Shells as a decoration?

[sunset]

I was in my bedroom today when I noticed the nice big shells that my dad's friend brought back when he went diving. I am just wondering, if i ever do end up getting a fish are they safe to put in the tank? They look similar to this:
http://www.bily.com/pnwsc/web-conten...t%20Shells.jpg

[BettaxFishxCrazy]

It looks like there are sharp and pointy edges. I would run pantyhose on it and if it rips it, than it'll rip your fish's fins.

[dramaqueen]

I think shells can do wierd things to your water quality.

[Jayy]

Ya a while back I had shells in my fish and all my fish died

[dr2b]

Originally Posted by dramaqueen

I think shells can do wierd things to your water quality.

I thought I heard that too.

[sunset]

Oh, okay. It was just a thought.

[AlexXx]

also some curious fish can get stuck in them!

[Mecal]

Couldn't you soak the shells first - much like we do with rocks, wood, and other things?

but aside from that, yes, that shell looks like it might rip a bettas fins if they get too close.

[lilyrazen]

The shells in my tank made the water cloudy and shot the PH thru the roof! I'm never doing that again!

[bettababe321]

I think it may be because shells are made from calcium? Maybe that's why it messes up water quality. Idk just a thought.