Would this be ok in my Tank.....?

[thutton33]

I am wondering if there is any problem with putting a shell that was found on the beach in my tank..

there is no varnish or anything like that it is just a large shell...

is it ok?

 

[HannahJ]

It should be alright, provided you clean it very well (boiling is the preferred method, I believe) and keep in mind that a shell, since it contains calcium that will over time leech into the water, can slightly raise your pH. Unless you already have a high pH, or have pH sensitive fish, though, that shouldn't matter too much.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Depends on the tank. If you already have high ph around 8.0, you should be ok. But if you have a low ph, closer to 7.0, then no, I wouldn't. The shell would probably increase your ph to 7.8 or higher within 2-4 weeks. It will also increase your kh, which is why your ph will increase.

 

[An t-iasg]

What size is the tank, and how big is the shell? A small shell in a big tank may be ok; but generally, I wouldn't put any saltwater item in a freshwater tank since it can change your parameters as suggested. A possible exception would be a cichlid tank, since it should have a higher pH already. Watch your parameters closely.