It's a Jelly! Article, biz  8/4/06
Good morning Bob,
I had two telephone calls from Aquarium Fish Magazine / Bowtie this morning. One was Craig with the advertising who agreed that a published
article would be very helpful.
<Yes! As I've harped on incessantly with you...>
He also indicated they were considering an article on jellyfish.
<Very good indeed>
Within 30 minutes of that conversation I received a telephone call from Patricia ( missed her last name ) but I believe she is the managing
editor for AFM. She expressed interest in a jellyfish article, possibly a 3 part series. She indicated she would look at their 2007 season and
determine when she had space so she could give me a deadline. She mentioned 2000 words and the need for 4x5 300 DPI pictures.
<Great news!>
I have 1500 words written so far and still need to polish it up before I send it to you.
<Okay>
Any thoughts or comments ?
<Yes... get writing!!! Cheers, BobF>
Jim Stime, jr.
Midwater Systems www.jelliquarium.com

Jellies ... ID, comp.  - 4/11/2006
Hello from New York to the WWM gang !
Maybe you can explain the arrival of the strange new inhabitants of my fish tank.  
I recently noticed what appears to be tiny jellyfish (sans tentacles) swimming happily around my tank. When I say swimming I mean the undulate like  
jellyfish. They are very small (the largest one I've seen was no bigger than 1/16"in diameter. They are nearly transparent with a solid white center. I  haven't
noticed anymore than five or six at one time. They don't seem to bother  my fish, nor do my fish seem interested in them. I added some new live rock  
approximately two months ago so it is possible they were hitchhikers. I have  been in and out of the hobby for over thirty years, but I have never seen  any
thing like these little guys before. I am hoping the are not harmful in any  way, for they are kind of fun to watch.
Any ideas of what these new little inhabitants may be would be greatly appreciated.
You guys are so helpful to so many and I for one appreciate the advise you offer. You have helped me (and informed me) so many times in the past  through
information you offered to other hobbyist. Keep up the GREAT WORK  !
<Will do! Are some sort of "medusoid" life... Ctenophorans, Hydrozoans or Scyphozoans... do "come about" from strobilization (alternation of generations/reproduction) brought in on hard substrates... like live rock, stony coral bases... Please see here: http://wetwebmedia.com/jellyidfaqs.htm
for notes on identification... and the linked file above re Compatibility. Cheers, Bob Fenner>

Pteraeolidia ianthina availability... Hydroid control  11/13/05
Need to purchase Pteraeolidia ianthina to control nuisance hydroid in my 125 gal reef tank. Can you advise? Thank you.
Pat Boss
Breezy Point Resort
http://www.breezypointresortozarks.com/ 
<Mmm, take the last "i" out of the species name and send your request to the seaslugforum.net and to wholesalers (via your LFS and online marine livestock wholesalers like Fosters & Smith, Marine Depot... and hope. Common in the P.I., not in the trade. I'd be looking for other control possibilities. Bob Fenner> 

Re: Hydroid eating nudibranch  11/14/05
Mr. Fenner, I apologize for any misspellings, but I got my information from the Julian Sprung Invertebrates book and I doubled checked the spelling and it is correct per his book on page 98.
<Mmm, no worries... just thought you might want to know of the other spelling... for checking purposes>
For my lack of knowledge and really wanting to correct this problem, please help me find another solution. I live at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri in a remote area and would really appreciate your expertise. Please respond. Deb Brayton, a wanna be great aquarist.
<Mmm, have you read much re hydroids? Know the species or genus you believe to be dealing with? BobF> 

Jellyfish shows, stings 9/27/05
Bob,
Watched a very interesting program on jellyfish till 2:00am yesterday.  It was about the box jellyfish in Northern Australia.  Having a body size not
much bigger than your thumbnail, I was amazed at the venom these guys pack.
<Yes... very big trouble seasonally>
  They were irakanii (don't know if spelling is correct) species.  Two researchers were stung and they had video of the two recuperating in the
hospital.  The pain was very intense even with a maximum safe dose of morphine.  You could see the stress on their face from the intense pain.  I
also understand that in 1997 around your neck of the woods in HI, there were a record 820 some jellyfish stings recorded.  Amazing.  Didn't think they
were that much of a threat, thought to be a seasonal influx.
Regards,
James (Salty Dog)
<Even I rent/wear "stinger suits" during these times in Australia. BobF>

Myrionema pom-pom hydroids... yikes! 3/8/05
Good Day, I hope you stay very well.
<indeed my friend... with hope for you in kind>
I've a big problem. A Myrionema amboiniensis on my reef tank, with SPS and LPS.
<ughh... can be miserable if your nutrients are high. Very sorry to read of this challenge for you my friend>
I've checked on WWM, and on internet, but I didn't find anything... How to eliminate?
<its really all about nutrient control. Back in the Berlin- style reef days (aggressive skimming/nutrient export), we used to ADD this hydroid to our tanks for its beauty. It never grew fast and sometimes died out. Nowadays, aquarists that overfeed, overstock (big tangs in the tank) and have generally weak protein skimming (less than 2-3 cups of skimmate weekly) suffer from this animal>
Julian Sprung say with "keyhole limpet"... but... which keyhole limpet?
<it varies... do a message board search here, my friend. I've never used limpets for this. Still... I'd rather see you treat the problem (nutrients) and not the symptom (hydroids). Otherwise, when the hydroids are eaten, the now available nutrients will simply feed some other exploding population of nuisance organism (algae or pest anemone perhaps)>
Because here, in Italy, isn't easy to find such creatures... so when I know the exact name I can search better.
<ah, yes... understood!>
Other ways of? I've tried also mechanical methods, but no result at all... They grows behind the rocks...
<I think the very best way is to improve your skimmer performance. Clean and tune it to give you daily dark (coffee colored) skimmate>
May you help me? Thank you very much, and thank you for your WetWebMedia site, it's fantastic!
Danilo Ronchi, Rimini Italy
<ciao, caro Danilo. Anthony :) > 

Jellyfish
I was looking into my tank at my new Blue Linckia Starfish (thank you for the advice by the way, he's doing great!) and I saw a tiny (about 1mm) jellyfish swimming around my clownfish, it must have come in with my live rock. I could tell that it is a jellyfish because of the way it was moving; it's really quite unmistakable. What should I do with it? Will it harm my fish?  Do you have any idea how large it will get? If I decide to get rid of it what can I do with it, I don't want to kill it.  Thanks, Elizabeth 
<Liz, jellyfish are not reef safe and most are toxic to people. Take it back to the store and see if they want it. I don't believe you would want to set up a small tank for it and furnish it the necessary plankton it needs to survive at this stage. James (Salty Dog)><<Uhh, one millimeter... just ignore it... they too shall pass. RMF>>

Jellyfish
Hey Bob,
I just purchased an upside-down jellyfish. I had never seen one before and I probably shouldn't have bought it, but it was only
five dollars. I don't know anything about it. Is it hard to keep alive? I assume that it is. Also, what would I feed it? I know some
jellyfish sting, but does this one? It has feathery branches and blue leaf-shaped appendages. It is in a thirty gallon reef-tank. Thanks for
the advice. Joshua Burney
>>
Arrgghhh, I do hope you're not absconded by aliens in a UFO who have a similar approach to livestock selection...
These are photosynthetic reef animals... that need "reef type" settings to survive for any period of time... TAKE THIS ONE BACK!
Bob Fenner

