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What is the best type of substrate for a freshwater sting ray. I'm wanting to set up a 125 gallon tank in my classroom next year and have a sting ray. Also, what other fish would go ok with a sting ray in that size tank. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

they need sand so they can cover themselves

The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an bacon and egg breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

I think that only sand will be fine with a Ray. As stated above, they like to cover themselves & hide.


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Can I use play sand or pool sand, or do I have to use the expensive stuff?

Yes, play sand is fine.

A lot of people also use bare-bottom tanks for their rays, because they tend to be easier to clean (rays are extremely fussy about their water quality).

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I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

Hi,
In the July 2005 issue or Aquarium Fish Magazine, Page 12,
"FRESHWATER Q&A" column, the exact same question is asked.
The writer, Mike Wickham, suggests that you go to your local
"home supply" store and purchase the white sand sold for
children's sandboxes, or go to a pool supply store and
purchase the white sand that is used in swimming pool
filters. He specifically recomends that one NOT purchase
the brown construction sand as it is too dirty. You do not
want to use sand that is too coarse as the ray will scratch
itself and could become infected.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

I have a freshwater sting ray with small smooth pebbles, he lives with a clown knife fish and a arowana, in a 120 tank.

www.responsiblethrashers.com

A much bigger tank is going to be needed in a couple years.









Last edited by Cory Addict at 13-May-2005 17:40

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I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

As cory said bare-bottomed tanks are sometimes used, but not exactly for cleaning purposes. In a ray tank you never need to do a sand vac! The reason why? Rays are always flapping above the sand, looking for food. This stirs up any debris, which go right into the filter. The only reason why some people use bare-bottomed is to see the rays better and to save money.

Play sand is iffy, because some of it is very course. Look for sand that is silica based and has round grains.

Although aros and knifes are the perfect tankmates for rays, any combination of these fish would require a huge, 500 gallon + tank. Aros reach about 4'., clown knifes: 3 '. and stingrays reach between 18" and 3' depending on the species(although wild rays can sometimes reach 6' in diameter!).

In a 120, I suggest some top-water fish like snakeskin gouramis and African butterfly fish with a good-sized school of mid. level fish. Remember, the fish should be at least 5" long to avoide being eaten. Therefore, only large schooling fish like congo tetras or silver dollars would work.

EDIT: if you want sand in the tank, make sure to have 1" or less. Otherwise, food and air particles will be trapped, and you would actually have to do maintinance. Plus, this would tank up tank room. Rays do not care about substrate, and in reality do not bury themselves. Only sick or frightened rays do this, so if your rays are covering themselves in the first place, you have a problem.

What species are you looking for? Try to avoid the comonly sold "teacup rays". This is name describes many different species. So make sure you know which one your getting before you buy a teacup. The only three species that you can have are recticulata, sobina, and hystrix. Histrix and recticulata are the most common of the rays(and cheapest, in the $60 range), but not always the most hardy. Sobina are more expensive ane rarer, but are better for beginners. Actually, the best beginner ray is the motoro, but these need at least 300 gallons as an adult.

Good luck!

Last edited by djtj at 23-May-2005 10:01