Jellyfish

[TKOS]

I never see it mentioned but I was wondering if anyone has ever kept jellyfish in an aquarium? If so how would you do this and what type of jelly fish would you keep?

Thanks

[ChilDawg]

I think that they need to be kept in high-pressure systems or else they will in effect disintegrate. This is from what I have read.

I would venture a guess that one person (at a maximum) on this forum has kept jellyfish, but if I am right, you may never hear about it. Ask at a local public aquarium as to what goes into keeping them alive in exhibits.

Then, please post here, because I would be interested in learning the full story.

[ChilDawg]

I just found a site which tells how to do this at home, but it requires a specialized flow system, as well as a chiller:

http://www.aquarium-design.com/invert/jellyfishpets.html

[ChilDawg]

Precision Pipeworks, Inc. has created such a system, and you can request info on it after reading this article (the request form is at the bottom):

http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/prm/prm100.html

[ChilDawg]

I guess that the Japanese had been doing this for years...they have multi-hundred dollar aquariums specially made for this purpose (Nisso Industries is one of the names that pops up).

I guess that the articles from which I had gotten my initial info were outdated, but it still seems to be an unrecommended aquarium invert about which you are interested.

[Boogiechillin]

You can probably get the gist of this from the articles linked, but jellies need a circular system with flow that propels them around WITHOUT plowing them into a wall. This means that square-shaped tanks just won't work; spherical or cylindrical is the only option. Very, very expensive set up, even though jellies are occasionally offered in pet stores.

[TKOS]

Wow, thanks for all the answers. It is a lot to read. I just find the jellyfish so interesting and I love coming across them when I am diving. I doubt I will be keeping them anytime soon but it is interesting to know my options.

[ChilDawg]

No prob...I had time on my hands, and wanted to make sure that my first statement held water...it looks like it could be done, so I wonder if anyone on this board has actually done it?

[VoodooChild]

I haven't personally kept any but I've talked to several customers who have. I haven't met one yet whose kept any alive for more than 4 or 5 months.

[ChilDawg]

Nice sig, but not a recommended remedy for constipation :)