Finicky feeding fish and unidentified polyps
Hi,
We are working with a 20G tank, lots of live rock & live sand. Filtration:
Fluval 2+, protein skimmer, & sponge filter. Inhabitants: 2 seahorses (about 8 months), 1 mandarin (about 6 months), 1 sand sifting star (about a month),
2 hermit crabs (forever  =), & 3 feather dusters (long time). Good water quality. 1 50/50 or daylight fluorescent tube (can't remember) running about 12 hours/day.
There are lots of nice things growing on the live rock: some coral, some macro-algae, some teeny feather dusters. There also seems to be some bristle
worms, bad news I think.  << Bristle worms are great.  But I would definitely remove the sand sifting star.  They can deplete and devour micro fauna, and you happen to have chosen fish that need that fauna. >>
Lately some little clear things have grown all over the live rock & even on the hermit crabs  :-O  they are about 1/4", basically clear. They have short
stems & waving arms. We thought they might be feather dusters but they have no tube & stay out. << Hmmm, not sure.  Probably still a worm. >> We then thought anemone, but think the stem seems too long.
We brought a small piece of coral to the LFS with some sticking on it. They brought out a microscope & looked very carefully at one of them that had
detached & was at the bottom of the bag. It was pulsing, they came up with the verdict of Cassiopeidae (upside down jellyfish) polyps (baby jellies they
think). We looked over your *fab* site to see how to get rid of them, but they look very much like hydroids in some pictures. << Not sure I would get rid of them.  But if you do want to, I'd be willing to bet many other common fish would eat them. >>
Will you please advise on whether these may be harmful to our occupants and
how to get rid of them if so? << I'll say not harmful, so don't worry.  The main concern is really feeding those finicky fish. >>
  Thanks for all the help and for a great site!!!
    Michael & Patty
<<  Blundell  >>

Keeping a blue jellyfish
Ok this email will most definitely receive a scathing response but here goes.  I bought a blue jellyfish from my reputable marine store and they admitted they didn't know much about it.  They usually don't sell hard to keep things and said to feed it DT's. << That's my advice as well. >> The owner took one home to learn about it. I bought it on an impulse for 16 bucks and would like to do whatever I can for it. << Good deal!  But only if you are prepared with a good tank for it. >> It would have died in someone's tank so at least I am trying to get info from you guys. Right now it is swimming around every corner of the tank looking happy, but you are the experts. << Corners are bad, and having rounded sides is very helpful.  Also, low water flow and lots of phytoplankton. >> This is the neatest specimen I have ever seen. It is now my favorite over my blue ribbon eel which all the websites said 99% would die in captivity and I've had it 1.5 years. The jellyfish is 1.5 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches down to the 8 tentacles. It's in a 55 gallon tank with some gobies and live rock.  I also feed brine to the gobies. Pristine water and established over a year. It doesn't seem to have any problems with my filter intakes. Any chance of keeping this amazing creature alive for a while? Thanks for any help. << I had one for quite a while.  I think the biggest challenge really is feeding it.  I'd recommend Cyclop-eeze (although I don't know if it will eat them), maybe very small golden pearls, rotifers, live phytoplankton, Tahitian blend. >>
Brett
<<  Blundell  >>

Upside down jellyfish 9/8/04
Hello.
<howdy>
I have been planning on making a clam tank and have been designing it for over a month. then I saw an article talking about the upside down jelly fish. and I admit it, I want one. The tank it would go into will be shallow with a wide bottom, gentle current flow, and bright lights. the only problem is, according to the article, they secrete their stinging cells in their mucus, and it can kill other animals in the tank.
<they really do best in a species tank.  muddy lagoonal set up would be nice. Do consider some Thalassia sea grasses too for the biotope>
my question is, are clams vulnerable to the stinging of the upside down jelly fish?
<they would be a very unnatural combination and the clams might easily outcompete the jellies as filter feeders. Not recommended. Please do consider setting up a natural display>
No dolphins were harmed in the making of this email.  I did have to kill a few baby seals though.
<ahhh... OK, Club Happy in Boise. Just Happy in Pgh - Anthony :)>

Jellyfish keeping
hello,
I don't understand how to build an aquarium for jellyfish. Is it possible to get a picture or a diagram? thanks << Wow that is thought one.  Jellyfish are certainly not recommended for most hobbyists.  Although easy to care for in a proper tank, acquiring a proper tank is difficult.  I've seen some presentations on hobbyists who were able to convert small (20 gallon) aquariums into Jellyfish tanks by adding flexible plastic to round out all of the corners.  In good conscious I can't recommend setting up a Jellyfish tank until you tell us more about your experience with marine systems.  They really are not the best beginner biotope and I would feel better advising you to keep something else. >>
Email: XXXX
<<  Adam Blundell >>

Re: Jellyfish
well, I don't want to keep them, maybe in a few years, but I participate in a forum and a question that is always asked is how to keep jellyfish in captivity. << Okay so the real answer (I guess) is that an empty tank, without corners is the best scenario.  These can be made and modified to include a very slow moving circular water flow. Because these tanks are bare bottom, they usually have a side refugium with the substrate and skimmer. >> All I want to do is to explain it to the many people who want to know that and don't know english (we are from Israel). You can visit us at: www.dag.co.il << Wow that is great to see such interest in jellyfish from so far away.  I wish I could be of more help, but I'm not sure how best to describe the set up.  You may want to contact the Atlantis Marine World in New York.  They have made and displayed several small jellyfish tanks.  The whole key is to have lots of filtration taking place, and a tank without any corners or edges. Best of luck.  Adam Blundell  >>

Jellyfish... for the Ocean 5/26/04
Hello Anthony!
<cheers Thanassis>
I just brought home a beautiful jelly fish, which I caught from the sea near my country house. It is possibly a Aurelia aurita (transparent). I have placed it in my quarantine tank.
Is there any possibility that they survive in my reef ? Are there any problems with keeping such species in a reef tank? Thanks
Thanassis
<Thanassis... I have kind regards for you my friend and empathize with your admiration for the sea. Be it pains me to hear of anybody collecting animals from the sea before they even know how to keep them if they can be kept at all. Causing the premature death of these animals otherwise, as your jellyfish will die soon, is not an ethical or responsible use of a living resource. Jellyfish require specially built cylindrical aquaria and highly specialized feedings to have any chance at survival (support of the invertebrate itself, suspension of feeds and feeding opportunities, etc.). Returning the animal to the ocean is also not a responsible solution as it may have not come into contact with xenopathens from other fish and invertebrates you keep in the house (wet hands, nets, water, etc. shared or dipped into this animals tank)... which if returned to your local sea could introduce a devastating pathogen or pest. The bottom line is that this jelly fish must now die in your care or be destroyed. If you wish to pursue this further... do seek articles on husbandry from academic and zoological institutions on their care. The Monterey Bay Aquarium in California has one of the worlds leading programs and a wonderful website. Perhaps you can make contact there. Best of luck, Anthony> 

