Beach Shells - Page 2

taiarain · 07-10-2006, 11:00 AM

I think pretty much everything has been covered, though I'd probably consider using hydrogen peroxide rather than bleach and doing a couple thorough rinses.

Taia

britnewt3 · 07-19-2006, 12:09 AM

I'm not sure what it is called but you can buy the stuff to pour on items and if it fizzes you shouldn't put it in your tank.

jasno999 · 07-27-2006, 08:59 AM

I have put saltwater shells in freshwater tanks before and what I notice is that after a year or so the shell tends to disintegrate. I think that the calcium in the shell sort of leaches out into the water which can be a very good thing depending on the type of tank you are using.

aar4545 · 08-11-2006, 09:53 PM

how so jasno

Jay · 08-12-2006, 06:51 AM

Here is a simple tech answer for you concerning Coral or Seashells in a FW Tank.

Yes they are OK for the tank

Yes they should be sterilized, Bleach, boiling etc. (common sense)

Shells are primarily Calcium and Carbonates. A freshwater aquarium tends to be slightly acid and will dissolve the shells over time. Water Hardness GH is a measure of the amount of Calcium and Magnesium in the water. Therefore adding shells will have an impact on your GH. It will increase it. KH is a measure of the carbonic content of water. Just like adding crushed coral in a little baggie to the filter will help raise GH and KH a bit.

Because I am a serious planted tank nut, I pay close attention to Calcium and Magnesium Levels and dose Calcium to a level that works for my plants.

The beginner really does not have to worry much about it much so long as there is some GH (8 is ok) and some KH (4-5 is ok.

Regards,
Jay

ahill3780 · 08-18-2006, 06:40 PM

Just FYI, water that is acidic is sometimes termed to be alkaline. Kinda makes sense since Alkalinity is the measurement of acidity huh?

(wheres the emoticon with the big buck-teeth and glasses when you need it??)

Jay · 08-18-2006, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Just FYI, water that is acidic is sometimes termed to be alkaline. Kinda makes sense since Alkalinity is the measurement of acidity huh?

Quote:

(wheres the emoticon with the big buck-teeth and glasses when you need it??)

OK Arron!!!

Lol, yes we need a sticky on GH KH, important stuff as we advance in the hobby!

Basic, only marginally technical, and not one mention of ions, salts, or redox.

Jay

ahill3780 · 08-19-2006, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Basic, only marginally technical, and not one mention of ions, salts, or redox.

Sure, take all the fun out of learning.