2007-02-01 06:30:34 · 11 answers · asked by elnett 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Most likely, yes. Just make sure to thoroughly boil them, soak them in vinegar, and rinse them to kill any organisms that may be inside the shell.
The only side-effect that shells have is to increase water hardness and pH, but it should not bea problem unless you have very pH-sensitive fish like discus.
2007-02-01 06:34:25 · answer #1 · answered by Zoe 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Since you did not mention where you got the stones and shells I will need to make an assumption that it was a beach for the shells. I have shells in my tank which I got from various beaches around the world. I washed them in plain old tap water and put them in the tank. Now since you are supposed to remove and replace water in the tank regularly - 10% once a week or 25% once a month is a good rule. Never change more than 50% in one change as this will upset the natural cycle of the system. A siphon that removes particulate matter from the gravel is best as the assist in removing excess pollution from the system. Water quality and pH are among the factors that the shells and other additions to a tank can affect but I think shells are fine if washed. I would be careful using bleach or cleanser on them as this could cause problems or fish death. Good luck. I think shells are a great idea. I love mine and have not lost a fish yet because of the shells. A few have gotten tangled in the weedy plants and perished. Stones are the same as shells. I have rinsed slate and used it in my tanks. BTW gravel are stones! Rinse and enjoy! A water test kit is a good idea. One of these days I might get one again myself. Seriously the water is important check with a reputable fish store for more information they are more than willing to help and will test a water sample from your tank if you take it to them.
2007-02-01 17:59:50 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. Smith (hmm) 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Stones absolutely, shells not recommended in large quantity's if you need your water in the acidic range.
If your stones are river stones ensure they are not Limestone or other sorts that will throw out your water chemistry (ie hardness, Ph)
If it is a goldfish tank, they will be more hardy in adapting to the changes in your environment and will welcome the new features.
Ensure they are cleaned before being placed into your tank, you may introduce a strain of algae, pollution or even snails!
Always a good idea to see your local aquarist if you have more delicate species in your tank or need further advice.
2007-02-01 15:27:51 · answer #3 · answered by <^^Em^^> 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have a fresh water tank do not put the shells into your tank. This will mess up your ph levels in the tank.
If you have salt water, won't hurt the tank.
Stones are ok for either tank provided they are not a soft limestone or a shiny metalic. This will cause unwanted chemicals to leach into your tank.
2007-02-01 14:33:48 · answer #4 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
soak them in bleach to kill anything on them and then leave them out a couple days in the sun and then boil them. the trace salts in ocean shells shouldn't do much to your tank. if your ph is low to begin with then they will help.
2007-02-01 15:06:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes you can. Sterilize them first, then clean thoroughly before putting them in the tank.
2007-02-01 14:39:52 · answer #6 · answered by margarita 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would sterilize them first by putting them in boiling water. They may contain something that could be harmful to your fish.
2007-02-01 14:33:49 · answer #7 · answered by Mr. Goodkat 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
boil them in hot water, then drop them in the tank.
2007-02-01 14:37:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
no, don't do that!!! i did it once with rocks from mexico, and it wiped out every single one of my fish!!!
2007-02-01 14:44:30 · answer #9 · answered by mandy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It should be perfectly fine as long as you clean them up real good...
2007-02-01 14:58:45 · answer #10 · answered by Buddha Meat 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