Upside-Down Jellyfish: Cassiopeia spp. Systems - 2/19/08
Hello,
<Hi there!>
I am interested in purchasing an Upside Down jellyfish <Cassiopeia spp.> for my tank, but cannot find much information on them.
<You’re very wise to do your research *before* acquiring one of these neat little creatures!>
I have a 125 gallon SPS reef setup and was wondering if that would be too much water movement for them.
<Yes indeed. These jellies require low flow systems.>
I know they spend most of the time on the substrate, but am worried the high water movement would carry them to the overflows.
<Absolutely, even in low flow situations, any overflows/intakes would have to be covered with fine mesh or foam.>
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
<Cassiopeia spp. are zooxanthellate organisms that require large, intensely lit, mature systems, with low flow, a deep sand bed, and available nanoplankton. Also of note is that these Scyphozoans shed stinging nematocysts into the water, which can potentially sting you and/or any other livestock therein. All things considered, these jellies do best in large (over 100g) species, or biotope systems. For more information, please see these links:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/jellysysfaqs.htm
http://jellieszone.com/captivejellies.htm >
Thank you,
<You’re very welcome! Take care, -Lynn>

Jellyfish tank  - 05/29/06
Hi, I'm planning to build a jellyfish tank, I currently have a 150 gallon reef tank so the plan is to build something like a refuge with no corners and slow circular currents that uses the same water as the reef tank. In the tank I've built and installed a Sulphur/Calcium denitrator, some time ago I decided to reduce significantly the usage of the skimmer to improve copepod growth (now I've lots of them, and one happy and fat mandarin dragonet) and to keep nutrients in the water, so I think in this case it wouldn't be so hard for the jellies to find food here.
<Depends on species...>
I wanted to know your thoughts about this plan and also ask you a few questions: How a jellyfish is affected by light?
<Most not much at all>
What kind of light does they need? Any idea of the Flow rate in the Jellyfish tank?
Thank you very much.
Andrés Corral
México
<Please contact the site Jelliquarium.com (ask for Jim Stime), and read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/jellysysfaqs.htm
Bob Fenner>

Jellies, sys.  5/29/06
Hello there, I just wanted to ask if there were any special elements or any special equipment  for my jellyfish tank.. I specialized a 20 gal to suit them and they have been flourishing
           Many Thanks,
               Joe Iacovazzi
<Mmm, do write my friend Jim Stime at Jelliquarium (.com) re, and see here: http://wetwebmedia.com/jellyfish.htm
for the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
 

Jellyfish System 9/20/05 hi Bob, <Jimbo> well, it is the night before i drive out to Las Vegas for the Super Zoo pet trade show to exhibit the JelliQuarium. i hope i have everything packed  :) <Me too!> i have not had much of a chance to get all the Jellyfish things together that we spoke of as i have been buzy getting everything for the trade show squared away but i do want to get some stuff to you. i am working on the advertisement for both FAMA and Aquarium Fish Magazine. you were correct about FAMA's circulation being down, its around 10,000/ mth, AFM is up around 50,000/ mth. i asked for Susan Steele but she was not around. i am working with Craig Horowitz. <Good... I called re Sue... s/w Alicia Jordan... who is heading up FAMA... said Sue had "not elected" to move down... was consulting somewhat... I'd call Bowtie/Fancy corp. and s/w Alicia re who in turn to speak with> the scientific article written by Kevin Raskof i mentioned is attached as a PDF. it is a great article. <Will take a look/see> also attached are pictures i took of the various stages of growing Moon Jellyfish, Aurelia aurita.... <Very nice> 2027 polyps 2031 polyps 2039  sm jelly 2040  two sm jellies 2058  current holding / growing system 2077 ephyra  ( babies ) 2078 ephyra  ( babies ) 2097 mastigias papua sp. 2098 mastigias papua sp. have a great time in Kona next month, i will be thinking of you in paradise  :) <And joining me soon I hope/trust. BobF> Jim Stime, jr. Resplendent Group Aquarium Design  <http://www.aquarium-design.com/> www.aquarium-design.com MyFishTank.com  <http://www.myfishtank.com/> www.myfishtank.com Midwater Systems  <http://www.jellyfishtanks.com/> www.jellyfishtanks.com Centropyge.Net  <http://www.centropyge.net/> www.centropyge.net MACNA X  <http://www.masla.com/macnax.html> www.masla.com/macnax.html

Upside-Down Jellies   2/23/06
Hey, you guys are awesome! There is so much info on your site, I could look at this stuff all day long--and almost have!  I have a question about upside-down
jellies. I take care of a 125 gallon tank with 8 jellies in it.  The company that owns this tank has a budget on how much they can spend on the tank so
they don't have the best set-up for it--they went the cheap route.  I am looking into getting new equipment for this tank, tell me, if you had a 125
gallon tank with 8 jellies, what would you get for the tank?
<...? Please see the new: Jelliquarium.com site here>
I've been researching non-stop in books and on the internet to get as many opinions as I can and you guys seem to know your stuff!
<Do you have the works of Dave Wrobel? Search re his name...>
So, to be specific: What kind of substrate would you have, would you have any plants? Would you have a protein skimmer, how about a UV sterilizer?  How about the lights, what would be the best lights for them? What and how much would you feed them and how often would you feed them? And lastly, I have been having a red/brown alga problem--
it is like a sheet of alga over the top of the substrate. I stir it up daily and that seems to help for awhile--until the next day and I have to do it
again.  I've been researching ways to treat the stuff, but I am so skeptical because I don't want to harm them and I know how sensitive and delicate they
are. Thank you so much for your help, it is greatly appreciated!
Candace
<Keep searching, reading... Bob Fenner>

Keeping upside-down jellies    4/10/06
Hey, you guys are awesome! There is so much info on your site, I could look at this stuff all day long--and almost have!  I have a question about upside-down
jellies. I take care of a 125 gallon tank with 8 jellies in it.  The company that owns this tank has a budget on how much they can spend on the tank so
they don't have the best set-up for it--they went the cheap route.
<If it works...>
  I am looking into getting new equipment for this tank, tell me, if you had a 125 gallon tank with 8 jellies, what would you get for the tank?
<...? Lighting, filtration?>
I've been researching non-stop in books and on the internet to get as many opinions as I can and you guys seem to know your stuff! So, to be specific: What kind of
substrate would you have, would you have any plants?
<Soft, fine coral sand... and yes... vascular plants from the same area as this species... might be able to be collected...>
Would you have a protein skimmer, how about a UV sterilizer?
<Yes to the skimmer, not likely a UV>
How about the lights, what would be the best lights for them?
<T-5 fluorescents likely...>
What and how much would you feed them and how often would you feed them?
<Depends on the species... are these Cassiopeia? http://jellieszone.com/captivejellies.htm>
And lastly, I have been having a red/brown algae problem-- it is like a sheet of algae over the top of the substrate. I stir it up daily
and that seems to help for awhile--until the next day and I have to do it again.  I've been researching ways to treat the stuff, but I am so skeptical
because I don't want to harm them and I know how sensitive and delicate they are. Thank you so much for your help, it is greatly appreciated!
Candace
<... See WWM re controlling BGA. Bob Fenner>

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>>

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>

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!>

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)

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 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  >>

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 :)>

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  >>

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