Freshwater stingray pet care For a hobbyist, freshwater stingrays are intelligent and interactive pets, but they have specialized and demanding care requirements. Housing: Size: They need very large tanks. A 75- or 90-gallon aquarium is only sufficient for juveniles, while adults require at least a 180-gallon tank. Dimensions: While height is not crucial, the tank should be long (at least 72–84 inches) and deep (24–36 inches). Substrate and decor: Use a fine sand substrate and leave plenty of open space for the stingrays to swim and bury themselves. Any decorations should be smooth and lack sharp edges. Heating and lighting: Use guarded, in-line, or sump-based heaters to prevent burns. Lighting should be subdued with a 12-hour day/night cycle. Water quality: Sensitivity: Stingrays are very sensitive to ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Filtration: Due to the large amount of waste they produce, powerful biological filtration and frequent water changes (25–50% weekly) are essential. Parameters: pH: 6.8 to 7.6 Temperature: 75° to 82° F Ammonia and nitrite: Always zero Nitrate: Below 10 ppm Specialized water: Many owners use reverse osmosis/deionized (RO/DI) water with added trace elements. Diet and behavior: Feeding: Stingrays are carnivores. While new rays might be fed live blackworms, other good options include frozen bloodworms, raw shrimp, white fish, and earthworms. Captive-bred rays often accept sinking pellets or tablets. Socialization: Stingrays can be kept with other compatible species, but tankmates should be too large to be eaten and peaceful enough not to nip at the rays. Avoid suckermouth catfish, which can injure a ray’s soft body. Ownership regulations: Before purchasing a freshwater stingray, check your local and state regulations, as many places require permits or prohibit their ownership. Stingray leather care (Vintage Fashion Guild) The Vintage Fashion Guild (VFG) describes the proper care for stingray leather, also known as shagreen, which is used for accessories like wallets, bookbindings, and handbags. Cleaning and conditioning: Cleaning: Use a soft, barely damp cloth to gently wipe the surface. For tough spots, use the suds from a mild soap and water mixture. Conditioning: Apply an exotic-friendly, beeswax-based leather conditioner. Always test a new product on a discreet area first. Drying: If the item gets soaked, let it dry naturally away from direct heat or sunlight, which can cause mold. Storage: Location: Store stingray leather in a cool, clean, and dry place. Separation: Avoid direct contact with other leather items. Containers: Do not store in plastic bags, as they prevent the leather from breathing. Use cloth or paper instead.