paperlady

Hi - I have a question. I have several freshwater tanks and recently came across some beautiful shells that I got at the ocean several years ago. I have boiled them twice, changing water in between, and I was wondering if anyone else has ever added shells from salt water into a freshwater tank. I don't want to do any harm to any of my fish but they are really beautiful but I'm hesitant to place them.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Paperlady

capekate

Hello paperlady
and welcome to fishlore! I have used seashells in my tanks with no problems. I boiled them as well to make sure all bacteria and sea salt was boiled out. I have only used a few in each tank.. not a whole load full. I see no reason why you cant use seashells in your tank.

susitna-flower

HI, WELCOME TO FISHLORE!

I have also used shells in my tanks. OK I will fess up, I got mine at WALMART . For that reason I boiled them 3 times!

Never any problems with them as my pH is normally 7.4. I haven't seen any rise in ph except in my shrimp tank, where I have lots of shells, and a chunk of coral, just to add calcium for the shrimp.

The only time I wouldn't use shells if if your ph is normally 8.5 and you want to keep fish that require a much lower ph.

We love new folks here, and would enjoy seeing pictures of your tanks......