1st POST - Questions about seashells

[Infiniplex Syst]

well, can I not get some sort of coating I can dip them in to keep the calcium from getting out?

 

[Ghost_knife]

I had shells and my fish swam inside one and almost killed itself inside it, I had to gently break the shell from around it but it was too late, the damage was done and I lost one of my favorite blue Gourami...I Wouldnt put multi chamber shells Ie conch shells or the like, in there

 

[OrionGirl]

No, any coating that will prevent the shell from leaching and altering the water chemistry will likely change the color, or will be reactive and itself leach something undesirable into your tank.

 

[Roan Art]

I'm a little confused. From what I've read people have advised you to:

1. not put the shells in
2. test the shells first
3. put the shells in

There's a very simple and smart way to decide this. Test the shells. If you test the shells then you will have your answer to #1 and #2. Why even rely on what people tell you if you can test it and find the RIGHT answer for your particular tank?

But, hey, what you decide to do is up to you. Your tank, your shells, your fish.

Roan