In this post, we will answer the question “Do betta fish like seashells in the tank?”. We will also talk about how to prepare the seashells and how to carefully install them in the betta fish aquarium.
Do betta fish like seashells in the tank?
Yes, you may put shells in your aquarium, but only after a thorough sanitizing and cleaning procedure has been carried out on the tank. Particularly if you have a freshwater fish tank, it is strongly advised that you avoid them or clean them thoroughly and thoroughly.
What is the safety of putting seashells in a fish tank?
Although having a tank covered with seashells sounds like a delightful concept, the reality is a little more complicated than that. It is possible that seashells can be damaging to your tank’s environment and its occupants if you are not careful with them.
Changes in the pH of the water
If you want to raise the pH levels of the water in your tank, seashells are an excellent choice. You will, however, need to commit to keeping a constant eye on the pH levels in your aquarium.
Because seashells contain calcium, they generate a chemical imbalance in the water, which is harmful to aquatic life. Anything that has the potential to cause a chemical disequilibrium in the tank water should, in my opinion, be avoided.
If you are unable to keep the pH levels under control, the consequences for your fish might be quite detrimental to their health. For greater clarity, high pH levels injure the fish by causing the membranes of their cells to become denaturised.
Bacterial Proliferation increase
The presence of debris and fish waste in the tank water is one of the primary reasons for bacterial growth in the water. A large number of these bio-loads become trapped within the shells. This results in the filtering system being unable to control them appropriately.
So the fish excrement and other detritus that get trapped inside the shells serve as an ideal breeding ground for bacteria to thrive. Furthermore, fish are particularly susceptible to some forms of bacteria, which can be lethal in some cases.
Pests and other organisms can be present
It is important to remember that seashells were once the home of a creature. As a result, even after its demise, fragments of it may still be found within the shells. Apart from that, many types of harmful microorganisms such as parasites and pests can be found dwelling in the shells that can be found easily on the beach and should be avoided.
If you place the shells into the tank without first disinfecting them, these critters may be able to move into the tank and could become harmful to your fish if they are not properly disinfected. Because there is no salt in the water in freshwater tanks, pests and germs can thrive and grow without fear of being killed.
How should seashells be properly placed in a fish tank?
So, recently in the upper segments, we discussed the potentially detrimental and dangerous consequences that might occur when you place seashells in your aquarium. Because they may be kept in aquariums, the best part is that you should monitor the pH levels of your fish tanks on a regular basis.
• Bring a pan of water to a boil; submerge the shells in the water for 8 to 10 minutes; remove the shells and discard the debris; repeat the process until the shells are cold.
• Scrub the shells well until you are pleased with the results, then rinse them completely.
• Just to be on the extra cautious, repeat this process a second time.
Decoration for a tank
Let’s face it, seashells provide a lot of visual appeal to the fish tank. Even those who are unfamiliar with the subject of fish or fish keeping take a second look at a tank containing shells.
Combine the shells with some aquatic plants, and you have got yourself a beautiful aquarium for your fish to enjoy.
Keeping Calcium Requirements
Calcium is almost always involved with the development of bones in general. A balanced calcium level is also required by fish for the proper development of their bony structures. Particularly in saltwater aquariums, there are many different types of minerals present, but the concentrations of calcium are very low. As a result, fish keepers must monitor and maintain a healthy calcium balance in their tanks.
Freshwater aquariums do not require the addition of calcium because it might be detrimental rather than useful to the fish. As previously stated in the preceding sections, calcium will cause pH levels in the tank water to fluctuate.
Hiding spots for smaller fish
Fish keepers enjoy experimenting with different species of fish in their tanks. Fish of varying natures, shapes, and sizes are housed together in the same tank. Some huge fish have a tendency to damage or intimidate the little ones, and even the newcomers to the fray run a significant chance of being eaten by their parents or by other fish in the area.
Is it possible to keep seashells in a betta fish tank?
That adding seashells to your aquarium would boost its overall appearance and attractiveness. As a result, many individuals preserve seashells in their aquariums for the same reason described above. Seashells, on the other hand, can be harmful to both the tank environment and the fish if the fish keeper is not careful in how he or she handles the problem.
The shells may be home to a variety of bacteria and microorganisms of varying types and sizes. Keepers of freshwater aquariums must exercise special caution because the presence of seashells can quickly alter the pH levels and water chemistry of the aquarium’s water tank.
To put seashells in your aquarium, you must be committed to completing the cleaning method indicated above and accurately monitoring the water chemistry of your aquarium. For those who are not ready to commit, I advise against putting the seashells in your tank until you are.
Conclusion
In this post, we answered the question “Do betta fish like seashells in the tank?”. We also talked about how to prepare the seashells and how to carefully install them in the betta fish aquarium.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Do betta fish like seashells in the tank?
Do seashells dissolve in water?
It is possible for seashells to dissolve in the tank water itself because of the high acidity of the tank water itself. When it comes to most scenarios, it will often take a long time for the shells to disintegrate. As a consequence, you won’t have to be afraid about the shells vanishing overnight as they would otherwise.
What should I avoid putting in a betta fish aquarium?
Put nothing in your aquarium that contains metal or is made of metal in the first place. Avoid using sharp decorations or ornaments on your Christmas tree. You should avoid arranging your decorations in such a way that your betta could become trapped, wedged, or entangled within them.
How do I entertain my betta fish?
You can teach it to include things such as following your finger, eating from your hand, swimming through hoops, playing soccer and even jumping out of the water or coming up to you to be patted if you have patience and perseverance. The most effective reinforcement for desired behaviour is fish food.
What makes betta fish happy?
You may make your betta happy by including aquatic plants and fish tank decorations that will provide it with a variety of hiding spots; games, such as floating mirrors; and other small items. as well as betta hammocks.
Will seashells raise pH?
When seashells are submerged in water, the carbonates in the shells gently raise the pH of the water. This is a natural phenomenon. Purchase seashells from a craft store or pet supply store and rinse them thoroughly with warm water before using them. For every gallon of water in your tank, add two clean seashells to the tank to make it look more natural.
Is it possible for fish to become bored in tanks?
Fish, like any other pet, may grow bored in the same manner that any other animal might. The key is to take advantage of the inherent behaviors that fish have in their native surroundings. Including items in their tanks that will keep them occupied and help them to develop their natural instincts is a sure-fire method to produce healthier, happier fish that are more entertaining to see.
What is the source of the bubbles in my betta fish tank?
A common sighting in the water of male betta fish (also known as Japanese or Siamese fighting fish) is clusters of bubbles floating at the top of their fishbowl.If you have a male betta fish in your aquarium, you may be familiar with this type of occurrence.
References
Shakya, S. 2021. Can You Put Seashells In A Fish Tank? Any Adverse Effects. https://fishkeepingguide.net/can-you-put-seashells-in-a-fish-tank/
Sea Shells In A Freshwater Tank? https://www.myaquariumclub.com/sea-shells-in-a-freshwater-tank-1033617.html
