Shells

[Jekerry]

Over the years i've collected some shells. Some I picked up on the beach and some I bought for decorations at my wedding. Are any of these safe to add to a tank as decorations? Do they need to be boiled?

I only have sand and rock in my tank so far. Hoping maybe to add some crabs or shrimp next week.

 

[thegrun]

If they have been sitting for several months it is highly unlikely they would host anything harmful, but boiling them would be good insurance

 

[Sk8r]

Alas, they'll gradually dissolve and first get algaed a bit. The ocean breaks down old shell and coral and reuses it, or new corals do. If you keep your calcium level at 420 this is going to keep your shells ok: if below it, neither your living snails nor your old shells will be happy. If you have a collection you value, best keep it on the shelf, but if just beachcombing fun, they're fine to use after cleaning.

 

[kenneth wolfe]

Best to store in freezer , set in sun for 6 weeks , bleach them , then boil them, after that let dry for another six months...I put local herit crabs directly into sump ,I use them to crop my fuge, they stole the shells in the first place..lol..tank not so ckean you can't be fun w it...

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[mefisto]

Alas, they'll gradually dissolve and first get algaed a bit. The ocean breaks down old shell and coral and reuses it, or new corals do. If you keep your calcium level at 420 this is going to keep your shells ok: if below it, neither your living snails nor your old shells will be happy....

Hello Sk8r, that is some interesting input. Do you happen to have some more information or data on this?