Coconut Shells In The New Tank

[upsy daisy]

Hi, after trying to cycle a tank and things not going to plan, I decided to get some fish and do waterchanges.
Now I have 5 glowlight tetras in a 54l tank and I thought that it might look nice if I added some coconut shells. The idea came to me yesterday, when I got ready to bin these smashed cocnuts my son has been breaking in the garden. I have boiled them and scraped them from inside real well now I just need to sand the rough edges. Currently we have some plastic rocks, but I personally prefer more natural things..
Do you know if putting these in it might alter the pH, or even elevate the ammonia? I am assuming there is nothing left on them to deteriorate, but who knows? Thanks!

 

[gbailey141]

Had mine in now for about 6 weeks and I did the same as you and have had no problems at all.

Gav

 

[PDSimon]

They're fine to put in

If they did affect the pH, it may go down but only a small amount, nothing tetras won't mind. Just ensure all the coconut gunk is out

 

[JoshuaA]

Dude! You could clap them in the water and you'd be a sea horse

That actually sounds like a nice addition to a tank, something I may consider in the future!

 

[stuuk1]

I have two in my tank. I wouldnt worry about boiling them in future. I just scraped the coconut out, washed it and chucked them in.

 

[Mikaila31]

yeah I also just scrap the coconut out, rinse, and toss them in. Shrimp and fish clean them the rest of the way.

 

[upsy daisy]

Well, in our case these were coconuts I had bought for a home-made coconut shy about 3 years ago. My son cracked them open, even though I told him not to, and they were all completely putrid inside.

I just had to boil them.. But now I know what to do with coconuts that aren't rotten!