Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => New Fishkeepers => Topic started by: Aquarius Barbara on September 15, 2017, 11:32:36 AM

Title: Shells
Post by: Aquarius Barbara on September 15, 2017, 11:32:36 AM

I have some shells That I have used as ornaments for years, would it be ok to put some in my tank one I have given them a good clean? Thank You

Title: Re: Shells
Post by: Sue on September 15, 2017, 11:54:42 AM

First I would check if they have been coated with something eg lacquer. If they haven't they are fish safe, as long as you remove any traces of dust, candle wax residue, aerosol residue etc - and detergent if that's what you used to wash them  :)


Shells will dissolve slowly if the pH is below 7.0. This will increase hardness (GH) carbonate hardness (KH) and pH slightly. But if your pH is above 7.0 they should hardly dissolve at all.
You have soft water but your pH is not necessarily below 7. My hardness is 5 German degrees but my pH is about 7.5.