Unknown creature  Hi. I have three pics of something that I cannot identify. Firstly, I am sorry about the quality of the pics. Here are links to them.  Caught one in a test kit tube and brought it into my computer room. They do swim, but are mostly stationary on the sides of the glass. Not copepods or amphipods. They also "pulse" every so often. The pics don't show it well, but around the small white part of it, there is what looks like a bubble around it. Think of a jellyfish.  Thanks, Todd  <Mmm, some sort of polypoid cnidarian... a scyphozoan or Hydrozoan of some species, which doesn't narrow the search down much... I would definitely go with the common name "Jellyfish". These likely will keep reappearing in small numbers, and perish by starvation or be sucked up into your skimmer, other filtration. Bob Fenner>

Jellyfish keeping - 2/22/04
Hi Bob,
Greetings for a great web!  I'm looking for information to raise and take care about jellyfishes in aquariums (Aurelia aurita, Cassiopeia maybe). I live in Spain and here none sells and it's not information about it. <http://www.wetwebmedia.com/scyphozoans.htm and http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/cassiopeia/c._andromeda$narrative.html#food_habits and  http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=23&pCatId=543 and http://www.envisionacrylics.com/> I'm trying to get information in internet (to feed them, kind of tank, ...) , and I want to buy the books that it can help me. I want to know more and more and more about Aquariums since I bought one near 4 years ago. Do you know where can I buy some books for help me, please? the basic problem is that I live in Spain. :/ <Try to search for species in your favorite search engine. Also, contact the husbandry departments at you favorite local public aquarium. Most would be happy to talk about them. I would be remiss not to add that I highly recommend leaving jelly keeping to the pros.>
Thanks a lot,
Ariadna

Jellyfish - 2/9/04
Hello there,
I first want to commend you on your wonderful and informative site, I've learned more here in the past week, I've discovered, than I have all month searching on the web. <Happy you have found us and thanks for the kind words>
Realizing that marine aquariums is a form of art for the modern man, I've decided to take my artwork into the 21st century and do something a little different. <very cool>  At my LFS I came across a little tank with about 5 white jelly fish, they didn't look like the upside down ones that I have seen, <Cassiopeia, the "Upside-down Jellyfish". Sometimes sold as an aquarium species. These are shallow water lagoon and mangrove swamp animals that use both photosynthesis (via symbiotic algae) and many small mouths scattered on their "tentacles" (eight oral-arms) to suck-in zooplankton for food. Favored foods of Ocean Sunfishes and marine turtles.> they looked like traditional jellyfish with medusas "I think is the correct term" about the size of a racquet ball. <medusae refer to the polyp stage of larval jellyfish>  My friends said that there are stores in Orange County where I can obtain different colored jellyfish. <Not sure what you mean here? You mean multi-colored jellyfish or jellyfish of different types and colors?> So I want to do a tank with red and blue jellyfish i.e.. the bloods and crips. <Ummmmm.....OK> They looked so magical just floating around in their tank that I think it would be a great vibrant color show to watch. <Are these natural colors or dyed? Can you get some pictures of said jellyfish and send them along to me for identification?>  I can not find any specifics on how to set up such a tank or what species those jelly fish were, unfortunately I can only understand every five words from the store owner because of his thick accent. <Where do I begin. Holy smokes. Well.....maybe start here: http://www.masla.com/invert/jellyfishpets.html and here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/jellyfishfaqs.htm and yet another article from a friend of mine: http://www.reefs.org/library/talklog/r_toonen_051798.html. Hope this helps ~Paul> Any help or knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

More on keeping Jellyfish - 2/9/04
Wow thank you very much for the personalized response, you guys need raises! <Hahahahah! Raises??? Hahahahahahah. Volunteering is a reward in itself. Please pass on all you learn. That is my reward!>
I have attached two jpegs of what they look like that I've found through your site and links, <Excellent!> I guess they are dyed jellyfish when they come in different colors and from the looks of it they're not going into my reef tank because they need cold water. <Right you are, unless you have a method of providing their needs?? Usually said methods are expensive and time consuming. Also, a note on the dying of animals, never, and I mean never, should a person support a business that sells dyed animals. Here is some information on the most commonly dyed animals we find quite often in aquaria: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/dyedcorals.htm > The information I've found says that they need a special tank called a "Kriesel" I believe. <Yes. Means "carousel" in German. The tanks were originally used on their sides for holding schooling fish, but later a researcher/aquarist turned the tank on its side (making it vertical). If you ever get a chance to go to the Long Beach Aquarium or the Monterey Bay Aquarium you could get a good look at these tanks as there is a display of a Kriesel without the fanfare (hiding of the tank)> Would this be possible to rig a hexagon tank with low powered power heads situated on the sides blowing a whirlpool effect? <Could rig it but I don't think this is still an ideal setup for a jellyfish. More to it than circular current as it were, as I am sure you read.> Or is it supposed to be more like a rotating wheel, which would prove much harder to make? <Exactly> The tank that was at my LFS was just a nano cube, but I'm sure that's just for display and not intended for keeping them alive very long. <Yes. But I can guarantee that store owner will tell anyone who will listen, that it is no problem to keep them in any tank. That you just need to feed them. blah, blah, blah. Good of you to do research before purchasing, my friend. Very responsible! Thanks for the very good questions. ~Paul>

Keeping Jellyfish - 2/13/04
Hello! <Hello there, Wendy>
One day, in a far away future, I'd like to keep jellyfish. <Cool. One day I hope that Jellyfish keeping will be more successful> Firstly, I'm not completely crazy (yet) or so naive that I don't understand how crazy that statement is. <Not crazy at all. I can understand the attraction.>
I saw the display at Monterey some 10 years ago, <Ah...have you been lately?? I work there on weekends, and we have added the Jelly as Art show. "Amazing" is just one of the words we often get describing the displays> have had marine tanks only 6 months, <Ah, new to the hobby, eh? Well, welcome aboard> so expect I'm looking ahead another 10 years...and another 10 tank upgrades... (and you thought you had expensive tastes). <Hehehe. You don't even know. Don't even get me started. Heheheheheheeee>
My question is: has anyone done this on anything other than a commercial scale? <Oh, I am fairly sure it is being done> Or am I looking at a commercial scale set-up? <Probably looking at a mix of the two. The basics are: A Kriesel tank, pumps, the right live types of food and a lot of it. Know your animal and it needs i.e.. water temp, very clean source water, feeding needs etc. Here is the current source for Kriesel: http://www.envisionacrylics.com/ from Kriesels (most jellies) to tumblers (for moon jellies) they have it all, and it is the place we purchase our holding tanks for our Aquarium jelly exhibits> What kind of study do I need to undertake? <Keep on asking around, get books, ask at the public displays. Come to the Aquarium and we can maybe get you behind the scenes with a "Jelly" aquarist> Marine biology courses? <Not necessary unless you plan to study them. I hope this helps. ~Paul>
Thanks!!
xx Wendy

Reply to Jellyfish keeping - 2/13/04
Thanks so much.<You are certainly welcome> The encouragement is great! <Well, we do try to inspire and you did sound like you know that you will need money and research to succeed. If you are realistic about the undertaking then it makes my job that much the easier> I haven't been to Monterey since but HAVE visited the website. <Cool. A great place to be> I love it. <Me too> We are planning a trip to the States at Christmas... I must add California to the itinerary. <Please do. Look me up when you get out this way and we will see what we can do.> Behind the scenes would be a dream-come-true. <We could put something together depending on you interests and time> Thanks for the website!! <Thank you for being part of it all>
Cheers <The same to you ~Paul>
Wendy (Sydney, Aust)

