Sea shells

[Tinafina]

I'm going to Thailand and I was wondering if I picked up a bunch of sea shells on the beach, clean and rinsing very well, would that cause any issues in my tank?

 

[absolutangel04]

I don't think it will cause issues, but they do break down over time. I have some beach shells in one of my fw tanks and haven't had any sort of issues, but the shells definitely deteriorate.

 

[toddnbecka]

Depends on your water chemistry. Shells are calcium carbonate, same thing as coral, and may raise the pH and hardness of your water unless they're high to start with.

 

[Tinafina]

Depends on your water chemistry. Shells are calcium carbonate, same thing as coral, and may raise the pH and hardness of your water unless they're high to start with.

Ah ha- yes my oh is pretty high. 7.6 or so. I have neon Tetras which I know they like it lower. But they seem to be fine. Would that cause any problems if I added the shells you think?

 

[toddnbecka]

No worries if your pH is that high to start with, the shells won't make any difference.