Do Shells Change Water Stats

[tom_os]

if i was to bring back some shells from holiday for my tanks would they alter the ph or whatever?

is there anything i can do so they dont

thanks

 

[Truck]

yes they raise the PH normally, dont know how to prevent it though

 

[saltynay]

Add some vinegar is ethanoic acid or citric acid from fruit should neutralise the ph but do it in small amounts so as not to harm the fish with a sudden ph drop or raise

 

[Truck]

why battle a fluctuating PH? when you can stop it from happening?

 

[saltynay]

Because he wants shells in his tank..... It wouldn't fluctuate that much not like he is putting some limestone in there

 

[Ficious]

i dont see why a few small ones would hurt...just be careful to not add too many. i have 2 small clam chells...pshhh i think theyre burried in the sand by now, forgot all about them...but no probs.

if anything test your ph before you add them and maybe bi-weekly ph tests for a few weeks should keep an eye on it.

i have no idea what it maybe theres a way you can make that clear layer you see on shells for sale in some places.
if they have that layer on theyre completely safe to use

 

[OldMan47]

It is exactly like putting limestone in Saltynay. Both the shell and the limestone are calcium carbonate. It will raise your pH in the same manner that crushed coral will do it but will be slower because it is not crushed to fine particles.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

if i was to bring back some shells from holiday for my tanks would they alter the ph or whatever?

is there anything i can do so they dont

thanks

They can leech calcium into the water and raise the pH

 

[saltynay]

It is exactly like putting limestone in Saltynay. Both the shell and the limestone are calcium carbonate. It will raise your pH in the same manner that crushed coral will do it but will be slower because it is not crushed to fine particles.

I know they are the same basic material but hard shells have a protective coating on them that is a natural laquer which prevents the release of the OH anions into the water thus slowing down the ph change. Limestone doesn't have this protective layer and is slightly permeable this with the heat of a tropical tank will result in it rapidly dissolving.