Sand Dollar Tests In Brackish?

[ac106]

Hi all,

I want to add sand dollar tests to my brackish tank that has a single F8 puffer. They are not live but the dried shells.

Would this be ok? I read that shells raise the PH but this is ok in brackish tank setup, correct?

Thanks!

 

[nmonks]

Adding clean shells or echinoderm tests (which are made of calcite) is fine. Echinoderm tests tend to fall apart after a while, so don't be surprised if that happens in the aquarium.

Yes, they will buffer the water to some degree. But this is overrated by many aquarists -- once a shell is covered in algae and bacteria, the dissolution rate is quite slow. Monitor the pH in the tank at least every couple of weeks. Regular water changes using a decent quality marine mix should take care of the pH and hardness for you. Truly brackish water fish usually like a pH around 7.5 to 8, depending on the species.

Cheers,

Neale