Blue dot sting ray question

[916]

I want to have a blue dot stingray saw one in the lfs and I have to have one or 2 and a cat banded shark my question is will my tank be big enough I am gonna have a tank built pretty soon I have 6 ft to work with currently in width 2ft depth and 15" height the depth can be changed

 

[jjk_reef00]

6x2 is a little small. I would try to go 6x4 or larger if possible.
The blue dot is a very hard ray to keep.
I would recommend a california round ray as they are very hardy and extremely active.

 

[916]

Is the height good and could I keep a shark or 2 in there

 

[Zoodiver]

Blue spots are a PAIN to deal with. It's very rare to have one live.
I'd go for a Cortez or a Yellow ray instead. Much hardier and do far better in home aquaria - and both species would do great in the size tank you have.

 

[916]

I might be getting a 8 ft wide by 4 ft deep tank will that be good enough size for the ones you mentioned

 

[Zoodiver]

Yes, they'll do very well in that size. I've had breeding groups in pools in 6x2 without any issues.

 

[916]

Can I put 2 of them with a shark

 

[jjk_reef00]

At 8' x 4' the tank would be big enough but I don't know if sharks can be kept with rays.You will need 3-5" of very fine grain sand. Just remember that most fish are not compatible with rays so research before you add fish.

 

[Zoodiver]

Yes, you can put two of the rays with that shark. They'll do just fine.

 

[916]

What could I feed them to mix things up so I don't feed the same thing eveyday and how long do I acclimate them I tried googling it but can't find anything

 

[916]

I just bought the tank so for fish I was thinking a blue tang and I was reading that there is a fish that cleans the sting ray but I can't find the article anymore dose anyone now the name of the fish

 

[fish042099]

go with a smaller and hardier ray

 

[TNTtropical]

So what size tank did you end up buying? And where did you get it from im just curious

 

[Zoodiver]

I just bought the tank so for fish I was thinking a blue tang and I was reading that there is a fish that cleans the sting ray but I can't find the article anymore dose anyone now the name of the fish

I'd avoid tangs and fish the graze... they tend to pick at stingray eyes.
Never heard of a fish to clean a ray - but like above, avoid stuff that will pick at it. You don't need a cleaner for a healthy ray.

 

[916]

Ok thanks what about for aclimating them do I drip acclimate them if so for how long and what fish do you reccomend

 

[Ryan2013]

Definately drip acclimate them all. The slower the acclimation the better. Just look up how to drip acclimate fish and you should find whatever you need to know about it. If you really want to be safe check the parameters of your tank and the acclimation water and be sure they match so as to ensure the best survival rate. Ive kept freshwater stingrays before and they are my favorite fish of all time i fed them frozen blood worm cubes and krill. They would even accept the krill from my hand! Good luck with the tank hope all goes well! Definately post some pics.

 

[jjk_reef00]

Feed them lots of variety of fresh seafood. I use to feed my ray shrimp, scallops, clams, squid, pieces of various fish, various frozen fish foods, etc... I use to soak all food in vitachem and selcon.

 

[wlyon]

I feed my two rays a mix of clam, krill, squid, and cuttlefish. All soaked in iodine and garlic.

 

[916]

I'm leaning towards 2 sharks a and stingray I dont think I'll be able to fit 2 each could I with my size tank

 

[Zoodiver]

Drip acclimation length depends on how different the temp/pH/salinity are.
If they are close, it doesn't take nearly as long.