Freshwater stingray question?

[CGF]

We have just set up 120 gallon tank and are looking that getting 1 or 2 Atlantic stingray's that are native to our local area. These would be going into a 240 gallon tank in about a year as soon as We move into a bigger house. My only concern is that i've read that you need to frequent massive 45% water changes weekly if not more often? I just want to be sure that i'm not getting in over my head where I cannot give the fish the best home I can, I do weekly tank changes in my 90 gallon but with both tanks we could be changing out close to 60 - 80 gallons per week and when we get a larger tank it could get to be a full time job. Anyone have experience with Rays?

Thanks

 

[OrionGirl]

Lots of research--ultiamtely chose not to get them since I wouldn't be able to take them with me when I move.

Rays are very, very sensitive to water quality. Depending on the water you start with, and how the tank is setup, I'd plan on at least 40% changes weekly. You could do a series of smaller changes daily, but you'll still need the turnover. Because the atlantics are a saltwater animal that can survive freshwater adaptation, they produce much more urine than true FW animals, and this can strain even the most robust biological filtration.

 

[CGF]

That's what i've read about them I put this 120 into my home office and was pretty set on putting rays into it. I'm just going to have to take a real good look at my availability to do those large of water changes weekly. I'm anal about keeping up with my fish tanks and don't want to get myself where keeping up the maint. on the tanks is = to a fulltime job as much as I love them.

 

[Samala]

What species of atlantic ray is this that survives freshwater adaptation? All the ones that come to mind that I know can be found in brackish water would outgrow a 120 and probably a 240.. just wondering which one this is you were looking at.

>Sarah

 

[gonefishin]

Also, the standard sizes will be confining. These fish need bottom space, square aquariums as opposed to rectanges, due to thier shape. Imagine a 10 inch tall angelfish in a 250 gallon tank, that happened to be only 12" high.