stingray

[jmreef]

Im going to buy a stingray at a lfs, but i want to build a tank for it. so would be the best size and demisons for the tank? thank u

[leebca]

You did not mention the species of sting ray you have in mind. If you can be more specific, then we might be able to give some guidance.

This fish in general requires a fairly mature marine system to give it an opportunity to live a long captive life, so after you get the new marine system going, don't expect to put this fish in for at least 8 months.

Indicate the species (scientific name) and the size (diameter is okay) of the specimen you will be getting.

[Ninong]

Im going to buy a stingray at a lfs, but i want to build a tank for it. so would be the best size and demisons for the tank? thank u

Is it a blue-spotted stingray (Taeniura lymma)? More info here. (P.S. -- I definitely do NOT agree with their recommendation of 75 gallons as an acceptable minimum tank size for this fish. That's ridiculous!)

NOTE: Be very careful when handling these animals as a sting can be extremely painful. If you do get stung immediately soak it in hot water and call a doctor!

That's almost certainly what it is because that's about the only stingray that is commonly available in the hobby and just about the only one that is small enough for most home aquariums.

See my post in response to someone asking about an appropriate tank to house a bamboo shark. The requirements are similar. Both require lots of open sand bed (small particle aragonite sand) and lots of clear space for swimming.

I'm not sure on the minimum size for a blue-spotted stingray, assuming that's what you're thinking of purchasing. Just remember that whatever you read on a vendor's website about "minimum tank size" is almost always way too small.

Stingrays and sharks require dedicated tanks. Either that or you have to be extremely careful in selecting tankmates.

[Future]

For a Cali, or a Blue Spotted they say that 100gal. is adequate but IMO I'd have no less than a 500 long. Even at that though you're only looking at a few years before you'd have to find it a new place to live. When they begin to outgrow a tank they'll always be kind of jumpy looking. Swimming up and down the walls, they won't eat, etc...

Honestly I'd never take on a ray and I don't even think that they should be an option for a home tank unless you're one of the few who can afford a 10,000gal+ tank