Medaka fish (Oryzias latipes), also known as Japanese rice fish, have long captivated the hearts of aquarium enthusiasts in Japan and more recently in the United States. These vibrant, hardy little creatures not only bring a touch of the exotic to any setup but also offer a unique and rewarding experience for hobbyists. If you're looking to delve into the world of medaka keeping, consider setting up a mini pond - a delightful and space-efficient way to enjoy these fascinating fish.
Mini ponds can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors, making them a versatile addition to any space. Whether you're looking to bring a touch of natural beauty and tranquility to your living room, entryway, deck, patio, or any other area, a mini pond creates a peaceful focal point. They're especially ideal for showcasing your colorful medaka fish, offering a relaxing spot to pause and enjoy the view.
At BARCK Aquatics, we're passionate about helping aquarium enthusiasts, especially those with a penchant for medaka and shrimp, create thriving aquatic environments. Our shop offers a curated selection of premium Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp, Japanese medaka rice fish, aquatic mosses, PSB, and custom aquarium decals - all the essentials you need to build your dream mini medaka pond.
Planning Your Mini Medaka Pond
When it comes to setting up a mini medaka pond, the first step is to choose the right container and location. Taking into account your local climate conditions select a location that will allow water temperatures to remain below 90°F in the summer and in the winter avoid completely freezing. What's great about medaka is they can withstand short periods of up to 100° F water and can overwinter under the ice as long as some water remains in the bottom of the container. Here at BARCK Aquatics in Woodinville, WA most of our containers are placed in full su, but we do provide mesh shading when temps are above 90°F. Because our local climate cools in the evenings even very hot days typically are not must of a concern for our medaka mini ponds. If your local temps do not cool in the evenings you may want to choose a shaded or partial shaded area for your pond. It's always safe to medaka place mini ponds in full shade if you are concerned. Even indirect sunlight is enough to keep your medaka happy.
Consider the size and depth of your container - a shallow, wide vessel, such as a large planter or a repurposed storage bin, works best to mimic the natural habitat of these fish. Shallow wide containers are best for viewing your medaka, but if you plan to overwater outdoors you may want to transfer to a deeper container for the winter or simply use a deeper container year round. Container that are 15-24 inches are typically deep enough for us locally and we see short periods (7-10 consecutive days) of temps in the teens in the winter. As long as some water remains unfrozen at the bottom of the container your medaka should be ok. If your temps are too cold in the winter you can move your mini pond to a shed, garage, or bring indoors. Mini medaka ponds make excellent outdoor as well as indoor water features.
Any planter will do as a mini pond. Planter as small as 1 gallon can support a few medaka, We recommend 3 gallons or larger if you plan to keep more than a few medaka. Ceramic pots are readily in many sizes, shapes and colors to suit your needs. Most have drainage holes and we use epoxy putty to fill in the bottom drainage hole(s) in ceramic and plastic planters to make them water tight. Here is a link to the epoxy putty we like to use. https://amzn.to/46dIdh3
Essential Equipment
What's most amazing about medaka mini ponds is that you really do not need filtration. Medaka naturally live in slow-moving to stagnant freshwater and brackish environments, especially rice fields, shallow ponds, marshes, ad slow-moving streams across East Asia. They prefer thickly vegetated areas and are known to tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including some salinity, and can move between freshwater and tidal areas. So filtration is optional and here at BARCK Aquatics we don't use filtration in the majority of our ponds. If you like the sound of water flowing feel free to add a small filter or fountain. We have a few show ponds that we added solar water pumps to create some water movement and sound for aesthetic reasons.
When it comes to substrate, a layer of gravel or sand will provide a natural look and allow beneficial bacteria to thrive and plants to root.
Water Preparation and Cycling
Ensuring the right water parameters is very easy for medaka as they are adaptable to variety of water parameters. A pH between 6.5 and 8.0 works well. Before introducing your fish, it is advisable to cycle the pond to establish a stable nitrogen cycle. These fish are tough and adaptable it's very hard to get water parameters wrong with medaka. I always recommend adding PSB to new and existing medaka ponds especially when rearing fry. 
Introducing Medaka Fish
When it's time to add your medaka, start with a small group of 5-10 fish. Acclimate them slowly to the new environment, and consider adding a few live plants or aquatic mosses to provide hiding spots and enrich the ecosystem. With proper care and attention, you may even be able to witness the joy of medaka breeding in your mini pond.
Pond Plants
Part of the fun of mini ponds is choosing some plants to add. Recommended water plants include: Water hyacinth, dwarf sagittaria, water mosaic plant, water lettuce, pond pickerel, water lilies, water lotus, Christmas moss, riccia fluitans, water hibiscus, dwarf papyrus, mini cattail, etc. There are many types of pond plants and most will work well in a mini pond.
Adding rocks or driftwood can add even more natural beauty to your mini pond.
Maintenance and Care
Medaka mini ponds require very little maintenance. If you utilize pond plants and mosses you won't need to perform regular water changes. Algae can be an issue with ponds in general. Pond plants can helpful in controlling algae and consider water changes if algae is a big issue for you. You will need to top off your pond periodically in the hot summer months as evaporation will lower your water levels over time. Feed your medaka a balanced diet of high-quality flakes or pellets, and be mindful of potential predators. Raccoons can be a problem for sure. We have found keeping our ponds in our fenced backyard where our dogs patrol has been helpful. If raccoons are a problem you will need to devise a cover for your ponds. Outdoor mini ponds benefit from natural food sources for your medaka.
Setting up a mini medaka pond is a rewarding and captivating project that allows you to bring a touch of the natural world into your own backyard or indoor space. With the right planning, equipment, and care, you can create a thriving oasis that showcases the beauty and charm of these delightful Japanese rice fish. Visit BARCK Aquatics today to explore our selection of premium medaka and the essential supplies to make your mini pond dreams a reality.
Conclusion
Embracing the world of medaka fish through a mini pond setup is a truly enchanting experience. By following the guidance outlined in this post, you can unlock the joy and beauty of medaka keeping and create a captivating aquatic sanctuary right in your own home. Whether you're a seasoned aquarium enthusiast or a newcomer to the hobby, BARCK Aquatics is here to support you every step of the way. Start your mini medaka pond journey today and witness the magic unfold.
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