Jumpin' Jellies? 2/6/04
Hi Crew,
<hiya>
I just found something unexpected in my aquarium! This little thing is slightly smaller than a pea, transparent, dome-shaped with what appears to be very tiny tentacle hanging down from its outer edges and moves by pulsing the dome. Basically this thing looks just like a very tiny jellyfish. Is it possible that I could have a jellyfish in my tank???
<yes... easily. I have had this occur in my aquariums and heard it from others. They are always medusa from Cassiopeia upside down jellies. They come in with water (or on shells) with turbo snails, blue leg hermits or Atlantic live rock for example>
The only thing I can imagine this coming in on is live rock but I haven't added any rock for at least four months. 
<still possible... long slow growth. Also the snail/crab factor if you added any>
I though jellyfish needed very cold water also (my tank is at 77 degrees F). 
<many tropical species mate>
If this is a jellyfish, should I be concerned at all; I mean is there a change it will grow-up and sting my fish?
<nope... if so, these are non-stinging and photosynthetic. In fact, you need to remove them to a safe refugium or separate tank else they will die in the pumps or overflows in time>
I assume my fish would eat it first (several decent-sized
tangs) but I thought I should check. Hopefully you can shed some light on this mystery animal!
<please do look up the genus I mentioned on the net. Bob and I will be covering these fascinating cnidarians by the way in our 3rd volume to the NMA series (due 2005 likely... vol. 2 this year). Anthony>

Question about jellyfish
Hello,
<Hi Bill and Donna!>
I'm a customer of Marine Warehouse in Tampa, Florida. During a visit for a few items this evening we took along a sample of water with items that look like tiny jellyfish that have begun growing in out 10 gallon salt. The folks there took a look and said "Those are jellyfish and we've NEVER heard of them reproducing in a 10 gallon. You should email Anthony Calfo or Bob Fenner at WetWebMedia and let them know what's going on". These animals start out growing on the rocks, then sort of "detach" themselves and, well, swim around the tank like jellyfish--the size of a bb or so.
<Wow!  This is one of my favorite things about this hobby! There are several possibilities here.  Some hydroids have a "medusa" stage that is planktonic and resemble tiny jellyfish.  Some of these could have reproduced in the tank or been accidentally imported.  Also, some hydroid or jellyfish medusae could have been incidentally bagged in the water with another animal.  Is this worth our sending you an image?
<Probably not.  It is unlikely that any of us have the references to make a positive ID, even if you could get a good enough pic.  It is interesting that you got sent to just the right place...  Anthony had this same experience in his greenhouse, and traced the introduction back to a shipment of Astrea snails from Florida.  He grew the medusae out into full adult Cassiopeia (upside down) Jellyfish!  The pump free, well lit, fine sand bottom environment of the green house, combined with the fact that Cassiopeia are photosynthetic bottom dwellers and probably the only jellyfish that is even remotely suitable for the home aquarium all contributed to this enigmatic success.>
All the best,  Bill and Donna Tampa
<Thanks for sharing this great experience.  I'm sorry to say that most jelly fish will not survive under any circumstances, and even if they are Cassiopeia, duplicating Anthony's greenhouse conditions would be difficult.  If they are hydroids, you will see them start to settle out onto tank surfaces.  Best regards!  Adam>

Re: Question about jellyfish 1/21/04
Hello, Adam; Thanks so much for your kindness in walking me through this. First of all, let me clarify my mandarin status: We have a male and female; however, they have not, to my knowledge, spawned. I doubt we would be able to raise them if they did. Our success is keeping two in a 10 gallon aquarium. Not too common, I think. <Indeed it is quite a feat to keep a pair of mandarins in a 10 gallon, I thought that was a typo!>
The jellyfish thing is perplexing. I know some folks would kill to have jellyfish reproduce as they are in our tank, but they're taking over! It seems as if they are not just hatching and milling about but are in a life-cycle. They would be cute if we had one or two tiny ones puffing about but they're hatching every day. I don't know if they'll live, die out or what. I'm afraid they're not going to just "go away". I've talked to a couple of professors who specialize in jellyfish and they don't have a clue as to why it's happened and what to do about it.  Could sure use your help! Bill
<It sounds like these may be hydroid medusae.  Some hydroids have medusae as part of their life cycle, some can go back and forth between sessile and medusae.  My only suggestion is to mechanically filter them from the water.  Regardless of where they are coming from, this should quickly eliminate them.  HTH!  Adam>

- Cassiopeia spp? -
Hello you helpful people there!
This link www.internationalbirds.com/mysquishy.wmv goes to footage of a tiny (<5mm dia) hitchhiker that my husband retrieved from one of our established tanks today. <Neat!> It looks like Cassiopeia to me. I know the pix are not wonderful but the thing is so tiny and we don't have a macro lens. Anyway, it swims like Cassiopeia. <Many jellyfish swim this way.> And it lies upside down on the bottom and wafts BBs into its central organs (I assume tentacles). <Could be an artifact of prevailing circulation or lack of it.> Can you confirm or deny this ID? <Not really... the organism is so very small so it's hard to tell. Quite possible you are correct.> BTW, any idea on how it might have arrived? <Possibly on live rock.> We haven't added anything recently except 2 new seahorses a couple of weeks ago. <Well... this seems small enough that it could have been planktonic when it first arrived.>
Sure appreciate your help,
Deborah
<Cheers, J -- >

Blue, Fast-Moving Jellyfish - 8/23/03
In one of your questions, the inquirer had seen blue jellyfish and wondered about keeping them. The picture that was appended was of Catostylus, maybe C. mosaicus, not Cassiopeia, I think. These little beauties need lots of wide spectrum light and constant feeding. Good luck! TKVW
<thanks kindly for your input... will be sure to post. Anthony>
<Note from Marina, jellyfishes are Chris M's specialty!>

- Jellyfish Questions -
<Greetings, JasonC here...>
Hello, I was wondering if you guys knew any knowledgeable jellyfish suppliers. <Not specifically, but I would give Marine Center [ http://www.themarinecenter.com/ ] a try, they do specialize in rare/hard-to-get items.> I have been searching the web for days and nothing has come up yet.  I was hoping to get some in-depth info on the Moon jelly (Aurelia aurita).  I have learned about the certain current and filtering needs as well as the fact they like cold water (that is true, right?  55-60 degrees is what I read but you never know if what you read is true). <That is consistent with what I've read, I no direct experience with these.> I wouldn't call myself a experienced aquarist, but I have a few fresh and salt tanks. <Well... I do think the first and most complicated trick with any jellyfish system is the system itself - a highly specialized aquarium.> Do the Moon jellies eat zooplankton? <I would think so... they are opportunistic feeders, and don't have the equipment to be super picky.> I read that some jellies can eat live brine shrimp and some eat larger shrimp and even fish. <Yes, again... is about the size of the organism and targets of opportunity - I would think you could offer all - I'm not sure brine shrimp would be useful, but everything else from the all-of-the-above group would work.> Do the Moon jellies need the high intensity lighting as well? <Not that I'm aware of.> I fist got interested in these after I saw a set-up at The Mall of America's Underwater Adventures.  It looks like they only have an actinic bulb or a purple (black light bulb). <This is really just to accentuate and highlight, and make for an interesting display.> Thank you very much for any info you can give me!  Anna
<Cheers, J -- >

