does sea shells if washed do they hurt fresh water fish in tanks?

Answer 1

Sea shells slowly dissolve in water and make it hard. If the water gets too hard, then it will affect the fish. I have measured the hardness of water doubling in just one week in my aquarium that used sea sand. You could probably clear varnish the sea shells if you want to use it in a fresh water tank.

Answer 2

No it would be fine. Just wash them really good, dont want any nasties brought into your tank. I would soak them in a bucket of water with a tiny bit of bleach for about an hour, then rinse REALLY good, then put them back in the bucket with fresh water, add dechlorinator to the water, and let them soak for another hour. Id give them a final rinse and let it dry overnight to be safe then I think they would be safe for your tank. That is just what I would do. Im sure other people have other ways they like to sterilize their new fish decorations. :)

Answer 3

Shells are composed of calcium carbonate, over time this will effect the hardness of the water.

For fish which enjoy hard water (central american cichlids, great lakes cichlids) this is not a problem. However some species (cichlids such as discus and angels, some tetras) do not thrive in hard water.

Answer 4

Shells are fine, just clean as GiaE stated. However NO coral!

Answer 5

no not at all sea shells are very harmless!

Answer 6

No, they do not. I have used seashells in freshwater aquariums before. No harm done.

Answer 7

no..have them imn my tank fish are fine

Answer 8

Shouldn't, you clean em, right?

Answer 9

nope

Answer 10

no