InsaneTiger Posted November 6, 2008 Report Share Posted November 6, 2008 Hey everyone. I have kind of a silly question. Is there something I can do with seashells/sand dollars that I picked up off the beach(ocean) in order to make them safe to put in my freshwater tank? Iv tried looking it up online, but I must not be wording it correctly. Thanks ahead of time! =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qattarra Posted November 6, 2008 Report Share Posted November 6, 2008 I'd soak them first to see if they go stinky. If they do you'll need to boil and bleach them . If not stinky a good cleaning ought to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boom Posted November 6, 2008 Report Share Posted November 6, 2008 Boil them in salty water and let them dry (harden) thoroughly. Keep in mind that they will slowly dissolve and they will raise your Ph and hardness (they're just calcium). Great for african cichlid tanks, not so good for many other setups. I was just given a large conch shell and am still deciding wether I want to use it in my african tank or not. My onl;y fear is that a small fish will get in there and get stuck in the twisty inards and not get out. Other thoughts on using shells? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted November 6, 2008 Report Share Posted November 6, 2008 Use 'em all the time in Rift Lake set-ups Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boom Posted November 6, 2008 Report Share Posted November 6, 2008 And no fear of fish getting stuck?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jvision Posted November 6, 2008 Report Share Posted November 6, 2008 Not really. Fish often use them as spawning sites. I've found that if you try to force them out, is when the fish get stuck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boom Posted November 7, 2008 Report Share Posted November 7, 2008 Good to know. Thanks Jason. I may just use them in my Tang and Malawi tanks then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slough Shark Posted November 8, 2008 Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 If you want to be sure Ryan, you can always put some cement in the back to prevent any fish from venturing too far. I think they are good to use in brackish setups as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocker85675 Posted November 11, 2008 Report Share Posted November 11, 2008 I have kind of a silly question. the only silly question is a question not asked, or "what kind of fish should i put in my tank?" just boil them, they should be fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boom Posted November 19, 2008 Report Share Posted November 19, 2008 the only silly question is a question not asked, or "what kind of fish should i put in my tank?" just boil them, they should be fine Boil your fish??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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