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I am considering putting some sea shells in my fish tanks. We have one tank with guppies, one with goldfish and one with a crab in it. I know that shells raise the ph in the water. I also know that goldfish are hearty creatures but I would like to know if the shells might make the ph too high for the crab, guppies and goldfish?
Thanks
ravenluna

Hi,
IMO, the chances of the shells substantially raising the
pH and hardness of the water is not very strong. While
they may affect the water, regular water changes should
keep any effects to a minimum. Another consideration is
the possibility that the shells will contain portions of
the prior inhabitant that would decay and ruin the tank.
Half shells, are one thing and easy to clean, but a
shell, such as a conch shell could contain problems.
While they look great in a tank, they can cause problems
and might be better on a shelf than in a tank.
Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Welcome to the site raven

Franks right, with frequent water changes there should be no problems with the guppies, and just a few small shells in the large, okay massive, sized tanks that goldfish require (combined with the frequent water changes there as well) you should be alright.

In connection to what has already been said about cleaning the shells, I wouldn't suggest putting your favorite shells in the tank if they havent been treated in some way. Because they will leech calcium into the water they will over time degrade and simply fall apart. I can't say how long it will take for your shells, but I do know it happens. About a year after I put some jingle shells (small thin shell that's common on the beaches in the mid atlantic region) in my tank they were very fragile and almost fell apart in my hands. I of course took them out at that point.

You can try painting the shell with a thin layer of aquarium grade silicone, cover all the surfaces and you should be okay.

^_^