Fresh Water Rays

[whip]

I may be moving next year. If I do, I'm getting a large tank. probally 200+ gallons. I know some of the rays would be too big for even this tank. I was wondering has anyone had experience with some of the smaller rays? The one lfs that sells tham will not guarentee them, because they are sensitve. Is this true? are they picky eaters? are they very sensitive to water? They (like all my fish) would get the tap water, that is about 7.6 ph and hard(I don't have the numbers of the hardness). How are they with other fish. I know they are predators, but would they be ok with other large fish? Has anyone ever seem them sold for less than $150.00us? What is the minimun tank size for the smaller rays? Thanks for the replys.

 

[CFC]

The one lfs that sells tham will not guarentee them, because they are sensitve. Is this true?

Rays are some of the most sensative fish available in the hobby, when introducing a new ray to your tank great care must be taken to aclimatise the fish as gently as possible to avoid sending it into shock. They also cannot be treated with any comercial aquarium medications (with the exception of melafix &pimafix).

are they picky eaters?

Newly imported rays can be difficult to feed as they often only eat small live foods but with some patience they can be easily weened onto meaty frozen foods.

are they very sensitive to water?

Yes, keeping water quality pristine is the most important part of ray keeping, the pH isnt as important as long as its not too high (above 7.8ish) but nitrates should always be below 40ppm.

How are they with other fish. I know they are predators, but would they be ok with other large fish?

They can be kept with other large non aggressive fish, but care should be taken when choosing tankmates as to no add anything that might nip or harrass the rays.

 

[whip]

Thanks for the info. I'm thinking I might not get a ray. They are awaesome fish, but they may be a ;ittle too sensitive.

 

[k.o.d]

They are not as sensitive as they seem, acclimitised rays are quite hardy and tolerant of not pristine conditions, but that doesnt mean it is OK to allow it, you have paid a lot for your fish so ensure you have the systems in place to keep it properly.
Rays hate pH fluctuations rather than too high or too low levels, we use coral gravel as a buffer/trickle filter and the pH is a constant 7.6, this means no pH crashes which big oddball fish tanks are prone to.

Young rays do not travel well, do not acclimitise well to being in glass tanks and do not like the prepared foods we feed everything else, so people experience with rays are usually scraggy, thin ray pups from the LFS, once the acclimitisation period has been complete a happy ray is brilliant to watch, constantly sifting through the sand for food, very inquisitive and always hungry

We keep Motoro, Yepezi and Reticulatus rays, these are some of them telling us they may want feeding