Shells from the shore

[TKEON230]

I was on vacation and picked up a couple shells from the beach while I was there. Is there any way I can put them into a new tank that I am starting? Should I clean them in any special way? I just want to have them in there as decoration.

Thanks!

 

[schoeplein]

Soak them in a bleach solution (Chlorox + water) for a couple hours.
Let dry for a day or two.
Rinse in a bowl of aquarium water.
Pour water into sink.
Drop shells into tank.

 

[Jermz79]

Good advice schoeplein ...

I didn't soak mine in bleach though, I had some pretty colors and din't want them to fade out so ... I boiled them for about 3 minutes and then soaked them in freshwater for a couple days, and then dumped em in the tank!!!

 

[schoeplein]

Color doesn't matter - they'll be covered with green/brown/coraline algae eventually anyway.

 

[Jermz79]

True ... never thought about that!!! HaHa!!

 

[TKEON230]

Thanks for all of your advice. I didn't think about the whole algae issue. Maybe I'll hold off on putting them in until things have established a bit.

 

[schoeplein]

Your tank doesn't need to be established to place placid/inert objects (specifically shells) into it.....