Shells in tank

[ncjharris]

a quick one.

I know shells affect (or should that be effect) the pH of a tank, but does this apply too all shells - in other words is there anything out there, commonly refered to as a shell that doesn't have calcium carbonate (assuming thats what it is) that will change the pH.

And also, which way will the pH go?

 

[Torrean]

good question. I believe shells will raise the ph. I have a very low PH -6 and I eed to raise it. I have asked on here once or twice but can't get any specific answers other than. Yeah shells will raise PH. Well that leaves me with a few questions. What about snail shells? People have a bunch of snail shells in there tanks so I asume they don't affect it or affect it to a lesser extent.
And How many shells should I add to how much water to raise ph how far?
Also will al shells work or just like oyster shells?

 

[freddyk]

Shells technically raise the ph as they slowly dissolve into the water, but the affect is not very strong - a few shells will make no noticable difference to the water.

 

[steelhealr]

Agree with most of the above. Animals pull calcium out of the water and secrete it as calcium carbonate. Almost all shells are made of it. The carbonate portion is a 'hydrogen ion acceptor' and therefore acts as a base, so, pH will go up. So...adding crushed coral shell to one's tank will raise the pH and also acts as a buffer. Of note..it will also raise your 'dkH' and also raise your 'gH' or general hardness (the amount of dissolved minerals). If you need to raise your pH or really, your alkalinity, addin sodium bicarbonate is the best way to go. SH

 

[GSD]

a wouldnt try it with any shell just in case...its took me MONTHS to get mny watert spot on i wouldnt riskall that bother for a shell

 

[Torrean]

I don't really want the shells for decoration, I want to use them raise my ph a bit. It's really low and i have tons of shells. I used the perfect PH stuff for a while but it only works for a week and your tank becomes dependent on it so I thought a shell or two might be a more permanent solution.

 

[Nik_boyd]

I don't know is this is a viable solution fo you, but have you looked into using reverse osmosis?