:help: Can any-one tell me if it is safe to put stones, shells etc. from the beach into my freshwater tank and if so do I have to sterelize them in some way?
Ornaments from the beach
- Thread starter Seasand
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there are tests you can use for the stones..weak acids to see if the stone bubbles..full strength vinegar is one you can try.
as far as shells..be cautious as they will release calcuim carbonates into the tank and will usually cause the pH to climb.
it is fine for some fish
as far as shells..be cautious as they will release calcuim carbonates into the tank and will usually cause the pH to climb.
it is fine for some fish
I've used rocks and shells from the beach - I just put them in a big pot of water and boiled them for a half hour or so to kill anything off and try to get any residual salt off as well.
Lupin
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- Sep 21, 2006
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- Paul
You can get freshwater snail and bivalve shells along the shores of many streams and lakes. Just be aware of the laws; in some places it is illegal to collect freshwater mussel shells. But if you live most anywhere in North America you should be able to find plenty of Asiatic clam and pleurocerid snail shells. They look more natural in freshwater and seem to be a little more proteinaceous than many seashells; there's still calcium carbonate in them, just not quite as much.
Fossil shells are another option; I have a bunch of local fossilized rugose corals in my biggest freshwater tank. You still have to give 'em the acid test if you want to maintain a low pH.
Fossil shells are another option; I have a bunch of local fossilized rugose corals in my biggest freshwater tank. You still have to give 'em the acid test if you want to maintain a low pH.