Moon Jellies        9/30/16
Hi Crew,
<Cathy>
Very grateful for the site.
<Glad to hear you use us as a resource... Don't forget to spread the word
:)>
I have a cubic setup for jellyfish it has been set up for 10 months.
<Not ideal for jellies, but that's okay. Most jellies do best in a round tank, like a circle on its side.>
The problem I am having is a pod explosion.
<Copepod, I assume?>
They are everywhere, I know wish it was my display tank but no has to be jelly tank.
<Aquarist problems :) I've had this happen with Coraline algae a lot. It grows in my refugium, but not my display tank.> Anyway, the problem seems to be that as jellyfish don't actively seek out their food they just sort if bump into it so they are full with pods. I don't think they can digest the pods due to the shells ( I think ).
<They should be able to digest them, but I would add another plankton of some sort to their diet as well>
Therefore they are shrinking, starving. I have done water change after water change can't put a dent in the pod population the balancing act due to the sensitivity of the jelly fish to minor changes in water chemistry is making it stressful as well. I have used a filter sock to just filter the existing water through as well but that didn't help either. Short of pulling down the whole setup and taking out all the biological media and starting again do you have any suggestions? If I strip out the system and re-set up how do I cycle without biological media? ( currently have a piece of live rock and some small bio tubes in chamber). Please help started with 1 large moon jelly fish, 2 medium, and 1 small, down to large turned medium, 1 medium, minute 2 disappeared.
Thank you
Cathy Napoli
<So sorry about your losses, Cathy. Could you inform me of the tank size, water quality, salinity, etc., as well as some pictures of the jellies? My advice for now would be to get a turkey baster and suck out as many pods as you can. Set them in another tank or holding container. I would begin to spot-feed the jellies with the baster instead of hoping they will hunt on their own. This will ensure they get food to their little bodies. Please do send pictures and the aforementioned information. In the meantime, read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/jellysysfaqs.htm  and  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/jellyfdgfaqs.htm  Hope to hear back soon. Cheers, Gabe.>

Re: Moon Jellies    10/3/16
Hi Gabe
<Cathy>
Thanks for the response. The tank is a cubic brand circular tank on side specifically designed for jellies.
<My bad. I assume cubic shaped, not cubic brand>
I spot feed Rotifers and the food preparation sold specifically for jellies.
<Great>
Prior to the pod explosion you could see the food In their bellies. Red brown color now white.
<Probably stressed out from the pods>
Ammonia 0
Nitrates 0
Nitrite 0
Ph. 8:2
Phosphates .02
Salinity 1.026
Temp 25c
<Hmm. At this point, I would continue to spot feed and hop for the best.
Water seems to be in perfect conditions. Read more on WetWeb re. Cheers, Gabe>
Re: Moon Jellies    10/3/16
Hi Gabe
<Cathy>
Accidentally pressed send hopefully you can see the pods as well as food remains and tank type.
<Holy pods!!! You weren't kidding when you said there was an outbreak!>
Pods too numerous to symphony
<Siphon?>
with turkey baster although I do try to do it. Due to water changes/ symphonies
<Siphons again?>
being frequent have been putting in my refugium.
<Not sure how they got so out of control here. The only way to get rid of all of them would be to start from scratch. I hate to say it, but that's the only way to get all of them out. I know it can be a pain, especially with jellies, but it may need to be done. Good luck. Cheers, Gabe>