Before you start breeding medaka, there are a few things you’ll need to get ready. Since you’re taking care of living creatures, it’s important to have the basics in place before you bring any medaka home.
Make sure you have a container or tank, some substrate (bottom sand), aquatic plants, fish food, nets, buckets, a chlorine remover, and lighting if you’re keeping them indoors. Getting these essentials prepared beforehand will make caring for your medaka much easier.
Container (Water Tank)
When setting up a tank for medaka, it’s recommended to have about 1 liter of water per fish. However, this is just a guideline. If your water is stable and well-maintained, you can keep 3 to 4 medaka in 1 liter of water. Using bottom sand and aquatic plants can help keep the water conditions stable.
There are different types of containers you can use, such as water lily pots, Styrofoam boxes, plastic tanks, or glass aquariums. For outdoor setups, water lily pots and foam containers are great because they maintain stable water temperatures. For indoor setups, glass aquariums are ideal since they allow you to observe your fish from the side.
The larger the container, the better, as more water makes it easier to keep conditions stable and minimizes temperature fluctuations. Keep in mind, though, that indoor glass tanks can get heavy, so you’ll need a sturdy stand to support the weight.
If you want to enjoy the beauty of your aquarium, it’s better to go with a glass tank instead of a plastic one. Plastic tanks tend to scratch easily and can become cloudy, making it difficult to see your fish clearly.
Bottom Substrate
It’s recommended to use a substrate at the bottom of your tank. While it’s possible to keep medaka without one, using a bottom substrate helps keep the water cleaner.
In a medaka tank, harmful ammonia builds up from fish waste and leftover food. Beneficial bacteria break down this ammonia, and the more stable the water is, the healthier your medaka will be. These beneficial microorganisms thrive in the substrate, making it essential for maintaining a healthy tank environment.
There are various types of bottom substrates, including sand, gravel, and soil. Be sure to wash sand and gravel thoroughly before use, though soil doesn’t need to be rinsed.
Aquatic Plants
While not absolutely necessary, aquatic plants play a big role in keeping the water stable. They help microorganisms clean the water, and they also have their own water-purifying abilities.
Aquatic plants absorb the carbon dioxide released by medaka and produce oxygen, which helps reduce the risk of disease and promotes healthy growth.
In addition to their practical benefits, aquatic plants add beauty to the tank and create a calming effect. A tank filled with lush green plants, like a mini underwater forest, is more peaceful, and medaka tend to feel more comfortable in a planted tank than in a bare one.
Lighting Equipment
Lighting is important for both the growth of aquatic plants and the overall health of medaka. Exposure to light helps medaka thrive, and by controlling the lighting schedule, you can even encourage them to lay eggs by mimicking the seasons.
LED lights are a great option because they’re energy-efficient and affordable. You can use either a tank light or a clip-on light. If you’re focused on growing aquatic plants, tank lights are better since they provide wider coverage. Clip-on lights are convenient for smaller areas but might not illuminate a large tank well. For tanks 30 cm or larger, a proper tank light is recommended.