Posted by Guy on November 27, 2002 at 15:36:51:
In Reply to: New to FWS- how to prevent being stung posted by mocha on November 24, 2002 at 16:52:40:
:I have been wanting a stingray since 1996. I have a 55 gallon aquarium that has been running for 2 months.
This tank size will work for a few months. P reticulatus, the ray most often sold as "tea cup" still gets pretty big. Mine has reached 11" in disc diameter, and I recently read an article that refered to a 17" specimen. Not bad for a "teacup"!~
Nobody has had stingrays here in the praries forever. I have been trying to for 2 years, but nobody would help (said they take years to come in). Now I found a store that thinks they can get me one. I should be getting 2 brazillian teacups this week.
: I am a bit nervous about their sting. How do I prevent being stung. I know that some places clip the stingers, but I think that is harmful to the fish. So how do I protect myself. I am planning to play with them and hopefully, eventually hand feed them. Is this possible?
Roper has it right.
: Also, I have a 802 powerhead filter at full blast and the temp is just under 80degrees. I local sand blasting company has given me a pail of beach sand. Is this okay with my filter. It has a fabulous current at the top, but not much at the bottom.
: Thanks for any other info possible.
:jaws
The sand should be ok, just rinse it REALLY well. As far as filtration goes, more the better. Personally, I use a canister filter along with a filter hanging over the side (a rather strong one, 350 g/hr)as well as a power head hanging in the tank for additional current/aeration. I also have two 18" bubble wands on the bottom, rays love bubbles! The extra O2 doesn't hurt either.
And Roper...yes they do have teeth, I believe they are the only true bone found in a ray.
