giant clam shells

I have some large clam shells I found at the lake that I want to put in my freshwater aquarium as decor. Will this change the water chemistry I'm guessing adding calcium attributing to hardness. I keep yellow cichlids and giant Danios. The Cichlids spawned like three fry that ive seen so far I kinda want to put the shells in for more hiding spots especially for the little guys. Is this a good idea or are clam shells not meant for what I want them for?

 

You could scrub them up really really good, then put them in a bucket with some of the tank water. Test the water before you put the shell in, put the shell down in the water and let it sit for several days, then test the water again. That would give you an idea of what changes it may make.

You could try glass shell ornaments for in your tank. I like to check out the candle aisle because the glass dishes for the candles to sit on are usually fairly heavy duty. And they have some very interesting designs. They are usually either all glass (which would be fine in the tank) or sometimes they have ceramic holders that have been glazed on all sides (so they would be okay under water also). They are nice because they are also heavy enough to stay in place and not float around.

 

Thanks that's a great idea I'll try that. From what I know mbunas cave dwelling cichlids like water hardness, and good news I just cleaned the tank water and found at least 10 other fry very small but surviving none the less. Just hope the giant Danios don't catch them but as it is the danios are outnumbered 15 to 3 including 11 fry and 4 young adults. Like your dog is that a Corgy?

 

Shells raise the pH and dissolve over time.

A way to test is to put some vinegar on them and if they fizz they will alter the pH.

 

Like your dog is that a Corgy?

Thanks. No, she is a purebred mutt. I had her dna tested cuz I was curious. Nothing registered except in the "in the mix" category which meant that those breeds just barely registered. Let's see, it was boxer, german shepherd, and borzoi (russian wolfhound). She doesn't even weigh 30 pounds sopping wet, and those are all larger breeds - go figure.

 

Thanks. No, she is a purebred mutt. I had her dna tested cuz I was curious. Nothing registered except in the "in the mix" category which meant that those breeds just barely registered. Let's see, it was boxer, german shepherd, and borzoi (russian wolfhound). She doesn't even weigh 30 pounds sopping wet, and those are all larger breeds - go figure.

I'm philipino, mexican, german, norweidgen, swedish and english so I'm technically a mutt too lol!