Question: Conch shells for axie tank?

[christen525]

I was thinking about decorations for my axolotl tank today and my husband reminded me that we have conch shells from our last vacation. We sanitized them once we got home (soaked in bleach and water for 24 hrs.) and the ones we haven't used in our house are just sitting in our closet. I searched caudata culture but couldn't come up with anything.

Does anyone have any idea if they are safe or not? Do you think they will leech Calcium or other elements into the water?

If anything I won't add them but I think it would look great. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[dragonlady]

I don't know for sure about the shell leaking something back into the tank, but being semi-porous that could be a concern.

My other concern would be that it would be way too tempting for an axie to find his way up inside and get stuck.

 

[christen525]

I didn't even think about them getting stuck! If the shell turns out to be safe I can stick something in it to keep them from going up there. Thanks!

 

[dragonlady]

I did a search because I know that using shells in a tropical fish setup was always frowned on, couldn't remember why. What I found is that the freshwater does cause the shell to break down and cause havoc with your hardness level thereby raising your pH - what you were already suspecting in your original post. While axies don't mind a higher pH, it will continue to rise as long as the shell is in the tank as the shell will be "dissolving". It would look cool but don't think I'd risk it - maybe find a fake one and "axie-proof" it?

 

[christen525]

Thanks Shannon I am definitley NOT putting them in my tank. I think I will find fake ones, turn them upside down, fill with my substrate (caribsea super naturals) and put some plants in them. Thanks again!

 

[SludgeMunkey]

NO!

They are pure calcium carbonate. Not to mention the high amounts of salts and vast surface areas to trap decaying matter.

That translates to they will completely mess up your water chemistry. Do not put them in your freshwater tanks, or your salt water tanks for that matter.