Safe Or No?

[Shelby]

Does anyone know if deer antlers would be safe in a freshwater aquarium?

 

[Katty]

I don't have a definite yes/no answer but they would be "safe" as far as not being poisonous to your fish as long as they are natural antlers, not treated with any resins or finishes, and have been washed well with water or maybe even boiled with saltwater if you want to be on the safe side, make sure no pesticides are on them.

Since they are bones, largely calcium and minerals, I think it's possible they could change the pH of your water. Or if your water is acidic, wear down the antlers as well. You could soak the antlers in a bucket of whatever water you use on your tank and monitor the pH of the water and the conditions of the bones for a week or two. If the pH changes or anything looks funny with the antlers or the water, I wouldn't use them.

Note: I'm not an expert on any of this, this is just my two cents. If you have any doubts though, don't do it! Better safe than sorry I think.

 

[Katch]

I'd agree with the above - they will raise your pH and hardness as they are made from bone (calcium based) as opposed to many horns that are made from hair (keratin).

 

[Malt_Vinegar]

I would seal them before using them, just to be sure!

 

[Timmy_Bee]

i like the idea. Much better than bog wood!

 

[Shelby]

I would seal them before using them, just to be sure!

What would you use to seal them with?

Looking for cool decorations for my 180g pihrana tank

And I don't want to use wood as it colors the water.

 

[Katty]

If you choose to seal them, DO NOT USE SILICONE. I can say from personal experience it is a huge mess and not worth trying it.

For sealing you can use polyurethane sealer (as in for wood floors), any brand but no additives. Its apparently the same stuff they use to seal aquarium ornaments. There are also are clear pond paints and various epoxies but those seem to run a bit expensive. 100% clear latex sprays should be fine. These are all the recommendations I got off of the forum after my silicone disaster...