Q&A for How to Start a Jellyfish Tank

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  • Question
    How long does it take to acclimate jellyfish to the tank?
    Craig Morton
    Aquarium Specialist, Aquarium Doctor Inc.
    Craig Morton is the CEO of Aquarium Doctor Inc. based in Huntington Beach California and servicing Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire. With over 30 years of aquarium experience, Craig specializes in creating custom aquarium designs along with aquarium installation, service, and maintenance.
    Aquarium Specialist, Aquarium Doctor Inc.
    Expert Answer
    Expect each bag of new jellyfish to take about 15 to 30 minutes to acclimate to the tank water. Be patient because your jellyfish need to acclimate slowly.
  • Question
    Can other fish co-exist in the tank with jellies? Recommendations?
    Community Answer
    Considering jellies are venomous predators and make good meals for larger fish, you may see some bloodshed in your aquarium. So, no.
  • Question
    Do they only last 6-12 months?
    Sam Linguine Tortellini
    Community Answer
    The lifespan is different for each jellyfish, and they could die early if not taken care of properly. Some general lifespans for different types are: Moon jellyfish - 18 months, Spotted Lagoon Jellyfish - 14 months, Blue Blubber jellyfish - 12 months, and Red Cross jellyfish - 12 months.
  • Question
    Can moon jellyfish and shrimps be in the same tank?
    Caeiia
    Top Answerer
    Not likely, as the jellyfish might eat the shrimp, especially if there are no hiding places for the shrimp. If you want your shrimp to have a guaranteed life in your tank, don't put them with jellyfish.
  • Question
    Can I keep them in a tank over 500 gallons?
    Community Answer
    As with any fish, there is no reason they could not be kept in a much larger aquarium. However, the tank will likely need to be custom designed to care for jellyfish or require a much greater level of alterations than shown in this article to be suitable.
  • Question
    How many gallons are in a medium-sized tank?
    Community Answer
    Around 30 to 40 gallons will do the trick for three, small, spotted lagoon jellyfish.
  • Question
    What's the point in buying jellyfish if I'm just going to be removing them two steps later?
    Caeiia
    Top Answerer
    This is only if the jelly has grown too big for its current home. Buy a really nice, big tank at first, and depending on species, you won't have to move them!
  • Question
    How do I play and interact with my moon jellyfish?
    Community Answer
    Considering they are venomous killers, the only interaction you should have with them is watching and feeding them.
  • Question
    Could a high school student have a moon jellyfish on their school desk, or do they require a lot of attention?
    Community Answer
    I would NOT recommend having a jellyfish at a desk, because they require a lot of attention. Go to Amazon and search for "fake jellyfish tank."
  • Question
    Can I feed regular fish food to jellyfish if I am still waiting for my baby brine shrimp eggs to arrive?
    Community Answer
    No. Fish food is too harsh and is bad for them.
  • Question
    What size should the tank be? (not in gallons)
    Community Answer
    You would probably be good around 4 ft by 2ft by 3ft tank. It also depends on the type of jellies, but if you get moon jellyfish, this is fine.
  • Question
    What is the estimated cost of having a jellyfish as a pet?
    Community Answer
    Actually, jellyfish themselves won't cost that much at all. The thing that you will be worrying about most is going to be the price of the tank, which can be considerable unless you find one for free or cheap.
  • Question
    How much salt should I add? And how should I make adjustment if the ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are off?
    Community Answer
    The packet the salt came in should give you a table of grams/litre and that is a rough guide. However, to be sure, you need a hydrometer, similar to ones used for wine and beer making, but designed for aquarium use. This will have a scale - often colour coded - that gives an indication of when the correct concentration is achieved. No salt designed for table use is suitable, use only salts for marine aquariums. If your levels are wrong, all you can do is a water change to resolve it. Nitrate will build up naturally, that is why you do water changes. High nitrite or ammonia levels indicate the filter cannot cope with the load it has, or is not yet mature. Reduce feeding or stocking levels.
  • Question
    Can I put one or two cleaner shrimp in with my jellies?
    GeminiXavier
    Community Answer
    No. Jellyfish are carnivorous predators, and shrimp is one of the main things on their diet. The jellyfish will most likely eat the shrimp.
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