Medaka Guides & Tips

Quick Acclimation

Quick Acclimation & Setup Tips Straightforward steps for new arrivals Quarantine first (about 2 weeks).New fish should be observed in a separate tank/tub before mixing with other fish. Watch feeding, behavior, and fins. Combine only after they look stable. Delivery-day checklist (live fish) Have someone receive the box on the first attempt. Don’t leave it outside or in heat/cold. Open in a quiet spot with lights dimmed. Avoid shocks and vibration. Prep: clean bucket/tub, airline tubing (knot/valve), net, water tests. Optional: air stone, heater, aquarium salt. Check for box damage or temperature issues before unbagging. Important — Breather bagsIf fish arrive in a breather bag, do not float or submerge the bag. It blocks gas exchange. Let the sealed bag rest on a dry surface out of direct light for 10–15 minutes. Cut the bag and pour fish + bag water into a clean bucket (use a net as needed). Start drip acclimation from tank to bucket (1–2 drops/sec) for 30–45 minutes. When volume doubles, discard half and continue. Net fish into the tank. Discard all shipping water. Skip the temperature-float step below for breather bags. Before unboxing Stabilize water: 68–78 °F (20–26 °C), pH 7.0–8.0. Set up a separate observation tank if possible (2 weeks recommended). Plan light feeding only for the first 24–48 hours. Step 1 — Let bags rest (10–15 min) Open the box, remove the bags, and let them sit out of direct light for 10–15 minutes. Step 2 — Temperature float (15–20 min) Float sealed bags in the tank or bucket for 15–20 minutes. Keep lights low. Skip this step for breather bags. Step 3 — Drip acclimation (30–45 min) Move bag water + fish into a clean bucket (cut edge; use a net carefully). Run airline tubing from tank to bucket. Set 1–2 drops/sec using a knot/valve. When volume doubles, discard half and continue the drip. Total ~30–45 minutes. Do not add shipping water to the main tank. Step 4 — Transfer & lights off Use a net only. Discard shipping/bucket water. Lights off for 6–12 hours. Keep handling low. Optional: low salt support (0.1–0.2% = 1–2 g/L) if compatible with plants/inverts/equipment. First 72 hours 0–24 h Observe. Feed lightly or skip. Keep light low. Ensure aeration. 24–48 h If response is good, feed a small amount (micro pellets/crushed food or frozen baby brine). Test NH3/NO2. 48–72 h Water change 10–20%. Watch for surface gasping, clamped fins, resting on bottom. Do Match temperature first; acclimate slowly. Be present to receive the package. Confirm NH3/NO2=0 in the first 48 hours. Quarantine/observe for ~2 weeks before mixing. Don’t Pour shipping water into the main tank. Use strong lighting or heavy feeding on day one. Leave the box outside or in a hot/cold car. Cause rapid parameter swings (big water changes, sudden pH shifts). Troubleshooting — quick actions Sign Likely cause Action Surface gasping Low oxygen / ammonia Add aeration, 20% water change, test NH3/NO2. Resting on bottom Temperature or transit stress Lower light, keep temperature steady, reduce disturbance. Clamped fins Water quality / initial stress Small feeding, clean water, observe closely. Flashing / scratching External irritation or parasites Observe in isolation; if persistent, contact support with photos/video. Note: The 14-Day Health Guarantee covers rare, health-related losses shortly after arrival. Losses from jumping, predators, disappearance, poor water quality, temperature swings, improper acclimation, aggression, or negligence are not covered. Details: User Guide. 60-second Quick Card Open box → rest bags 10–15 min. Float sealed bags 15–20 min. (Skip for breather bags.) Move to bucket → drip 30–45 min (1–2 drops/sec). Net fish only; discard shipping water. Lights off; tiny feeding or skip day one. Confirm NH3/NO2=0; 10–20% water change within 48 h. Questions? Email snrmedaka@gmail.com