What kind of ray....

lroberts

lroberts

Member
So I did have a reef tank for a bit and decided that I really enjoy fish only tanks more so I let all my corals go and converted my tank leaving the deep sand bed and rock. Now I have decided that I would really like to try a ray. The question is what kind?
I have looked at the blue spot however they grow to large for my tank so I am now looking at the yellow spot. From what I have been reading they do not seem to get to large is that correct?
I am just looking for advise on rays. Anything you can provide. The tank is a 180 gal with a 40 gal sump in which I have a oversized protein skimmer, heater, phosphate reactor, more live rock with a mini light on it, and more live sand. Inside the tank I have 2 Koralia 4 heads creating tons of flow.
As I said this was a reef tank so the tank is established. So are there any other rays that are saltwater that would work also? I want them as small as possible. I am leaning towards the yellow spot.
Thanks!
 
crimzy

crimzy

Active Member
In truth, while a 180 gallon (assuming 72" x 24") is a nice size tank, and would do well for a while with a ray, there is no ray that will be ok for life in that size tank. The yellows and cortez rays are the hardiest, and smallest, so they are well suited to aquarium life. Each is estimated to reach a disk diameter of 18", although I believe they will not generally reach that size in the home aquarium. My yellow is about 12" in diameter and I think it is getting close to being full grown. Cali rays are also small but they require colder water so are not as ideal.
While it may seem that a 15" ray SHOULD be fine in a 72" x 24" tank, you have to understand that rays are VERY active and need quite a bit of swimming space. The rockwork should be kept to a minimum, sand must be used for the substrate and the water quality must be maintained well. Beyond this, you have to be careful about what fish you put with rays. They will eat anything small enough to catch and fit in their mouths, but they are also very vulnerable to any fish that are aggressive (ie. nippers). I have found that good tankmates are other grouper, many tangs, snappers, lionfish (arguably), some butterflies. Wrasses, triggers, puffers and angels are unsuitable.
Good luck.
 
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