Bought a jellyfish, now what do I do? 3/303
Hey Crew,
<whassup>
Over 1 month ago I bought a 20 gallon hex to set up as a jelly fish tank.
<hmmm... a single jelly fish I assume/hope? Yes? Even the smallest Cassiopeia gets 6". This tank is only 12 " wide>
I put a 304 Fluval on it and extended the outlet with flexible hose which I drilled several holes in it and buried it under the substrate (to help give
the jellies some lift).
<also put a coarse foam block on the intake to protect it from getting slurped in>
Well, now I have one upside down and one moon jelly and they both seem somewhat sluggish in movement.
<Yikes... mixing species of stinging animals of any kind is usually a bad
deal. Certainly so for jellies and ever more so in a small tank>
I have been feeding DT's phytoplankton and the water quality is just fine.
<that's interesting... because these jellies are autotrophic. What organismal
feeding they do is on zooplankton. Who was the rocket scientist that said they would eat phyto as a staple?>
Should I be adding the same additives I put in my 54 corner reef?
<I don't know... what additives are you adding to your 54?>
I just cannot seem to find any info regarding jellies and the store I purchased them from is very reputable but seems to have limited knowledge.
<you cannot be serious. You bought them (!) and brought them home without knowing what they eat or the slightest clue about their necessary husbandry?
And without doing any sort of remedial keyword search on our archives to even the Internet abroad (there is tons of info out there on the upside down
jellyfish specifically)... you are instead going to let the life or death of these animals depend on a random answer from this forum?!? Wow... serious
reality check here. Do you know that these creatures are actually living (well... for now) and not inanimate objects or furniture? Seriously>
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, any advise on feeding, housing, water quality, tank mates (if any) would be very helpful.
After all, you guys are my only hope! Michael J. Bukosky
<"only hope", huh? Don't underestimate yourself Michael... I see that your e-mail signature says you work in a Lab. I'm thinking if you were savvy
enough to get hired, you are savvy enough to do some basic research (starting with a simple keyword search on any big search engine) then come
back to us, if you aren't too jacked by then, to answer honest questions after you've made at least a half-hearted effort. Please do the hobby a
favor too and have some concept of an animal's needs before you buy it to prevent the waste of a living resource that I assume you admired enough to
want to buy in the first place.  Case in point: I went to the first search engine that popped into my mind (yahoo.com) and typed in "upside-down
jellyfish". That yielded 3,700 hits on the first try. Looking at that first page, I see the scientific name of this animal is "Cassiopeia andromeda".
Guess what happens if you type that into a keyword field <G>? OK... now that I'm done chastising you here for your request to have us "enable" you, I
will tell you that I have raised these jellyfish from larvae to full adulthood in in culturing pools under natural sunlight. You will need to
give these jellies full reef lighting or get rid of them to someone who can or wants to invest the $ in that kind of lighting system. They feed on
nanoplankton which you cannot pour from a bottle (Dt's phyto or zoo- subs are not suitable prey). They need very deep fine sand (lagoonal) and they need a
mature refugium inline that has preferably been set up for 6-12 months before you purchase the jellyfish. I'm almost certain your jellies will be
dead within 6 months if they even see 3 months. They are currently starving (no full reef lighting and no nanoplankton). You need to move fast to save
them bubba. Good luck. Anthony>

- Jellyfish Tank -
Hey Crew,
<Good morning, JasonC here...>
Over 1 month ago I bought a 20 gallon hex to set up as a jelly fish tank.  I put a 304 Fluval on it and extended the outlet with flexible hose which I drilled many holes it and buried it under the substrate (to help give the jellies some lift). <Yes, then you understand that these animals really don't have a sense of direction and rely on currents to take them from place to place.> Well, now I have one upside down and one moon jelly and they both seem somewhat sluggish in movement. <20 gallons is a little on the small side when it comes to sustaining good water quality. Chemistry can go out of whack very quickly.> I have been feeding DT's phytoplankton and the water quality is just fine. <I can't honestly agree with this - the water quality might seem fine with you, but the behaviour of your jellyfish tells a different story. There are many factors which can't be measured in a test kit.> Should I be adding the same additives I put in my 54 corner reef? <I think you should consider a larger tank.>
I just cannot seem to find any info regarding jellies and the store I purchased them from is very reputable but seems to have limited knowledge. <Well, Jellyfish are not your typical aquarium fare.>
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, any advise on feeding, housing, water quality, tank mates (if any) would be very helpful.
After all, you guys are my only hope! <I would just proffer that jellyfish are a challenge to keep no matter who you are. The local aquarium here has a tank with jellyfish, but what can't be seen through the front glass is a large, rotating wheel in the tank [made from transparent materials] which keeps the jellyfish from swimming into a corner and staying there. Instead they bump into the wheel and are redirected back to the middle. So... long story short is that jellyfish have specialized care requirements that will probably not be met in a 20 gallon hex.>
Michael J. Bukosky
<Cheers, J -- >

- Jellyfish Tank -
Hey Crew,
<Good morning, JasonC here...>
Over 1 month ago I bought a 20 gallon hex to set up as a jelly fish tank.  I put a 304 Fluval on it and extended the outlet with flexible hose which I drilled many holes it and buried it under the substrate (to help give the jellies some lift). <Yes, then you understand that these animals really don't have a sense of direction and rely on currents to take them from place to place.> Well, now I have one upside down and one moon jelly and they both seem somewhat sluggish in movement. <20 gallons is a little on the small side when it comes to sustaining good water quality. Chemistry can go out of whack very quickly.> I have been feeding DT's phytoplankton and the water quality is just fine. <I can't honestly agree with this - the water quality might seem fine with you, but the behaviour of your jellyfish tells a different story. There are many factors which can't be measured in a test kit.> Should I be adding the same additives I put in my 54 corner reef? <I think you should consider a larger tank.>
I just cannot seem to find any info regarding jellies and the store I purchased them from is very reputable but seems to have limited knowledge. <Well, Jellyfish are not your typical aquarium fare.>
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, any advise on feeding, housing, water quality, tank mates (if any) would be very helpful.
After all, you guys are my only hope! <I would just proffer that jellyfish are a challenge to keep no matter who you are. The local aquarium here has a tank with jellyfish, but what can't be seen through the front glass is a large, rotating wheel in the tank [made from transparent materials] which keeps the jellyfish from swimming into a corner and staying there. Instead they bump into the wheel and are redirected back to the middle. So... long story short is that jellyfish have specialized care requirements that will probably not be met in a 20 gallon hex.>
Michael J. Bukosky
<Cheers, J -- >

