2007-02-12 12:52:47 · 13 answers · asked by sandtaz 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
It really depends. One small shell in a 10 gallon or larger tank probably isn't going to hurt anything but.... It will leach a variety of chemicals into the water, mostly calcium carbonate but a whole host of others as well. There is no way it will help the typical aquarium but could hurt, so I would say the best answer is "Just say no"
Also, the shell will dissolve away. Keep it clean and dry and enjoy the memories even longer .
2007-02-12 13:03:31 · answer #1 · answered by magicman116 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is never advised to put sea shells into a fresh water aquarium for a number of reasons. The main reason being the calcium can leach into the fresh water tossing off your ph. There are other minerals that will break down as well.
However, there are aquariums with a FEW shells that have posed no problem.
Keep an eye on your ph levels and trace minerals and don't over load the tank with shells. I think you will be fine.
2007-02-13 03:05:36 · answer #2 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was told the opposite. That you definitely DO NOT want bleached shells in your tank. In fact, shells from the beach are GOOD for your tank and help keep the amonia levels down and also help cycle a tank faster. You DO NOT want shells that you purchased in a store (for example in a little shop in Florida while on vacation). Those will be bleached with god knows what else on them to make them look nice and shiny. My husband and I put quite a few shells (picked up from the beach) into our tank when we were having trouble cycling it (55 gallon with lots of fish, took a few months! LOL). The shells really seemed to help. Just wash them off but do not bleach them and you should be fine.
2016-05-24 03:12:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
make sure that the shell is really clean. To make sure that it is clean boil the shell in water for 15 minutes. When the shell is cool enough to put in the aquarium then it will be really clean
2007-02-12 13:01:45 · answer #4 · answered by George 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't...I think it would probably end up hurting the fish...I'm sure you can't get all the salt water out of and off of it. I think I did that once when I was little and it didn't work out so well. You should just go buy some at the store!
2007-02-12 12:56:58 · answer #5 · answered by blahblah 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wouldn't. I was advised years ago that it would eventially kill my fish. As the shell deteriorates it adds salt and other minerals into the water that can kill fresh water fish.
There are some ways to preserve the shell, materials that you can paint on the shell like a shellac, but check with your local pet store to find out what is safe.
2007-02-12 12:56:17 · answer #6 · answered by dressage.rider 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have shells from California and Florida in my FWT's and they have not had any adverse effects that I am aware of. They've been in there for a couple of years too. I also did boil them first for 10 minutes, then let them dry on their own.
2007-02-12 13:06:36 · answer #7 · answered by Tammy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes of course. I've done that before. For as long as it fits your aquarium.
2007-02-12 13:58:49 · answer #8 · answered by dondatu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have to disagree with anyone that answered yes to this question. one good one "but it in your bathroom" or tub. shells will raise your ph to a very dangerous level, which will definatly wipe out any egglayers - livebearers won't be affected as quickly.
i owned a pet shop for 10 years. people came in all the time and asked this question.
i ALWAYS told them no... some did anyway ----and i sold them new fish....
2007-02-12 13:29:23 · answer #9 · answered by robrr03 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes you can as long as they are cleaned well i have used many shells and many other items in my tanks
2007-02-12 12:59:39 · answer #10 · answered by acstevey1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