Question about stingrays

tel0004

Lost in Translation
Sep 7, 2004
343
0
0
41
Cincinnati, Ohio
I want to get a sting ray in the next few months but I have some questions. Im new to fish keeping, but I have learned a lot in the last 2 months. I would like to get a 75 gallon tank, is this big enough. It is 18" deep. Also how difficult are these to keep alive, and what is a good price for one. I know they are expensive, but the aquarium by me wants 150 for one. Thanks
 
i do not know much about them either but yes that tank is big enough and no that is not a good price for one. my fav. local store (which is slightly overpriced) sells them for 40 bucks. i think you should use sand as a substrate, warm soft acidic water. don't know much more than that, hope it helps.
 
I've never kept stingrays myself yet, but I have read up on them quite a bit as I'm also interested in getting some one day. Many of them grow to be quite large (18"+ in diameter), but there are some that stay rather small at around 6" diameter.

As spartan said, the footprint of your tank is most important since they will spend their time gliding along the bottom. If you opt for a small stingray, you'd probably be ok with the 75g, but the larger ones would definitely need more space.

Do a search on www.google.com for "freshwater stingray" and you'll find a lot of info. I would definitely suggest reading all you can about them and be sure to let us know if/when you get one! :)
 
The price will probably vary depending on where you live, also what kind you want.
I saw a teacup stingray here in Vancouver for $75. I'm not too familiar with them, but this is what i remember from reading ray posts.

1)They appreciate clean water (30-50% biweekly)
2)Heaters need guards to prevent burning
3)Sand is a must (no gravel) or bare bottom
4)if you see hipbones that not a good sign. (means it not feeding or won't feed)

Theres a lot to know about them, i wouldn't recommend them as a beginner fish. You'll get lots of info if you try some predatory fish forums.
 
Agreed with most replies so far. A lot depends on what type you get as to whether a 75g will work. some only get 8" some get to 18". an 8" ray would be fine in a 75 while the bigger ones wouldn't. Clean water is extremely important for these animals, so be prepared to do a lot of work, and make sure you have exceptional filtration that is easy to maintain. Remember that filters only gather waste, they don't remove it from the tank. Although they are fabulous animals to watch and own, they aren't something I would reccomend for a beginner at all.
Dave
 
AquariaCentral.com