Re: Jas/Anth jellyfish replies 3/5/03
OUCH!!!!!
Thanks for the honesty
<do appreciate you hanging in there too... seriously>
and I should have gave more of a description on what this set up is.  I do have compact metal halides (2) on this tank along with
a sponge on the intake and about 2 and 1/2 inches of live sand.  
<all good and appropriate for the lagoonal species>
I have researched these creatures on the internet as well as taken the advise from (Hoffer's) the fish store here in Milwaukee.  Rest assure I did not buy these on a whim and I took the advise and was given the ok by one of the most reputable store in my area.  
<understood... and you realize that that without knowing any more that a literal statement "What do I feed these animals... you are their only hope!!!" said after the purchase, it raised the hackles on aquarists that have seen the scenario too many times>
After buying them I started to question the info I was given as well as the lack of info on keeping the jellies in captivity, so that's why I came to you guys.  
<I can reassure you that some jelly species are very well suited for captivity (although you still should not mix species). Several are actively and commonly bred in captivity in species tanks with live feedings (cultured brine, rotifers, etc)>
By no way did I use your
services as a crutch without doing research on my own.
<understood now, simply did not sound like it from the words and tone of your first message>
No matter what form of life I am keeping (whether it is my 3 K9's or my 4 marine tanks) would I jeopardize that creature by giving it an unsuitable habitat. I put my trust in a marine fish store that has never steered me wrong.  They assisted in this set up of tank and tank mates. NEVER would I have done this without feeling that this was the proper set up.
<much appreciated by all>
My e-mail was intended to be an e-mail as if I was starting from square one so I would get the most info I could even if I already knew the answer and after doing a search on your web site I found nothing in regards to feeding or tank set up on them!
<indeed just a miscomm from the limitations/brevity of e-mail.>
After looking on the web, most sites tell about where they live but address no topic of captivity.
<alas, it is because there are few species that really can be kept by aquarists conveniently. Many would disagree with me, but I would concede that you can keep your Cassiopeia. However, success with aquarists and public aquaria alike comes with giving these creatures large tanks. I reared mine at 1 per 100 gallons.>
Apparently I was told the wrong info as to what they would eat as a staple (from the store) and will make the changes in there diet accordingly as well as separating the moon and up-side down jelly.
<excellent>
I can only ask that this accompanying e-mail will be posted with my last or the original not posted at all because I am not as irresponsible as you gentleman make me sound.  I have been successfully keeping marine life for over 8 years and have never made a purchase without doing research or getting the advise from my local fish store.
<will be noted for the editor... the last message is gone and posted though>
Perhaps a list of recommended suppliers in most large cities or an approval which store could carry stating that they Wet Web Media approved would be beneficial to hobbyists like myself.  
<heehee... you give us too much credit :) We are here to share opinions/information only... our bit to help the industry is in helping to forge educated consumers, not authorize dealers. We know that consumers (educated or not) are what drive any industry. If enough people are prudently hesitant to buy jellyfish, sharks, anemones, etc... then the stores will order less of them. Market law>
I am sure that all true marine or fresh water hobbyists would put there trust in a store if they see your approval. (Just a thought!)
<its a humbling suggestion. Kind thanks>
I appreciate you harsh honesty and I write this e-mail because I do respect the advise and opinion of the Wet Web! Best Regards,
Michael
<and I am grateful for you empathy and thick skin <G>. I am going to make a wonderful grumpy old man one day :p Until then I'll work on honing wit. Best regards, Anthony>

Bought a jellyfish, now what do I do? 3/303
Hey Crew,
<whassup>
Over 1 month ago I bought a 20 gallon hex to set up as a jelly fish tank.  
<hmmm... a single jelly fish I assume/hope? Yes? Even the smallest Cassiopeia gets 6". This tank is only 12 " wide>
I put a 304 Fluval on it and extended the outlet with flexible hose which I drilled several holes in it and buried it under the substrate (to help give the jellies some lift.  
<also put a coarse foam block on the intake to protect it from getting slurped in>
Well, now I have one upside down and one moon jelly
and they both seem somewhat sluggish in movement.  
<Yikes... mixing species of stinging animals of any kind is usually a bad deal. Certainly so for jellies and ever more so in a small tank>
I have been feeding DT's phytoplankton and the water quality is just fine.  
<that's interesting... because these jellies are autotrophic. What organismal feeding they do is on zooplankton. Who was the rocket scientist that said they would eat phyto as a staple?>
Should I be adding the same additives I put in my 54 corner reef?
<I don't know... what additives are you adding to your 54?>
I just cannot seem to find any info regarding jellies and the store I purchased them from is very reputable but seems to have limited knowledge.
<you cannot be serious. You bought them (!) and brought them home without knowing what they eat or the slightest clue about their necessary husbandry? And without doing any sort of remedial keyword search on our archives to even the Internet abroad (there is tons of info out there on the upside down jellyfish specifically)... you are instead going to let the life or death of these animals depend on a random answer from this forum?!? Wow... serious reality check here. Do you know that these creatures are actually living (well... for now) and not inanimate objects or furniture? Seriously>
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, any advise on feeding, housing, water quality, tank mates (if any) would be very helpful.
After all, you guys are my only hope! Michael J. Bukosky
<"only hope", huh? Don't underestimate yourself Michael... I see that your e-mail signature says you work in a Lab. I'm thinking if you were savvy enough to get hired, you are savvy enough to do some basic research (starting with a simple keyword search on any big search engine) then come back to us, if you aren't too jacked by then, to answer honest questions after you've made at least a half-hearted effort. Please do the hobby a favor too and have some concept of an animal's needs before you buy it to prevent the waste of a living resource that I assume you admired enough to want to buy in the first place.  Case in point: I went to the first search engine that popped into my mind (yahoo.com) and typed in "upside-down jellyfish". That yielded 3,700 hits on the first try. Looking at that first page, I see the scientific name of this animal is "Cassiopeia andromeda". Guess what happens if you type that into a keyword field <G>? OK... now that I'm done chastising you here for your request to have us "enable" you, I will tell you that I have raised these jellyfish from larvae to full adulthood in in culturing pools under natural sunlight. You will need to give these jellies full reef lighting or get rid of them to someone who can or wants to invest the $ in that kind of lighting system. They feed on nanoplankton which you cannot pour from a bottle (Dt's phyto or zoo- subs are not suitable prey). They need very deep fine sand (lagoonal) and they need a mature refugium inline that has preferably been set up for 6-12 months before you purchase the jellyfish. I'm almost certain your jellies will be dead within 6 months if they even see 3 months. They are currently starving (no full reef lighting and no nanoplankton). You need to move fast to save them bubba. Good luck. Anthony>

Upside down jellyfish (Cassiopeia and Mastigias)
Hey Crew!
<whassup?>
I have a 54 corner set up with 30 some pounds of live rock, 1 long tentacle, 2 common anemones, 1 sea cucumber, 1 clam, 1 clown, misc feather dusters and many crabs.  Any chance of having a couple of upside down jellyfish or is this a mistake waiting to happen?
<almost guaranteed failure. Motile stinging cnidarians with sessile or other motile species (anemones) is simply not possible/responsible. It is already tough enough (long term dubious for success) for you to have two or more anemone species together. It works for a year or two... but not 5 or more>
I have a store near me that is selling these for only $6 and they seem to be fascinating!
<they are delightful creatures... but need species-specific tanks specially designed for them (protection from pump intakes, overflows and other cnidarians)>
Thanks for the advise. Michael J. Bukosky
<best regards, Anthony>

