Monitoring system High-tech solutions for breeding delicate beauties

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A jellyfish breeding facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art water value monitoring system based on Jumo's Varitron platform, further enhanced by the use of AI. Thanks to AI, the facility will soon be able to optimize itself and know at all times how the jellyfish are doing.

Even as a teenager, Alexander Dressel was fascinated by breeding marine animals. Today, with the Jellyfish Farm in Künzell, he operates Europe's largest jellyfish breeding facility, turning his childhood hobby into a state-of-the-art profession. Dressel, a trained fish farmer and research diver, gained extensive experience in renowned aquariums such as the Coburg Sea-Star Aquarium, the Sea Life Aquarium in Constance, and the Stralsund Ozeaneum, particularly in the breeding and presentation of jellyfish.

The focus with Alexander Dressel was on maximum automation and digitalization right from the start for optimal jellyfish rearing. We were able to make the best start here with our Jumo Varitron automation system.

Ralf Kappmeyer, Vertriebsrepräsentant im Jumo-Außendienst.

Aesthetics and science combined

In 2019, Dressel took his next professional step in the Fulda region and has been operating the Jellyfish Farm full-time since summer 2021. "I am currently the only commercial jellyfish breeder in Germany and one of the few worldwide," Dressel proudly reports. "Our clients range from scientific institutes to zoos and large aquariums, to private customers who are fascinated by the delicate beauty and calming effect of jellyfish. My team and I are involved in all processes from consulting to planning the breeding facilities to delivering the animals to research projects."

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17 different jellyfish species

Dressel and his team offer 17 different species of jellyfish, from easy-to-keep moon jellyfish to impressive compass jellyfish. Up to four species are particularly suitable for private aquariums, while the others are bred for large and display aquariums. The required brackish or saltwater is prepared in-house, and plankton or special smaller jellyfish are used for feeding.

Around 50 percent of the business volume of the Jellyfish Farm is accounted for by jellyfish breeding, with the majority of moon jellyfish being purchased in larger quantities by dealers and 90 percent exported. The second half of the business consists of self-planned and designed aquarium systems, which are built in collaboration with a partner. The use of the latest technology is essential for water analysis to measure the pH value or conductivity.

State-of-the-art water value monitoring system

"Currently, we operate ten breeding facilities with around 200 aquariums," says Dressel. "The eleventh facility was equipped with a state-of-the-art water value monitoring system based on the Jumo Varitron platform, further enhanced by the use of AI. We developed this innovative solution in close collaboration with Jumo."

"From the beginning, the focus with Alexander Dressel was on maximum automation and digitalization for optimal jellyfish breeding. We were able to make the best start here with our Jumo Varitron automation system. It is sensorily and functionally flexible as well as expandable and enables the use of the latest digital sensors from our company. The data is encrypted and transmitted to the Jumo Cloud and is available worldwide. This is further enhanced by AI tools, which are adapted to jellyfish breeding by our experts with appropriate labeling. The facility will soon operate entirely on its own, optimize itself, and always know how the jellyfish are doing. Alexander receives processed data—anytime and anywhere—allowing him to focus on strategic topics," explains Ralf Kappmeyer, sales representative in Jumo's field service.

Technology and passion combined

The jellyfish farm impressively demonstrates how a passion for marine animals and cutting-edge technology can go hand in hand to showcase fascinating creatures like jellyfish in all their glory while also enabling scientific advancements.

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