can i put a rock or 2 or a sea shell that i found in the ocean in my freshwater tropical fish tank?

Question

If i boil them first?

Answer 1

Using sea shells in a fresh water aquarium will harden the water and raise the pH level, so unless you only use a couple of small ones in a large tank, I would advise against it. Also be careful what type of rock you are using for reasons similar to this, plus they can leach toxins into the water or harbor parasites. I once lost 90% of a tank population to the last one.

Answer 2

YES! You CAN put male rats together. Dont listen to what all the other people are saying about they CANT be in the same cage At all. Male rats can/do become aggressive towards eachother, but if you get them as siblings or cagemates they will be fine, even AFTER 2 months of age. (you shouldnt get rats any Younger than 2 months though!) If you are introducing older males, than introduce them slowly. (you'll probably have to get 2 cages). I have 6 rats myself, ALL MALES. With the exception of the siblings, they didnt know eachother until i introduced them (obviously). I let the new rat(s) go through the quarantine period (2 weeks) to make sure they are healthy and disease free. Then i would put all of my rats in a neutral area. (usually the bathroom), and let them meet eachother on thier own time. If you see any aggression, seperate them before a fight breaks out. After about a half an hour of 'free roam' and introductions, i put all the rats into the cage. Including the new ones. Absolutely NO FIGHTING!!!!! The other major thing to prevent territorial fights, is to have a cage that is a bit bigger than you need. (or that the rats need). For my 6 Rats, i have a HUGE ferret nation Cage. It is 6 levels, and it has a 4'X5' base. They have TONS of room. Having a large cage also allows you to put in tons of toys and treats, and lots of stuff to keep them entertained and using thier minds. Rats are very intelligent and curious, and need things to keep thier minds active. Hope i Helped!

Answer 3

Boiling is a good.

Better put them in a bucket in the garden for some time. Say about a month. It can get rid of it's salt before you do let it get rid of nasties.

Boiling may damage the things.. at least change it's colors. Almost boiling will do the trick and the stuff may stay as is.

Answer 4

Of course you can. Boiling, however may not be needed for it may change the rocks or shells. It's best just to give them a scrub in fresh water (i.e. tap water), but DO NOT use soap. If you're still worried after scrubbing them, scoop out a cup of your fish's water and soak the objects in there over night or even for a few days. Good luck!

Answer 5

If it is an african cichlid tank go for it. If not, you need to find out what kind of rock it it, and do not add the sea shell. Your water pH will raise and so will the hardness pending on what kind of rock it is. This can wipe out your tank, or slowly kill them off depending on what is in the tank. You would be better off to buy some rock from your local pet store.

Answer 6

No, only if it is from a freshwater location. If you do decide to use the rocks or something wash them VERY well before putting them in the tank.

Answer 7

Yes, but you need to clean them well.

Also, be forewarned that they may add to the GH of your water. If you have hard water to begin with, I wouldn't recommend doing this. Consider going to a craft store and getting some of the fake plastic shells.

Good luck!

Answer 8

Yes, just make sure you have removed all salt and anything that was growing on it from the sea.

Answer 9

Yes. As long as you boil them.

Answer 10

Yes, boil them first. IF you use any bleach, make sure and rinse them thoroughly.