Shells

[Scotty_uk]

I have just got back from holiday and bought some shells from a shop, they are not painted and have no varnish on them.

I was wondering if it was ok to put in my tank........ I was going to soak them for a few days in water from the tank before doing this....

The tank is established(5 years) with living plants and various fish....

Thank you

 

[adamgreen240]

i dont see any reason why not - just rinse them like you said to get rid of the salt from the sea

adam

 

[dthoffsett]

You'll want to keep an eye on your PH for awhile, shells being mostly comprised of calcium can leach some off causing your PH and KH to rise. But, unless you fill your tank with shells, it shouldn't effect anything. Better to be safe than sorry though.

 

[darkwolf29a]

You'll want to keep an eye on your PH for awhile, shells being mostly comprised of calcium can leach some off causing your PH and KH to rise. But, unless you fill your tank with shells, it shouldn't effect anything. Better to be safe than sorry though.

Yes, I would keep an eye on the PH if you do it. That stated, I have a BUNCH of sheels in my tank. I boiled them in a big pot for an hour before cooling them and putting them in.

They won't hurt anything, but they should be very clean before you put them in.

 

[Danno]

Seashells WILL raise your pH. Coat them in epoxy, let them harden, and then add them to your tank. If they are in your tank at the moment take them out.

 

[stang1]

I'd make sure you give them a good rinse before adding them to the tank.
What fish have you currently got? Some fish prefer a higher PH so it might not be a problem.

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Saltwater seashells will eventually fall apart in freshwater. This is why they should be coated in epoxy resin.