Can Jellyfish Be Kept in an Aquarium?

Can Jellyfish Be Kept in an Aquarium

Jellyfish are a form of marine invertebrate. They can’t see as they have no eyes and are brainless.

They might not do much, but they are very interesting to look at, and this is why many people wonder if they can bring them inside their homes in aquariums.

If you have an aquarium and are wondering the same thing, you’ve come to the right place.

To find out whether you can keep jellyfish in your aquarium, read ahead.

Can You Keep Jellyfish in an Aquarium?

Many people wonder if they can keep jellyfish in their fish tanks.

The answer is, YES, it is possible to keep jellyfish as pets as long as you provide them with the optimal environment they need to survive.

For example, it is advised to not keep jellyfish with other aquatic animals, unless your aquarium is big enough to give all the aquatic animals sufficient space that they don’t run into each other.

This is why some people prefer to buy a separate fish tank for their jellyfish.

What Types of Jellyfish Can You Keep in My Aquarium?

There are several types of jellyfish, but not all of them can be kept in your fish tank.

Even though you have various options to choose from, one of the most popular jellyfish that are kept in fish tanks is called the Moon Jellyfish.

Moon Jellyfish can live in tropical climates and small spaces.

Moon Jelly Fish
Moon Jelly Fish are Best to Keep in Aquariums

They do not need very high water flow to float. This is why they are much better suited for fish tanks in your home than other types.

Moon jellyfish do not grow too big, either.

They grow to about 12 inches only and can even reproduce in the right environmental conditions.

Aquarium Tank Requirements for Jellyfish

Even though most fish tanks are rectangular, this may not be the ideal shape for jellyfish since they can easily get trapped in the corners, without finding a way out because they have no eyes.

This is why it’s best to get a fish tank that is shaped like a cylinder, so this problem does not occur.

Another thing to keep in mind when setting up a tank for jellyfish is the water flow and the filter system.

Jellyfish can become trapped in the pumps and the filter equipment, so you might need to find alternatives to traditional water filters.

In a jellyfish aquarium tank, water flow is very significant since the jellyfish use it to move and float in the aquarium.

Not only that, but they also rely on water flow to locate food and get rid of waste products.

Water Temperature

Jellyfish prefer cooler water temperatures as compared to other aquatic animals, which is another reason why they should have their own tanks.

For a normal fish tank, you may have to keep checking if the water is warm enough, but it is the opposite of jellyfish.

The ideal temperature to keep a jellyfish in a tank is 53 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit, which is slightly lower than the room temperature, so you will have to take extra measures to keep your jellyfish tank cool at all times.

Water Quality and Filtration

Since jellyfish need water to survive, your water quality and filter system need to be spot on.

The water should be kept clean at all times, which means you will have to clean it much more often than you would clean a traditional fish tank.

Your filter system should be able to remove all the dust, grime, and waste from the water in very little time.

The ammonia levels in your water should be very low, so the jellyfish can stay healthy and thrive.

To remove the waste product from the aquarium, you might need to use mechanical filters.

Food for Jellyfish

Jellyfish can consume a lot of food, which means you will have to stock up on it.

In the ocean, jellyfish are used to eating plankton and shrimp.

You can easily buy them from a nearby pet shop, but some people prefer to grow them in the tanks at their homes.

It is not hard to grow plankton since they do not require much care. Plus, they will be beneficial for you in the long term.

One of the most common mistakes that a lot of jellyfish owners make is that they do not realize exactly how much food jellyfish can consume.

This is why it is a better idea to grow your own food rather than buy it every few days.

Lighting

Jellyfish need bright lights in their tanks in order to live.

These bright lights will also allow algae to form, which will later help them photosynthesize.

A good idea would be to place lights at the top of your tank, which will directly shine on your aquarium and all the species inside it.

Are Jellyfish Safe to Keep a Home Aquarium?

Jellyfish stings are pretty common and it is best to avoid them.

However, Moon Jellyfish stings do not hurt as bad as other types of jellyfish stings, but you will definitely still feel it.

If you do get stung, make sure to visit your doctor, or it may result in a dangerous allergic reaction.

The good thing about keeping jellyfish as pets is that you can easily avoid the sting. Make certain to keep your hands out of the aquarium or wear gloves when you need to clean it.

You can also remove the jellyfish from the tank and put them back after you are done the cleaning.

How Long Does a Jellyfish Live?

The life expectancy depends on the type of jellyfish, but since Moon Jellyfish are the most common pets, they can live for over a year if they have proper living conditions.

Blue Bubbler jellyfish only live up to 9 months, while the Sea Nettles can live for several years.

How Often Does a Jellyfish Tank Need Maintenance?

After setting it up, you will have to clean your tank every week.

This does not mean that you have to empty the whole thing and remove all the aquatic life – simply remove 20% of the water and then add it back after cleaning.

If you skip out on weekly cleaning, your water quality will decrease, which can result in the death of your jellyfish.

That’s not all; make sure to deep clean every 6 months, where you remove the filter, the decorations, and all the water, too.

Is it Wrong to Keep Jellyfish in a Tank or an Aquarium?

Jellyfish do not have a central nervous system, which means they do not have a brain.

This also means that they are not aware of where they are at any time. When it comes to aquatic life, jellyfish are more similar to plants than to fish.

If your aquarium setup has optimal conditions for a jellyfish to survive, there is nothing wrong with keeping them in your tank.

Jellyfish will not even realize they are not at sea as long as your tank is big and they have space and the right water pressure to float in.

What To Do In Case Your Jellyfish Looks Unwell?

When your jellyfish has a disease, it is easy to spot.

A normal jellyfish has a body, which is shaped like a saucer and does not have any holes.

A healthy jellyfish will also pulse once every 2 to 3 seconds. When your jellyfish is unwell, it may ball up or even turn inside.

If your jellyfish looks unwell, make sure to check a few things in your aquarium.

One of the things you can check is if you have recently removed waste products from the water.

Another thing to focus on is the other inhabitants of your aquarium.

You should also clean your filter for it might have stopped functioning properly, which can result in low water quality.

Furthermore, ensure that the walls of your aquarium are clean and check the water flow so your jellyfish can float easily.

Ideally, you should be doing this every few weeks.

Also, notice how many times you are feeding your jellyfish. Jellyfish need to be fed twice a day, but it is better to feed them more than two times.

However, make sure you are giving them small servings.

Lastly, if your room remains very hot, make sure to take extra measures to keep the water inside your aquarium cold.

Is it a Good Idea to Mix Jellyfish Species?

Mixing jellyfish species may NOT always be a good idea.

Sure, they may be fine for a few months, but in the long term, different species will not only irritate each other but will also have a huge impact on each other’s growth and health.

It is possible to keep jellyfish in your aquarium at home, but make sure you are meeting the optimal conditions they require to survive.

Follow the tips mentioned above to keep your jellyfish safe and healthy in your tank.

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