Thank you

[Vandyfan13]

After almost two years (easily over a year and a half) of reading and studying and more reading I have started a custom tank build for a stingray. Thanks to this site whom I've just joined but read over and over again I feel comfortable in taking care of theses beautiful fish. I just wanted to say thank you to this site and members for just being amazing and intelligent. You guys are awesome and inspiring. I'm sure when I finally get the Ray (about three months from now) I'll have more questions but all in all I'm excited and ready to start. Thank you again guys you all are awesome!

 

[Preacher]

I agree! I don't know where I would be with out it!

 

[ShadowStryder]

So what kind of tank build are you doing. Tank, (glass or acrylic) pond? What are your plans for filtration?

 

[Vandyfan13]

Glass tank. Sump tank 175 gallon tank I know it sounds small but from what I've read it's more about shape and layout then gallons. I'm picking up a pump that does 500 gallons per hour.

 

[JK47]

Glass tank. Sump tank 175 gallon tank I know it sounds small but from what I've read it's more about shape and layout then gallons. I'm picking up a pump that does 500 gallons per hour.

Welcome! Glad you're enjoying the site. We have all benefited from it in one way or another. Rays need a lot of filtration. Try and target 10 turn overs per hour for rays. 100 gallon tank = 1000 GPH. There are many factors that go into it but it's a good general way to approach it.

One of the reasons for the large tanks is stable water. The fewer the gallons, the lesser or at minimum the more fluctuations in water parameters as well as more turn over needed. The more gallons in total volume of the system, the more the ammonia and byproducts of the nitrification cycle are diluted. Rays do need a large footprint but the additional volumes in most cases are also very helpful from a dilution / stability standpoint. Ammonia spikes after feedings are much harder to control under the 300 gallon range.

Think of it like this:

(same ray)
X1 ray in a 200 gallon
X1 ray in a 300 gallon = 33% improvement
X1 ray in a 400 gallon = 50% improvement
Etc..

Then there is the addiction side. You may (most of us did/do) want more rays. Just a few thoughts to mull over. I'm a setup junky and happy to chat filtration so don't be afraid to shoot me a message if I can help

 

[Vandyfan13]

I really appreciate it. Don't worry I will. I try to learn everything I can but haven't heard 10 times and hour. It makes since the more turnover the better. I'll definitely look into it. Any suggestions on pumps and would you go with live rock in the sumo or plants?

 

[Vandyfan13]

Asp how do you change your picture lol sorry for such a newb question does it have to be on computer?

 

[flukekiller]

live rock? you planning on a salty ray?

 

[Vandyfan13]

i guess live rock is the wrong term I'm sorry. It will be FW but at the LFS whom are very knowledgable said rock would be great to put in the sump but I've also read where plants are beneficial as well.

 

[flukekiller]

Ahh just checking.. lava rock is whay a lot of people use..or you can do a planted sump