sea shells

[nynikki]

Can anyone think of a good reason not to stick sea shells in the tank as decoration? I have a few that I have picked up from beaches over the years that have been sitting on a book shelf. I know one that was given to me as a gift is probably not a good idea because I think it's been polished, but what about the others? Also, I have two sand dollars, one I know came straight from the ocean, but the other is much nicer looking, would it be bad to put those in the tank?

 

[cam191919]

as long as you know for a fact they came from the ocean than it would be fine, thats where (almost) everything comes from in your tank. but if they were on a shelf i would be worried about and chemicals you may have used having gotten into the air and settled on them, like febreeze or carpet cleaner

 

[Lexi_D]

Another issue is that it will probably raise your pH... but if you monitor it it should be ok depending on the fish you have.

EDIT: Oops, not so sure about that in SW, didn't see the forum and went from new posts. sorry if i'm wrong, lol.:hitting:

 

[nynikki]

i would be worried about and chemicals you may have used having gotten into the air and settled on them, like febreeze or carpet cleaner

Yeah I was wondering about this part... I've had these things for 17 years or more. Really who knows what they have come in contact with over that length of time. Maybe if I soaked them in water for a few weeks?

 

[ram303]

give em a good wash and then soak them in ro water for a couple of days, and they will be fine.