How to Provide Brackish Water for Dragonfish

The violet goby is a peaceful, delicate brackish-water fish requiring excellent water conditions at all times. Often sold under the commercialized name "dragonfish," and marketed as a fierce freshwater scavenger, this eel-like animal faces significant challenges in a captive environment. If you are considering purchasing a dragonfish, an appropriate brackish-water habitat is essential for your pet's health and longevity.

Things You'll Need

  • 55 gallon aquarium
  • Water conditioner
  • Marine salt
  • Hydrometer
  • Ammonia source
  • Nitrate test strips
  • Nitrite test strips
  • Ammonia test strips
  • pH test strips
  • pH adjustment product
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up your aquarium according to the manufacturer's instructions. It should be 55 gallons or larger and should include a filter, sand substrate, low-watt lighting fixture and ornaments.

    • 2

      Fill the aquarium with tap water. Add water conditioner according to the manufacturer's instructions to eliminate harmful chlorines and chloramines found in municipal water.

    • 3

      Measure 2 tbsp. of marine salt per gallon of aquarium water. Add this directly to the aquarium water. This will create a near-appropriate salinity for the dragonfish.

    • 4

      Check your water's specific gravity, or salinity, using a hydrometer. A reading of 1.006 to 1.008 is an appropriate measurement for a dragonfish habitat. If necessary, add more marine salt to the aquarium until you reach a good reading.

    • 5

      Add a source of ammonia to the aquarium to begin the "cycling" process for ammonia, nitrate and nitrite. A filter sponge, cup of water, or handful of substrate from an etsablished aquarium is ideal. This introduces the nitrifying bacteria necessary for creating a stable and suitable home for a dragonfish.

    • 6

      Measure your nitrate, nitrite and ammonia levels twice weekly using commercial test strips. When your readings provide consistent results with undetectable nitrate, undetectable ammonia, and nitrate readings below 50 parts per million (ppm), the aquarium is established.

    • 7

      Determine the pH of the aquarium using test strips. They should provide a reading of 7.5 to 8.5. If necessary, adjust the pH using products available at your local aquarium supply store.

    • 8

      Check your ammonia, salinity, nitrate, nitrite and pH levels weekly after introducing your dragonfish to its home. Adjust these levels using water changes and commercial products whenever necessary.