Shells from the beach in Lake Malawi set ups?

[Sye]

Is it ok to use shells from the Beach's in Lake Malawi set ups providing they are adequately cleaned?

 

[gixer]

deffinatly....mines full of them...

 

[Sye]

Good Good.

Do they also help raise the pH and harden the water?

 

[mwm]

They Raise the pH so much in my tank it killed my angel fish

 

[gixer]

Good Good.

Do they also help raise the pH and harden the water?

ideal for a malawi set up. they will certainly raise your kh and inturn your ph.

don't boil them though..just leave them in some water soaking for a few days and give them a good clean,

 

[Bottom Dweller]

I have added shells in the past after a good rinsing and it worked out fine.

Is it also fine to add rocks from the ocean or a lake?
Should they be boiled first?
How about driftwood?

 

[JeremyD]

Shells are ok. Good rinse should be all you need.

Rocks are ok too. I usually boil mine. Probably not necessary, but I think its a good idea.

Driftwood is ok too. But, with driftwood, theres an involved procedure before you can put it in your tank. You must let it soak in freshwater for a long time. If it feels soft, remove the soft layer of rotting wood and let it sit some more. Change the water often. Once there is no more soft layer(read, has soaked for several months and soft layers removed frequently), it should be OK to go in the tank. Some pieces will be further along than others, so soaking time will vary.