shells

[werner5]

hey guys this december i went on vacation in mossel bay and i picked up alot of broken shells on the beach i just want to know can i add it to my salt water tank as a substrate becuase i have a hole bag full of them

 

[Tobes]

I would not advise that because shells and big crushed coral can cause problems later on. Detritis (uneaten food and fish poo) gets trapped between the big particals and cause nitrate problems which in turn can be the cause of nuisance algae and cyano. Rather use fine substrate like aragonite or even better, use reggies play sand - very cheap, just wash it well until white before using it

 

[werner5]

o oky so i sould rather not add the shells i will try and get a fine substrate

 

[Tobes]

Just remember if you want to replace existing substrate that is settled in already I would advise you to replace say a quarter of it and wait 1-2 weeks inbetween replacements to give the bacteria and pod population a chance to catch up and seed the new substrate.

 

[werner5]

oky cool i will get some new substrate when my bank looks a bit beter because the tank and fish the hole kit cost me R6000.00

 

[Reef Maniac]

Agreed with the above, although adding a few shells for decoration would not be a problem.

Hennie

 

[Tobes]

Agreed with the above, although adding a few shells for decoration would not be a problem.

Hennie

Ja, or for hermits needing new homes later on

 

[werner5]

thanx for all the info