Tiny Little Jellyfish Things ???
Bob, I have recently discovered these tiny creatures in my marine tank, evidently they arrived on the new piece live rock I inserted a week ago, I have not been able to find out on the web what they are or identify them in any of the books I own. I am hoping that you have a clue as to what these new species are. The creatures have a round flat translucent top then a cylinder and tentacles and are about 1 to 2 millimeters in size. They look like and swim like little jellyfish constantly trying to reach the waters surface. The fish in the tank seem to take no interest in them but do swim around them
with a wider berth then other things in the tank. Thanks, Jason
<almost certainly harmless or even beneficial. Many pelagic marine planulae and medusae (as with jellies) look very similar at young stages. If you have any Atlantic live rock or recently put in snails or hermits from the Atlantic, then you may have the young medusae of the non-stinging "Upside-down" jellyfish (Cassiopeia). A photosynthetic and hardy creature if kept from pumps or strong current (great fun and somewhat easy to keep in a fishless seagrass refugium). At any rate... enjoy until it gets larger when it can be better identified. With kind regards, Anthony Calfo>

Re: Jelly fish?
Thanks Anthony,
Unfortunately I didn't know my fish was spawning in my marine tank and I
took this Sargassumfish, and two others I had in brackish tanks to a local petstore for credit. And of course not knowing what the blob was I discarded it down the garbage disposal. Oops!
Thanks anyhow, Steve
<Dude... you missed your opportunity to savor some truly rank caviar. Better luck next time. Anthony>

Jellyfish
Hello. My name is Angela Baker, and I am doing a research paper on jellyfish. I didn't know if you knew anything about them, I just happened to find your FAQ site and thought I'd give it a shot. But, if you know anything about jellyfish or know anyone who does know about them, please contact me. I would greatly appreciate it.
<Know a bit about some of these tissue-grade animals captive husbandry... Is this the nature of your paper? Bob Fenner>
Thanks
~Angela Baker~

HELP???? Jelly naming, color seashells by the seashore
Hi Bob!!
<Hello Drew>
Can you help with 2 questions for my class?
<I will try>
1) Why are Jelly Fish called fish?
<A "generic" term that folks used to apply to most any/all animals in the sea. Even marine mammals like dolphins used to be called, considered "fish"... and eaten on "non-meat" days by Catholics!>
2) Why are shells in tropical areas so much more colorful and fancy?
<Some investigators speculate that many bright colors, patterns are "warnings" or false warnings for would-be predators to steer clear... lest they be envenomized, poisoned... Other times these and odd-body shapes may serve as disruptive camouflage to hide these animals... perhaps at times to attract mates, identify them as members of the same species.>
Thank you so much!
Drew Morgan
<You are welcome. Bob Fenner>

Tourist Dies After Jellyfish Sting
By Belinda Goldsmith
CANBERRA (Reuters) - A British tourist has died after being stung by a tiny, nearly-invisible jellyfish while swimming off Hamilton Island in tropical
northern Australia, authorities said Friday.
The British High Commission identified the man as Richard Jordan, 58, from Driffield in northeast Yorkshire.
He is believed to be the first person to die from a sting from an Irukandji, a peanut-sized jellyfish whose venom heightens the heart rate and blood pressure.
There is no known anti-venom.
Jordan was stung Wednesday. His wife managed to get him to the Hamilton Island Medical Center for treatment but he went into a coma and was airlifted to
Mackay Base Hospital. He died late Thursday.
A spokeswoman from Mackay Base Hospital said the sting aggravated Jordan's pre-existing heart and blood pressure conditions, bringing on a cerebral
hemorrhage.
"He had pre-existing conditions and sadly died," the spokeswoman told Reuters.
Translucent Irukandji jellyfish are a tiny relative of the lethal box jellyfish which has killed about 65 people in Australia over the last 50 years.
ONLY ONE SPECIES LETHAL
Australia has hundreds of types of jellyfish but only one species of box jellyfish, the Chironex fleckeri, is lethal. It is known to be the deadliest jellyfish in the world.
Zoologist Jamie Seymour from the James Cook University in Cairns, northern Queensland, said Jordan's death would be the first recorded in the world from
an Irukandji, although there have been near fatalities.
Irukandji jellyfish, which are just 1.5 cm (0.6 inch) to 2.5 cm (1 inch) across with four 50-cm (20 inch) tentacles, are found off Australia's north coast
during the wet season, throughout the Pacific and in Florida.
Seymour said prevailing wind conditions washed up an unusually high number of the jellyfish onto Australia's northern beaches this summer, with 79 people
treated at Cairns hospital in December and January alone.
Seymour said usually about 30 people were hospitalized every year between November and May after being stung as the tiny creatures can slip through
protective nets around beaches.
The jellyfish venom causes a condition called Irukandji syndrome where the victim feels a prickly sensation at first but 30 minutes later gets severe
cramps, stomach and back pains and nausea and can experience cardiac and pulmonary complications.
"Depending on the severity of the stinging, it will range from mild symptoms to cardiac or respiratory failure and possibly death," Seymour told Reuters.
"But we really don't know enough about these animals and more research is needed. We've had two near fatals from these stings in the last three or four
years and it was only a matter of time before this happened."
<Thanks for this Miguel. Will post on Jellies and Australia travel sections on sites. Bob Fenner>

I want to ask some favor
Hi. I'm Gauvin Absin. I've been searching information about harmful jellyfishes and your name appears on the list who got one (but I'm not so sure). I hope you can help me. I know I sound rude but I just need that information so baldly. Bye.
<Keep that head covered if diving with cubomedusoids! What sort of information are you seeking? Bob Fenner>

