have no nitrites at all. There should be no decorations, as they use all avialable space. They make discus look like cake