Adding Saltwater Decor To Freshwater Tank

dbase · Feb 25, 2009

Just went on a trip and saw some interesting decor that could be added to my tank. The problem is it consists of a large 8-10 inch conch shell, a 4 in shark jaw, and a dead starfish, all from a souvenir gift shop. I picked it up pretty cheap but figured I had better ask some experts before I put it in the freshwater tank.

Are there any chemicals that they put on a starfish to keep it from rotting/smelling?
Are there any of these 3 that would be ok to use?

Thanks for any input.

funkycat · Feb 25, 2009

The Conch shell should be fine, however i would hold off on the jaw and starfish. Both can degrade in your tank and you wouldnt want that. Typically its best to avoid chemicals.

dbase · Feb 26, 2009

Both the starfish and the jaws got soft when boiled. The jaws are made of some type of cartilidge I guess; and the starfish seems to still be very tough, but did soften slightly. Any more ideas?