Jellyfish Appearance
Robert,
< Anthony Calfo here sucking down donuts like they were oxygen and answering questions>
I just wanted to drop you a line and say thanks for all the help you and your site have provided me. Because of your expertise and willingness to
share I have accomplished the following in about 6 months and now have a much more stable and flourishing aquarium. Not only can I enjoy my system more, I no longer find myself constantly mucking around with it or battling something that had gone out of whack !
<fantastic... it is a beautiful hobby, more so thanks to Bob>
In only a few months, this is what I (we) have accomplished: . Eliminated "bad" algae from taking over my live rock and just plain stalled its growth
. Boosted coralline algae growth. Now all over back glass and spreading nicely on LR. Wish I could keep the stuff off the front glass though :(
. Reduced Nitrates to about 5 PPM (finally) according to Salifert. These were actually between 50-75. Ouch !
. Reduced phosphates to about .1 - .2
I have you to thank for helping me build a successful refugium and cultivate macros (God this stuff grows fast when its happy); teaching me the importance of dKH, Mg and CA and maintaining healthy levels, proper water changes, and much more valuable information.
<a good student with a good teacher>
Attached are some shots. they're a bit blurry, but I hope you like them ! PS, as always some questions if you don't mind ?
<excellent polyp extension on your corals across the board... I should say that you certainly are on the right track>
My Blue Tip Acropora (sp?) was deteriorating a few months ago. Now polyps are fuller, tips are bluer, and its receding appears to have stopped. Also, button polyps are finally spreading like crazy and are opened fully. Do you think this is a result of the (dramatically) reduced Nitrates?
<in part... but no doubt a reflection of your overall improved water quality and husbandry>
Is it wise to use a plant fertilizer for your macros? I've been using Sera Florena bi-monthly (iron chloride .089%, sulfuric acid .00016%, ethylene diamine .00040%) in half doses and don't know if it's doing anything positive...may even be detrimental for all I know.
<modest experimentation is helpful... go slow and monitor nuisance organisms as an indicator of excess>
Macros will flourish like weeds and will double in density in only a few weeks. But whenever I touch them (i.e. move them around so they don't
penetrate water surface, or clean front glass or canopy glass, or move lighting) I always lose a good portion of them. I will have clumps just
turn white then brown and crumple on me. But in a couple of weeks it all seems to bounce back (until my next cleaning). All I have is a few species of grape Caulerpa.
<not at all uncommon although not necessarily good. The die back can sometimes suddenly liberate noxious elements that irritate coral. You can reduce this dynamic by avoiding excessive breaking of Caulerpa fronds and more selectively extract whole fronds rather than cutting/breaking clumps out>
I don't know where it came from, but I have a jelly fish in my refugium. He has grown from the size of a pencil tip eraser to the size of a dime now in about 2 months. Where could this guy have come from? He's brownish/pink...will try to identify. Is he sensitive to water quality (i.e. if he stays alive, does it me my water is immaculate?). Is this a rare find in a captive system?
<yes, fairly uncommon. I wrote about this phenomenon in my book. It was brought into your system as a medusae with hermit crabs or snails. It will most likely turn out to be Cassiopeia (the upside down jelly-fish): a photosynthetic "non-stinging" animal. Its presence does not indicate immaculate water quality as they frequent seagrass beds and muddy lagoon... but it is not a bad sign either. It is simply beautiful, and a marvel to behold. You are blessed, and it sounds like you are on the right track. Best regards, Anthony Calfo>

Hi Bob!
Welcome back, glad to hear you had a good trip.
<Thank you my friend>
Now, that I've been polite I'll get to the questions and try to keep them under War and Peace in length... ; )
1: After going to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, I've been bitten by the jellyfish bug. (I can see the <uh-oh> already. spec. the upside down
jelly Cassiopeia andromeda (sp?).
<Cassiopeia>
I've been reading up on their care and morphology (I believe that's the correct word)
<The study of structure and form?>
, bright lighting as they are primarily photosynthetic, fine sand substrate as they are bottom dwellers, light current to aid in motion, ALL intakes covered with foam
to prevent shredding, etc. I can get a custom tank from Tenecor (or do you know a cheaper Kriesel (sp?) supplier?
<For stock sizes, shapes? Yes. Look to the Links on the WWM site here>
For advice, I can contact OCA, they're nice people and very friendly. But, I can't find supplier, do you know of any?
<For nearer to you... Tru-Vu/Aquaplex in San Francisco maybe. Ask your local shops if they can/will have a tank hauled in for you>
I've thought about contacting OCA, but then again I'm not sure how most public aquariums would respond to that kind of
thing. I do know they're planning on changing the exhibit over from jelly's to seahorses and ceph's.
<Yes... successful public aquariums are constantly planning, changing exhibits to attract visitors, sponsors...>
Or, do you think it's worthwhile to talk to the LR suppliers who operate out of the Keys, the creatures home range?
<For? Did see a whole bunch of these jellies along the shores along the way to Key West last week>
Having acquired a scar from a jellyfish, I can see how they'd be leery of collection, then again, from what I understand, they're not
that dangerous, of course, I could be wrong about that.
2: E-tailing: I've read the WWM FAQ's on business, one of my long term goals is to get into e-tailing, and supplying local stores with the
excess from my tanks (and eventually do that as my primary occupation).
Any advice? People you know I could talk to about this kind of operation?
<Lots of advice... we should define a plan of discourse here, deal in specifics... Do you have outlines of business, marketing plans? Very useful exercise at this junction. Another great suggestion: work for one or more such businesses in the field, this type/approach to reselling... very educational, telling.>
3: Not a question, maybe something I can help you with. Let me know what
you're using as a browser, I might be able to show you how to do a "Sorry, no one home" message.
<MSIE 5.0>
I'd be happy to return the help you've provided me, even if only in a little way.
<Appreciate this, thank you for your help, friendship here... and WWF/the chatforum.>
4: Any word on when CRA could be published? 
<Very indefinite... sigh... Do wish I could do the Vulcan Mind and Heartmeld with James Lawrence here... Microcosm allied with TFH... don't know when the "editorial calendar" might catch up... or if... and do need his/their help with editing, layout, production... costs, distribution/sales... Thank you for asking>
Should we start a letter writing campaign? Talk them into letting us take pre-orders? What can we do to help to get this published?
<Will continue to dream, scheme re this possibility. Have seen Jules pre-sell such works to offset expenses... The editing, layout aspects are not insurmountable... Hmmm>
Thanks again!
PF
<Be chatting my friend. Bob Fenner>

Re: Hi Bob!
> Welcome back, glad to hear you had a good trip.
> <Thank you my friend>
> Now, that I've been polite I'll get to the questions and try to keep
> them under War and Peace in length... ; )
> 1: After going to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, I've been bitten by the
> jellyfish bug. (I can see the <uh-oh> already. spec. the upside down
> jelly Cassiopeia andromeda (sp?).
> <Cassiopeia>
Actually, I was wondering about acquiring the animal itself.
<<Are sold regularly, imported from the Pacific and Atlantic>>
2: E-tailing: I've read the WWM FAQ's on business, one of my long term
> goals is to get into e-tailing, and supplying local stores with the
> excess from my tanks (and eventually do that as my primary occupation).
> Any advice? People you know I could talk to about this kind of
> operation?
> <Lots of advice... we should define a plan of discourse here, deal in
> specifics... Do you have outlines of business, marketing plans? Very useful
> exercise at this junction. Another great suggestion: work for one or more
> such businesses in the field, this type/approach to reselling... very
> educational, telling.>
Right now, I've got nothing but vague ideas. I'll look around and see if any of
the local marine equipped stores is hiring, or would even take part time
volunteers. 
<<Make it known if I can help>>
The nearest dedicated aquarium shop is in Eugene, about 60 miles
one way. Roseburg tends to dry up and blow away come evening, IIRC, they one
store closes at 5, the other at 6. Both have really small SW sections, under
6 tanks.
3: Not a question, maybe something I can help you with. Let me know what
> you're using as a browser, I might be able to show you how to do a
> "Sorry, no one home" message.
> <MSIE 5.0>
Let me ask Susie, she's much more knowledgeable with MSIE than I am, I'm a
Netscraper.
<<Hotay>>*
> <Appreciate this, thank you for your help, friendship here... and WWF/the
> chatforum.>
Happy to help, I just hope that I'm giving good advice there.
<<You are... you're stating what you know, believe to be correct, useful>>
> 4: Any word on when CRA could be published?
> <Will continue to dream, scheme re this possibility. Have seen Jules
> pre-sell such works to offset expenses... The editing, layout aspects are
> not insurmountable... Hmmm>
Well, I can think of at least 7 people right off the top of my head who'd put
down there money, maybe des could help proofread, she caught one of my typo's a
real howler too...
<<Be chatting my friend. Bob Fenner>>