Real shells in the tank.

[AChambers5]

Hey i know the oceans are polluted and it isnt recommended to use shells found in the wild in your tank, but could you? I guess i am wondering is there any level of boiling and cleaning i could do to achieve a sterile level and make it alright to use?
thanks,
Andrew

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[jimsflies]

Try not to collect the shells on a beach covered in tar balls. :) Then a soak in bleach water, a little boil, and rinse. I think the risk would be minimal at that point. I think that would be fine.

[thefishgirl]

I occasionally use shells I've found washing up on the beach. As jimsflies mentioned, I do avoid the ones covered in tar balls. LOL (I've never actually witnessed tar balls, except on TV thankfully.) I've never had issues, but then I also don't cover the tank in them either. I use a couple of handfuls scattered about my tank floor.

My method:
Generally, what I've done is bring them home and wash them with very hot / boiling water. Then I lay them outside on my bistro table for like a year or more in the sun. This method ensures that they are always in the way and that I don't eat outside. Instead I lay on the couch with a plate in my lap avoiding mosquitoes and other pesky critters. This also makes the probability high that I will have sea shells scattered in the backyard to remind me of my awesome trips to the seas. The best reminder so far was when I shot a little conch shell through the window of my garage with the lawnmower. That was awesome! :)

Enjoy your seashells!!
:hyper:

[AChambers5]

Thanks for all the advice, yea i was just planning on using a small handful. I dont know if i have the patience to let them sit for a year but ill be sure to clean them good. I would have love to see your shooting shells fish girl, sorry i missed that!
Andrew