question regarding Shells

[flored]

Someone i know gave me a big bag of sea shells all ocean shells , i have boiled them in batches and washed them several times , boiled in SW and rinsed again . Question

1.is i am wondering if maybe i can crush them up and add to the substrate of mt reef tank to build it up a bit .

2. Secondly if anyones has done this before whats the best way to do it other than smashing with a hammer.

 

[Max]

I wouldn't a lot of time shells have phosphate inclusions that might triger algae blooms etc. Also it will trap material and could cause a nitrite problem in your tank. A lot of the infauna that work in your sand bed will have a hard time making it through the shells. I'd just go to home depot and get some white arogonite sand and add it to your sand bed. I just err on the side of caution especially with a reef.
hope this helps
chris

 

[flored]

Thanks for the info Max . Much help!! going to call home depot tomorrow to see if they carry it here