RAYS?!?!

[jermajestyg]

Re: RAYS?!?!

I know im trying to raise a dead thread haha but bear with me please. I just didnt really wanna make a new thread.

Would it be possible to raise a juvie retic for about 2 years in a 40b with a 36" x 18" footprint? I know thats pushing it on minimum size, but after those 2 years, he would either be sold or moved to a much larger tank...at least 400 gallons. I know that they are the smallest rays, and although may be picky eaters, i will observe it closely to make sure it is eating.

Thanks,

-Jeremy

[2075turner]

Re: RAYS?!?!

Hummm, something to definitely think about. I have 4 of the 72 by 18" guys that I can put a couple of them into. I had always thought you had to have them in a much larger tank even from the get go.

Thanks for the info everyone.

[TURQ64]

Re: RAYS?!?!

Well, I wouldn't worry too much then, as long as you are considering smaller 'ray's...I've had them in a good deal of different footprints, and they are just fine...Some of the best ray keeper's I have met don't even use 'aquariums', just boxes lined in plastic, like Hudson and Vitor's catching operations...they aren't a very finicky animal, given the conditions..

[2075turner]

Re: RAYS?!?!

I was planning to upgrade in 2 years when we move but my intentions were only to get 2.

[TNT77]

Re: RAYS?!?!

Yeah, if only I had the 6 ft tank with the 24" deep, lol.

Missing the mark on both tanks

It really depends on whether or not you are going to upgrade. You could keep 4-5 small rays in either footprint. But it also forces you to upgrade to a rather large tank or sell some. And they can be hard to sell..they are easy to get attached to.

I found a 7' x 24" x 24" tank and stand for a deal. So its not impossible to upgrade.

[2075turner]

Re: RAYS?!?!

Yeah, if only I had the 6 ft tank with the 24" deep, lol.

Missing the mark on both tanks

[TNT77]

Re: RAYS?!?!

Just wondering what the thoughts are on a 48"L by 24" D for small ones? I have a 150 with that size footprint. It currently houses 10 adults 6" discus, but can be lowered to accommodate them.

With that footprint I would only go with a pair.

[2075turner]

Re: RAYS?!?!

Just wondering what the thoughts are on a 48"L by 24" D for small ones? I have a 150 with that size footprint. It currently houses 10 adults 6" discus, but can be lowered to accommodate them.

[TURQ64]

Re: RAYS?!?!

I'm currently housing my three Hystrix in an 18 wide tank..They're plenty mobile, and are doing fine there....I did have them in a 24 wide, but it had to revamp for growouts..

[TNT77]

Re: RAYS?!?!

In the 72" by 18", how many small rays can be kept in there for say 2-3 years? and when would I know to move them?

Depends on what you also have in the tank with them. Perhaps 2-3. One male and 1-2 females. I have seen more stocked in a tank that size. But..you really only want to get what you want to keep unless you plan on selling some. And that isnt always easy. You want them able to comfortably turn around and swim. So tank width is very important. You should be able to easily keep them in there till around 8" perhaps 9" disk width.

[2075turner]

Re: RAYS?!?!

In the 72" by 18", how many small rays can be kept in there for say 2-3 years? and when would I know to move them?

[TNT77]

Re: RAYS?!?!

I would love to get some rays but it was the tank size that holds me up on getting some. Biggest tank I have length wise is a 130 that measures 72" by 18" of which I understand is too small

The length is nice but the width would be a worry for an adult. You could house a retic, hystrix, or scobina in that tank for at least 3 years or more with no issues if you start small. My personal choice would be the hystrix or scobina of the three though. All stay around the same size as adults. I believe the hystrix grow a bit faster of the three if I remember correctly. But you should still have a long time before having to upgrade.

[lipadj46]

I would love to get some rays but it was the tank size that holds me up on getting some. Biggest tank I have length wise is a 130 that measures 72" by 18" of which I understand is too small

like mentioned above the reticulated are the smallest and would work if you made it a dedicated tank but they are known to be difficult to get eating

sent from my ti-85 during chemistry class

[2075turner]

Re: RAYS?!?!

I would love to get some rays but it was the tank size that holds me up on getting some. Biggest tank I have length wise is a 130 that measures 72" by 18" of which I understand is too small

[TNT77]

Re: RAYS?!?!

They just looked so cool, I HAD to ask. Then again, if they were easy to keep, everyone would, right?

Its not really the ease of keeping its the tank space that limits alot of people. They do need large tanks as they get bigger.