Using shells in an aquarium

A unique way to improve the appearance of your aquarium and bring a bit of the lakeshore or ocean into your house is to add shells. Shells can add a sense of vibrancy and individuality to your aquarium with their varied shapes and natural textures. But, shells are more than just ornaments; depending on the kind of aquarium and its occupants, they can have a positive or negative effect on the water chemistry.

It is crucial to comprehend how shells interact with the ecosystem in your tank before adding any. The main component of shells is calcium carbonate, which has the ability to raise the pH and hardness of water. For fish and plants that do well in hard water, this is great; for those that prefer softer, more acidic conditions, not so much.

It’s crucial to take into account the kind and provenance of the shells you use. Certain shells may have been treated with chemicals or collected from polluted areas, so not all of them are safe. You can reduce these risks and maintain the safety and health of your fish and plants in your aquarium by selecting the right shells and caring for them correctly.

Pros of Using Shells Cons of Using Shells
Adds natural decoration to the aquarium Can raise pH levels and harden water
Provides hiding spots for small fish and invertebrates May contain harmful chemicals or parasites
Enhances the overall aesthetic appeal Can break down over time and cause water quality issues
Can serve as a surface for beneficial bacteria growth Not suitable for all types of fish, especially those preferring soft water

Pros and cons

Because sea shells come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, you can combine them to make stylish arrangements that enhance the aquarium’s interior. This works particularly well in reservoirs built on the "pseudo-sea" principle when combined with other decorations and soil. Shells are only ever inappropriate in grassy areas.

Advantages of adding shells to an aquarium

  1. Due to the presence of calcium in the composition, they increase the hardness of the water. Over time, the shells become thinner, gradually deteriorate and even dissolve. However, a small number of shells and shells has almost no effect on the parameters of the water.
  2. Large shells serve as shelter for fish. Ancistrus catfish and other waterfowl love to hide in the internal cavities. Schooling fish chase each other and easily go around small obstacles at speed.
  3. Used as decorative elements. This is rather necessary for the aquarists themselves than their pets. A beautifully decorated vessel attracts a look, gives aesthetic pleasure.

Still, in spite of their apparent benefits, the shells are harmful to fish and plants in real ways.

  1. Excessive water hardness does not affect the condition of all living inhabitants and the appearance of the aquarium. Some fish cease to spawn, plants die, and a lime plaque appears on the walls of the vessel.
  2. On the sharp edges of the fish are injured: there are cuts of the lips, the scales flies up, fins and tails are decaying.
  3. Fish can get stuck in a small hole of the sink, as well as inside the winding moves. The fish can easily swim deep into it, but she will not be able to turn around and get out. There she will die.
  4. Brightly painted, varnished shells cannot be laid in a pond even after cleaning. Toxic substances will still be released into the water, which will lead to mass illness and death of fish. Let the souvenirs remain on the shelf, and among the floating creatures you can put shells from a pet store that have not been painted.

It is possible to use shells in aquariums, but only in small amounts and with the necessary planning.

Processing

Just giving the shell a quick wash with water before putting it in the aquarium is insufficient. It might contain harmful microorganisms that need to be boiled in order to be removed. Additionally, there’s a chance that the interior surface has mollusk remnants that will decay inside the aquarium and contaminate the water.

The following is how aquarium shells are processed:

  • First, they are thoroughly washed with warm water with the addition of potassium permanganate and the insides are cleaned out using a brush and a soda solution;
  • then they are kept in boiling water for 20-30 minutes;
  • cooled, without resorting to a sharp change in temperature, and placed in the aquarium;
  • once every 2-3 months, all decorative items are taken out of the water and washed from plaque.

Aquarists advise using chlorine bleach to clean shells, but this approach is debatable because it removes the shell’s lovely pattern and necessitates keeping the décor submerged in water for a considerable amount of time after application. Boiling eliminates organic residues and is a good disinfectant. It is true that deposits of limescale may form, but they can be mechanically removed with ease.

It’s crucial to pick your shells carefully because they can add natural beauty and create a special atmosphere in an aquarium. Although shells can aid in adjusting the pH of water, they can also release minerals that may not be suitable for all fish or plants. Aquarium enthusiasts can effectively use shells to improve the appearance and water quality of their tanks by being aware of the benefits and potential risks.

Application

After carefully inspecting and prepping the seashells, you can place them in the aquarium. There are a variety of design options available, such as emphasizing a large shell or using a medium-sized shell with a scattering of smaller ones. If you decide to decorate a fairly large shell, you should make a side hole for the fish to escape through in case of an "emergency."

In a freshwater aquarium, it’s important to follow the overall color scheme and design concept when adding seashells. It is ideal to use light decorations in aquarium design because they reflect sunlight and give the impression of shining water. Nevertheless, they soon develop a greenish coating when exposed to light.

Seashell and coral imitations made of synthetic materials are available for purchase. They don’t really help much, but if they’re made of good polymers, they also don’t hurt anyone.

Although they can give your aquarium a distinctive and organic appearance, shells should only be used sparingly. They may alter the pH and hardness of the water, but they can also give fish hiding places and aesthetic appeal. Make sure the shells you select fit the particular requirements of your tank and that you routinely check the water’s parameters.

If you do decide to put shells in your aquarium, be sure to thoroughly clean them and stay away from any that have sharp edges or are coated in chemicals. When selecting decorations, take into account the requirements of your plants and fish to ensure a safe and healthy atmosphere for all occupants.

The use of shells in your aquarium ultimately depends on your personal taste and the kind of aquatic life you maintain. You can make an informed choice that improves the aesthetics of your underwater environment without endangering the health of your fish and plants by being aware of the possible advantages and hazards.

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Elena Grishina

Ecologist and aquarist with a special interest in creating balanced ecosystems in aquariums. Main focus — ecosystems that require minimal human intervention. I support a natural approach to aquarium care, where each element plays its role, helping to maintain harmony in a closed ecosystem. I promote sustainable aquarium keeping and respect for nature.

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