Putting ocean shells in tank

[OlPainless]

I am new to this and haven't seen a thread on it yet, is it ok to put shells collected from the ocean into your tank? I haven't set my tank up yet but I thought it would look good to put some of the nicer shells that we have found over the years into the tank. I also have a few small conch shells just to add to the natural look. Would this be a mistake even though the shells have been washed and have been dry for years?

 

[Jon Fishman]

Some people have bad luck putting anything from the ocean in their tank........... You should be ok though with the shells.

 

[vonjankmon]

If they have been dry for a few years there shouldn't be any problems. If you are super paranoid you could boil them in water for a bit to make sure anything lingering is dead.

 

[ddelmonaco]

Thorough washing is key, if you are doing fish only should be fine. If you plan on keeping a reef and high end coral or sps I would reconsider

 

[flsalty]

Thorough washing is key, if you are doing fish only should be fine. If you plan on keeping a reef and high end coral or sps I would reconsider

Why would you reconsider? I've used shells in my tanks for decades with no ill effect.