Can I put shells from the ocean in my tank?

[rubyfrogs]

This might be a dumb question lol, but my parents are in Florida and are bringing me back some shells and small pieces of dead coral that they found along the beach to add to my 12G nano. Will these mess with anything? Are there any special precautions I should take with them? Thanks guys, and you can laugh at me if you want lol. :smile:

 

[bjohanson1234]

The only problem is that they might be polluted since beaches tend to be high traffic areas.

 

[rubyfrogs]

ty bjo- so should I treat them with something before I put them in? If so any suggestions? Also idk if it matters or not but my parents are in Daytona Beach, didn't know if location made a difference or not.

 

[Smitty]

You could boil them in hot water for about half hour...that should clean it for you.

 

[rubyfrogs]

thanks smitty!

 

[dcantucson]

+1 Smitty
Boil them, but be prepared to smell a little stinky stuff possibly.

 

[Bifferwine]

Yep, boiling should take care of most crap that's on them.

 

[rubyfrogs]

Thanks everyone!

 

[sen5241b]

I put shells in my tank but I cure them just like I would live rock.

 

[sen5241b]

Also, shells will slowly dissolve.

 

[Navarchus]

Sens, I didn't know that the shells will disolve. Very cool. Do you know if this helps add Ca2+ to the tank?

 

[sen5241b]

Sens, I didn't know that the shells will disolve. Very cool. Do you know if this helps add Ca2+ to the tank?

Shells will dissolve -I've watched in happen. Aragonite sand will dissolve also. I can't believe the shells would any substantial cal.