Oyster shell as coral rack

[Slarti]

So a while ago I picked up some oyster shells and on the weekend decided to convert two into coral racks...so to speak. Made a hole in the middle and just put the plug through the hole. In hindsight I was wondering if there is any issue, short or long term in putting the shells in the tank. Picture was taken with the lights down a little but hopefully you can still see...

Note I just put them back on the proper rack for the time being as they had a H2O2 dip earlier in the week and I thought I will give them a little more time before moving them. On a side note, the H2O2 dip worked a charm and within an hour both were opened again with no side effects noted.

 

[mort]

I've used oyster shells for years and never had a problem at all. As long as you are confident the water where they grew is good (and they probably wouldn't grow in polluted areas anyway) you will be fine. They can become crumbly after a few years though.

 

[hotashes]

Can I jump in and ask if scallop shells are alright in out tanks?

Ash.

 

[mort]

Any shell should be fine as long as you are confident that it comes from a clean non polluted environment.

 

[AlexStinson]

I have used mussel shells and oyster shells for frags for over a decade... I think they make great natural looking bases.

 

[hotashes]

I have used mussel shells and oyster shells for frags for over a decade... I think they make great natural looking bases.

Yes as a newb I think I would have seen these ideas a lot more. Maybe there is some reason lots don't!

 

[AlexStinson]

Yes as a newb I think I would have seen these ideas a lot more. Maybe there is some reason lots don't!

Well, for encrusting corals I've never found a better way to propagate them than a mussel shell. I usually freeze the shells, be they oyster or mussel and add them 1 at a time to the display first so the fish and inverts can pick it clean of anything left. Obviously you would only use raw shells, anything cooked could have a variety of contaminants, which is one reason you probably don't see it much. And oyster shells are essentially live rock, and of course... oysters themselves are reef safe so...

 

[hotashes]

Well, for encrusting corals I've never found a better way to propagate them than a mussel shell. I usually freeze the shells, be they oyster or mussel and add them 1 at a time to the display first so the fish and inverts can pick it clean of anything left. Obviously you would only use raw shells, anything cooked could have a variety of contaminants, which is one reason you probably don't see it much. And oyster shells are essentially live rock, and of course... oysters themselves are reef safe so...

Thanks for the info, these are the ones I've got....

Look ok?

 

[AlexStinson]

If they were sold to be ornamental, those scallop shells may be covered in some sort of lacquer or cleaning agent or who knows what. I would be cautious

 

[Slarti]

Appreciate the feedback everyone. One of the reasons I tried it is that you can buy an artificial base at the LFS but first they not natural and second they ask an arm and a leg for a single plug...so I thought this is cheap i.e. costs me nothing but a leisurely stroll on the beach and they give a very natural look.

I was thinking of stacking them in some arrangement for future use but if they go brittle after a while that is not going to work.