Ray pond idea - will this work?

[zoohoot]

Good info Kyle. I was originally planning it above ground but in the dirt may be the way to go.

Here are the average hi/low and mean temps in our area: http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/USCA1136

 

[Mr. Fish]

Interesting... Definitely leaves me a little torn with what to do. I actually think the average temp in the pond would be lower than my reef, but the spikes in summer are a concern.

Average lower temperature is more important than the temperature spikes during summer. I don't know if you have heard of ray bay, but its a part of seal beach where a bunch of califronia round rays live. The average high temperature of the water at seal beach is 85 degrees in August, so they are fine with the water getting hot for a short time.

 

[zoohoot]

That's good to hear. Thanks again Mr. Fish.

 

[T Diddy]

Tdiddy... The geothermal is an interesting idea. I wonder how much line would have to be in the ground to significantly impact temps?

It probably wouldn't take as much as you might think. Slower flow through that line is probably better than swift however. I know of several homes in my area that heat their pools that way...water is pumped through a zig-zag pipe attached to the roof. I have seen the opposite done for Koi Ponds for temp. regulation.

 

[zoohoot]

If I went with putting the pond itself in the dirt, as Kyle suggested, the spotted wouldn't be in the shade.

What do you think would be better:
a. A spot that gets full shade throughout the day, but is above ground?
b. A spot that gets mostly sun throughout the day, but is in the ground?

If I went with the above ground I was thinking of insulating the sides with concrete or block, or maybe even use fill dirt?

 

[tozzi]

Above then in the shade.

 

[RcToners]

Well I am not sure about california but I can tell you what they do here in the florida keys,

Pond is in ground roughly 2 feet, walls of the pond are built above ground roughly 2 feet, total depth 4ft. Gazebo style enclosure over the top to ensure a more stable temp and no direct sunlight. Closed loop style filtration well insulated to keep temp stable.


My personal opinion is that these larger animals should be left in the wild or at least at a very large aquarium.

 

[zoohoot]

Thanks for the info RcToners.

For what it's worth, the CA Round Ray is a smaller ray, with max size reported at 10". Not much bigger than many other fish commonly kept in home aquariums. But I understand your point.

 

[T Diddy]

Hey zoohoot,

This is probably not what you had in mind exactly, but it is worth a look...


http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1706377&highlight=sting+ray

 

[zoohoot]

Yeah, I have read through that build several times. Thanks!

 

[Mr. Fish]

My personal opinion is that these larger animals should be left in the wild or at least at a very large aquarium.

These "large" animals are not that large and are very suitable for aquarium life, if given the proper care. They get at most a foot long and are quite stationary, compare that to a naso tang that gets 18" long and is extremely active. The OP keeps his in a 210 gallon, that's more than enough room for this little batoid.

 

[zoohoot]

He does seem pretty darn happy in my current tank. This pond idea definitely has my "gears" turning. Lots of questions. Lots of ideas.

 

[Sk8r]

For my koi, in winter, conversely, I use a 6' diameter ring (a length of 1" irrigation hose with a hosebarb) with shade-fabric (gardening store) stitched over it with fishing line. It provides a nook for hiding.

 

[mscarpena]

I would think in the ground would keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. I would try to dig down about 3-4ft. You need to do research in your area to see what the ground temps are and do some chemistry calculations to figure out heat transfer. You can do it, but it might cost you a lot of money.

 

[flyhigh123]

if you are going to make it for a ray, might as well go bigger and add some small sharks or large fish...

i would dig and put it half in the ground and half above the ground. This can help average the temps. Above, you can put a shade or build a gazebo over it.