1st POST - Questions about seashells

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Infiniplex Syst

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Nov 28, 2005
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I was referred here from someone in a computer forum. I am glad there is a forum like this, it will help me out alot!

I have a 46 gallon freshwater tank. I have one pecostomus(if I spelled it right) and 8 Cichlids. I was digging around the garage this weekend(getting away from in-laws) and I found a box of seashells I had picked up in San Diego I would say 7 years ago, if not longer. I am wondering, can I put these shells in my aquraium, freshwater, with these fish and be fine? I will definetly clean them up, but anything that was still alive, bacteria, sea animals, anything, would certainly be dead and gone by now. Will the seashells themselves effect the water in anyway thats harmful to my fish. Please let me know your thoughts, and preferably FACTS on this matter.
 
Not harmful, but they may alter your water chemistry. This could be good or bad--depending on what type of cichlids you have. Seashells, as well as coral skeletons, will increase the hardness of the water. This in turn will usually increase the pH of your water--how much will vary with where it currently is stable, and the type of shells. Some cichlids--most African species, for example, prefer harder water, so this will be beneficial. Softwater species, like most South American species, won't appreciate the shift, but may be okay with it, depending on how big a change you see.

Of course, cleaning the shells in hotwater will be your best bet. Then, I'd put them in a jar with the water you use in your tank. Measure parameters, wait a week, measure parameters again. If you cover the jar to avoid evaporation, you'll be able to see how big a difference the shells will make in your water.
 
boil them before putting them in your tank. this will ensure that they are REALLY clean. just cover them with water in a large pot and bring to a boil. let them boil for about 5 minutes, then let them slowly cool, rinse them off in tap water, and then do the jar thing that oriongirl said.
 
RockabillyChick said:
boil them before putting them in your tank. this will ensure that they are REALLY clean. just cover them with water in a large pot and bring to a boil. let them boil for about 5 minutes, then let them slowly cool, rinse them off in tap water, and then do the jar thing that oriongirl said.
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And what does the jar thing do? Am I testing the water, if so, what am I testing the water for after a week?
 
putting the shells in a jar filled with tank water allows you to see what kind of effects the shells might have on your water chemistry without harming your fish. you can test pH, alkalinity, and other things to make sure the shells wont screw with your water too much.
 
what about corral as well? Also, do I take water out from my tank and put it in a jar with the shells, and see what happens?
 
You still didn't say which cichlids you have? If they are African, OK if they are South American, NO you can't use the shells. Also be careful if the shells have sharp edges. Cichlids love to rub against things and will get bad cuts if there are sharp edges.
P.S. I just read your 'Poll' post and you state they are SA Cichlids. Positively no shells with these guys. It will make the water too hard.
 
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Z Man said:
You still didn't say which cichlids you have? If they are African, OK if they are South American, NO you can't use the shells. Also be careful if the shells have sharp edges. Cichlids love to rub against things and will get bad cuts if there are sharp edges.
P.S. I just read your 'Poll' post and you state they are SA Cichlids. Positively no shells with these guys. It will make the water too hard.
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what will make the water to hard? I have boiled these 4 times, washed with a copper scrubber, boiled again, rinsed well. They have no jaggies on them, but what about them will make the water hard?
 
Infiniplex Syst said:
what will make the water to hard? I have boiled these 4 times, washed with a copper scrubber, boiled again, rinsed well. They have no jaggies on them, but what about them will make the water hard?
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It's what the shells are made out of that changes the water chemistry, not what's on them. Doesn't matter what you do to them, they will remain the same.

Curious, you started a poll, too. It sounds like you really just want people to tell you to put the shells in. Why is that?

Roan
 
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