thoughts on sting ray

[amityv]

I just visited my lfs and they just recieved a shipment of Tea cup stingrays. They had several other types of rays but i forget the names of the other 2. 1 has wings like a bat and the other was just a larger sting ray. I was just wanting to know any information anyone might have on them or maybe one of you might have or had one. I have a 75 gallon tank and a 55 gallon tank in my garage that was given to me with sand that i could set up for 1,but didnt know anything about them other then what they told me there. They said they were peaceful ,like to bury themselves in sand,and they are bottom scavengers. They eat such things as, algae wafers,krill, ect.. Just wanted any input as to what they are like and if it would be worth buying one.
Thanks,
Amity

 

[cryosi]

mmmm nice one this, tea cups my lfs had some a while ago £80 each great fish dont get that big, there was a rticle in a fish mag a while back on rays. some excellent books about them if u look around, also there are some guys around who know a lot about these in some lfs i see one regular in a MA shop. you will also find a fair amount on info on them on the net quite a few websites on rays from people liek you and me who want to show them off.
http/www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows.../5590/care.html

they will need some regular water changes, my be 2 a week some good filtration (high power) and always fish out the food after feeding them. great guys and gals to watch very realxful and enjoyable. ( was thinking about gettinga fresh water flounder)

Oh most sites do say they like earthworms......

 

[Gibbo]

Don't need a deep tank, water depth need only be 12" or so. Just make sure you have a lot of surface area, a wide tank would be best. Considering the disc size for Teacups is only about 10-12" a 4ft long x 2ft wide by 15" deep would be ideal for 2-4 specimens. Use aquarium sand as a substrate, but only about 0.5" deep. This will be easier to clean. As cryosi stated, they can be messy eaters so remove uneaten food after an hour or so and do 2 x 30% water changes a week. Filtration needs to be of the highest standard possible and extremely efficient. Lighting should be subdued and you can put artificial (fabric type) plants around the edges for effect, keeping the centre clear. Aim for neutral pH with a lowish hardness if possible. Feed shellfish (prawns with shell still on), earthworms and bloodworm and they should thrive. It is not impossible to breed them either....

 

[amityv]

I will have to do a little research on them then. They are quite beautiful and graceful to watch. I'll remember the earthworms too. He also had a freshwater lionfish. very beautiful also. I would like to start a seperate tank just for the more Exotic fish than what i have in my 55 gallon and 30 gallon. I just didnt want to get in over my head with something that'll be difficult to take of. The tea cup sting ray was $39.95US. The larger ones and the one with bat like wings were alot more.
Thanks for writing back.

 

[amityv]

Do you think i might have problems considering i live out in the country and have hard water. I have a water softner and havent had problems with any of my fish yet.I use aquatech water conditoner with every change. But not sure about something as elegant as a sting ray!

 

[Gibbo]

Check with lfs on their water conditions, some fish can adapt and if they seem fine and, most importantly, are feeding, then they should be OK.

 

[Gibbo]

A bit more info (people who have experienced Teacup Rays)

Aquahobby

 

[amityv]

Thanks for the info. guys! I appreciate it

 

[Calusa]

the 'bat winged' rays are mostlikely California batrays, achieving a wingspan of FOUR FEET!

I recently made a post on this in a different sting ray post on this forum. It would be a very good idea for you to check it out, and benefit from it!