How to Care for Jellyfish in an Aquarium

Although jellyfish are most often observed in the ocean or washed up on beaches, they can be raised in aquariums. Jellyfish aquariums are more complex than a fish aquarium because jellyfish have different food and water flow requirements than fish and plants. Most jellyfish supplies must be purchased online because usually they are not sold by fish supply stores. The setup and care of a jellyfish aquarium is extensive, but the result is an environment that keeps the invertebrates healthy and happy.

Things You'll Need

  • Cylinder-shaped aquarium
  • Aquarium gravel
  • Glass marbles
  • Jellyfish-safe filter and skimmer
  • Aquarium heater
  • Brine shrimp
  • Algae-based food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a cylinder-shaped aquarium instead of a rectangular-shaped aquarium. Jellyfish that are kept in rectangular aquariums tend to get trapped in the corners. A cylinder-shaped aquarium keeps the jellyfish stress-free.

    • 2

      Check the water pump and skimmer tubes in the aquarium. Cover them with a thin mesh material that prevents the jellyfish from getting sucked in. If possible, purchase an aquarium pump and skimmer designed specifically for jellyfish.

    • 3

      Remove all tank decorations, rocks or any other hard material that could damage the delicate jellyfish. Insert a 1/2-inch layer of aquarium gravel into the bottom of the tank and cover it with a 1-inch layer of glass marbles. The marbles prevent the jellyfish from getting cut on the sharp gravel.

    • 4

      Install an aquarium heater in the tank by submerging it into the water and plugging in the cord. With most jellyfish the temperature should be about 77 degrees. Research the temperature requirements for the species of jellyfish that you have, and set the thermostat to the proper temperature.

    • 5

      Place 1 tsp. baby brine shrimp into the aquarium once per day to provide food for the jellyfish. If the jellyfish species eats algae, you should feed it daily with a pea-sized amount of algae-based jellyfish food ordered from an online supplier or an aquarium supply store.

    • 6

      Install fluorescent lights at the sides or bottom of the aquarium to illuminate the jellyfish. If you have jellyfish that eat algae, install metal halide lights to provide enough light for the algae to grow.