How To Get Started Raising Moon Jellyfish? Most people would opt for fish and plants to ornament their aquariums. But have you imagined the aesthetic appearance of Moon Jellyfish turning your tank an instant source of entertainment? Today, these beautiful creatures are the recently emerged famous aquarium inhabitants. If you are planning to raise a Moon Jellyfish at home, this guide can provide the necessary information you need on how to get started.
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Defining A Moon Jellyfish
A moon jellyfish is a type of jellyfish that is also called as pelagic jellyfish. You can find these sea creatures all over the planet, and they may have a bell that can be bigger or smaller than their bodies.
The bell of moon jellyfish is usually translucent and can reach up to 15-inches in width. This kind of jellyfish swims by propelling their bodies by pumping water through slow rhythmic motions. It is also worth noting that moon jellyfish have short and tiny tentacles that are equal in length along with four gonads.
These sea creatures are also versatile. They can live in cold water systems as well as in warm tropical waters.
Get The Right Tank For Moon Jellyfish
It is ideal for getting a small to medium-sized tank for moon jellyfish and make sure that it is clean and sterile. You may also look for a circular shaped aquarium or something narrow and tall to provide enough space for the jellyfish.
Here are some of the best moon jellyfish tank you can find:
Playlearn Jellyfish Aquarium
Among the best aquarium that you can use to raise moon, jellyfish is this tank from Playlearn. It comes with aesthetic LED lights that can emphasize the beauty of your pets.
MarineLand Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit
If you are opting for a jellyfish tank with a sleek design, MarineLand Portrait Glass LED Aquarium is your best choice. It comes with Daylight/Moonlight lighting with bright white LEDs that creates a shimmering lighting effect similar to sunlight. It also comes with blue LEDs that provide a moonlight glow.
Purchase Other Necessary Supplies
Aside from a tank, you also need other necessary items to start raising moon jellyfish such as the following:
- Air tube
- Air pump
- Undergravel filter plate
- LED light
- A substrate to place in the bottom of the tank like glass beads
- Airline tubing
- LED remote control
Set Up The Tank
Place the tank in a spot with a flat surface and where sunlight is not directly hitting. Take note that moon jellyfish thrive better in dark environments, so ensure that the tank doesn’t receive direct sunlight.
Also, do not place the tank near heat sources, including electrical equipment. A low table at home that is placed in a dark spot is an ideal place to put a jellyfish tank.
Set Up The Air Tube And Filter Plate
Attach the filter plates and place the air tube in the middle of the filter plates. These can come in several small parts, or one or two larger pieces, depending on which filter plate you purchase. What you should opt for is to place the air tube in the center of the tank. It is so air can pass through the tank.
Get one plate and trim off one of its sides to fit the rest. Use an X-ACTO sharp knife or a scissor to do this. Afterward, place the air tube and the filter plate inside the tank. Make sure that the plates must cover the tank’s bottom and fit.
Put The Substrate Inside The Tank
It would help if you placed a substrate inside the tank to help with the filter plates. It is best to use glass beads than gravel or sand because these materials may harm your jellyfish. Put the beads inside the tank using your hand. It is, so they would not nick or break the aquarium.
Connect The Air Pump Or Air Tube
Once you place the substrate inside the tank, start connecting the air tube to the air pump. You can do this by utilizing the airline tubing. Put it in the air tank, so it hangs in the tube a few centimeters. Afterward, connect the airline tubing along with the air pump. It can let you use the air pump to circulate air across the tank.
Add Water And Cycle The Tank
In this phase, you need to add water in the tank and put some salt. You may also find pre-mixed saltwater in the pet store near you. Take note that salt for consumption is not ideal to use in this phase. You should use an ionic or aquarium salt instead.
Switch On The LEDs, Air Pump, And Test The Water
Plug the air pump, and LEDs then let the aquarium run for about 12 hours. The water inside the tank should turn from cloudy to clear by this time.
It is also essential to test the water for nitrate, ammonia, and nitrite levels. To do so, you can purchase a test kit in a local pet store, or it may be included with the tank kits you have.
The ideal level of nitrate and ammonia is at 0.0ppm. Also, you may have fewer nitrate levels of about 20ppm. When the substances are parallel to these levels, you are ready to raise some moon jellyfish.
Is It Safe To Touch A Moon Jellyfish?
Moon jellyfish comes with a weak stinging power that can’t penetrate through a person’s skin. So, if these creatures brush you, you can only receive a minor sting in the area where you are touched. Knowing this, there is no reason for you to panic when contacted by one.
Conclusion
To summarize, a moon jellyfish is not a typical pet. But if you want to take care of these creatures at home, the tips, and steps that I have discussed earlier can help you prepare the things needed to start raising them. Choose the right tank for jellyfish and set it up in the right place. It is also essential to consider their food and how to maintain their tanks.
