Planted tank + freshwater stingrays

[Blade]

I really want to do a fresh water stingray tank this summer with either a 125gal (18inW) or a 255gal(24inW). I would like to include plants as I do with all my tanks. The problem I am trying wrap my mind around is how to do a planted while leaving the bottom as an open swimming area as possible for the Stingrays. Has anyone done or seen something similar? Any suggestions?

In my head this seems much more feasible with a 24in x 72in bottom (255) than an 18 X 72 (125) as I could create a 4-6 inch planted area in the back while leaving 18-20 inches of swimming area. With the 18inch tank the same set up would only leave 14-12inches of swimming area (talking width only of course and length is the same) which while I think would be somewhat tight. Thoughts?

I would prefer to use the 125 as it is already purchased if possible. However if necessary I will purchase the 255gal tank.

thanks

 

[kenneth_kpe]

how about drift wood, use the drift wood as arches over your flat swimming area and tie anubias plants or moss to it, also floating plants could be a good addition as well as stem plants that would take little bottom space like lets say...... rotala rotundifolia something like those

*edit
o ya im not sure if stingrays like drift wood... maybe the wood might lower your PH and cause your stingray to become unhappy, i dunno, im no expert

 

[George Farmer]

I've seen Vallis in the background of Ray's tanks in a fish shop I occasionally visit. Seems to do ok sending out runners and spreading well. It's a cheap plant too so it doesn't matter too much if things don't work.