How to Build a Jellyfish Aquarium

Jellyfish are among the most fascinating and bizarre creatures living in the ocean. While most people are used to seeing them at the beach, there has been a rising trend in raising the bell-shaped creatures in at-home aquariums. Unfortunately, keeping jellyfish is not as easy as many other marine animals; they require a lot of care to survive in captivity. Building an appropriate aquarium can help provide a successful home for your new aquatic pets.

Things You'll Need

  • Acrylic sheets
  • Acrylic cement
  • Polycarbonate sheet
  • Filter
  • Heater or cooling unit
  • Thermometer
  • Gravel
  • Marbles
  • Salt water
  • Jellyfish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Buy the acrylic sheets needed to make the sides of the tank. The size of the sheets will vary depending on how large you wish your tank to be.

    • 2

      Attach five sheet pieces together at the joints using acrylic cement; this will form the walls and bottom of the tank.

    • 3

      Allow the newly formed tank to dry overnight.

    • 4

      Wedge a polycarbonate sheet into the tank so that it runs along the bottom and curves up at each end, forming a half-cylinder. Glue the ends of the sheet to the sides of the tank.

    • 5

      Install an aquarium filter suitable for a tank capable of holding at least 8 gallons of water. You can purchase one from a local pet or aquarium store.

    • 6

      Cover the bottom of your aquarium with gravel. This will help keep healthy bacteria alive in the aquarium.

    • 7

      Place marbles on top of the gravel. This will shield the jellyfish from injuring themselves on the gravel.

    • 8

      Install a tank heater or a cooling unit for your aquarium, depending upon the jellyfish species you wish to raise. You can purchase these from a local pet or aquarium store. Most jellyfish need specific temperature ranges to thrive; some may require the water to be heated, while others may prefer the water to be cooled.

    • 9

      Fill the tank with salt water. Collect the water from the ocean or purchase pre-mixed salt water from a pet store.

    • 10

      Turn on the filter and the heater or cooling unit. Once the water reaches an ideal temperature, add the jellyfish to the aquarium.