After you get the tank assembled, the manufacturer will send you jellyfish in the mail. Your tank should be a Kreisel or pseudokreisel design. A standard boxy fish tank will not do. This is because jellyfish need slowly circulating water. A kreisel or pseudokreisel design accomplishes this by creating a current that runs in a circle around the top, bottom, and sides of the tank. You should have at least two gallons of water per jellyfish. In other words, if you have three jellyfish, your tank should be no smaller than six gallons. Consult a pet shop proprietor or marine life expert if you are unsure of what kind of tank you need.
Some species of moon jellyfish can tolerate temperatures up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. [2] X Research source Always consult your vet or a marine expert to ensure you keep your particular jellyfish species at an appropriate temperature. Put a waterproof thermometer in your jellyfish tank. Monitor the temperature regularly. If your tank is too cold, you could place a heat lamp near the outside of the tank to raise the temperature, or try simply raising the temperature of your home thermostat. If your jellyfish habitat is too hot, consider moving the tank to a cooler location like a basement, or invest in an aquarium cooler. [3] X Research source
There are many kinds of nitrifying bacteria available. Jellyfish tanks should be given nitrifying bacteria appropriate for saltwater. [4] X Research source Nitrifying bacteria are common in many aquarium setups, and can be purchased from your local pet store.
Hydrometers are readily available at pet stores and online. Introduce your jellyfish to a tank with a salinity level that is slightly higher than normal. This way, they have a better chance at floating. You can gradually reduce the salinity over time. Water with a salinity level that is too low will make them sink. If you need to adjust the salinity, remove your jellyfish from the tank and place them in a smaller quarantine tank. Dump the main tank out and mix a new batch of water at the correct salinity. Connect your pump to ensure the water mixes well for about 24 hours. Check the water in your hydrometer. Repeat as needed. Do not use tap water to create saltwater for your tank. Buy deionized or reverse osmosis water from your grocery store, and add Jelly Salt (a salt specifically designed for jellyfish habitats) in an appropriate amount.
One half to one full scoop of commercial jellyfish food is usually enough. Check manufacturer directions for specific use directions. When feeding your jellyfish shrimp or other live food, add a small amount (one tablespoon’s worth) at first, then add more gradually over time. If you notice a surplus of shrimp in the tank after feeding, reduce the amount of live food you’re feeding your jellyfish. It should get only as much food as it can eat in an hour. Do not pour water from baby brine shrimp tanks into your jellyfish tank.
Always be gentle with your jellyfish. Since jellyfish are 90% water, they can be hurt very easily. [6] X Research source
Place your jellyfish back into their tank, using the same plastic bag method that you used to move them to the quarantine tank. Keep your jellyfish submerged at all times. Once each month, perform the same cleaning process but empty and replace 50% of the water, rather than just 20%.
You should also add a chemical filtration to maintain pH levels. Chemical filtration is an additive you can use to remove phosphates and other organic compounds that can discolor your aquarium water, produce unpleasant odors, and encourage algae to grow. Activated carbon and resins are the most common types of chemical filtration media. You can obtain these at local pet stores or online. If you continue to have trouble with you tank’s pH levels, change the water and check your pumps. Consult a veterinarian if you continue to have problems with your jellyfish habitat’s pH levels.
Wait about ten minutes for the jellyfish to acclimate.
If moving jellyfish from one tank to another, place it in a plastic bag of an appropriate size. The jellyfish must have room to move. A small jellyfish can be placed in a big plastic bag, and a larger jellyfish can be placed in a very large plastic bag.
Alternately, you could try filling the bag with tank water using a ladle or measuring cup. Keep the jellyfish sealed in its bag, and keep the bag in the water for another ten minutes. When the ten minutes are up, remove the jellyfish from the bag. Open it at the top and carefully pull it down the length of the jellyfish, then move it away and out of the water.
