Sea Shells safe?

[gizzoat]

Hi everyone,
I just set up my new 10 gallon tank - the tank instructions said that I shouldn't add sea shells - is this true? i dont want to affect the pH or anything,
I don't have any plants just one female betta although I plan on getting a java fern


Another question: my beta doesn't seem to mind the current, she swims around all over and rides the current near the filter. Anywhere she goes she seems to need to swim a little bit to stay in place. I'm just wondering if she will tired herself out or if it will be hard for her to swim? The tank is still a little bare since I don't have all my decorations yet

Thanks in advance

[Oscar Betta]

well i dont know why you could not add them, but i would not if it says not to.

[wiccansinger]

I have added shells to previous tanks, however i had washed them thouroughly and made sure they no longer even smelt of the ocean (no salt on them at all). then i soaked them in boiling water, let it cool to room temp then place in more boiling water (to be on the safe side). Then i scrubed them with a new scrubber until i thought it was good enough. i dont like the idea of contaminating the fish tank with unknown diseases, parasites, polution, bacteria, fungus etc... hence the intensive cleaning ^.^

Also make sure there are no sharp edges on the shell, if there are they could harm your betta by tearing one of her fins. this can be easily fixed by using a bit of sandpaper on the rough edges of your shell. bettas finnage is very easily torn (males more than females though).

About the filter, if your fish is constantly fighting a current then it is probably too strong for them, i suggest turning the filter down or replacing with a smaller one (however keep your big one if you plan on upsizing the tank and have replaced it).
Good luck on your new betta ^.^

[gizzoat]

Ok, thanks!

[wiccansinger]

good luck, i also recomend putting it in some water on its own for a while with the meds for your bettas (for everything, if you have one that treats fungus and one that treats bacteria and one that treats parasites etc... treat for all... let it soak for a week or so, then rinse in boiling water until the water is clear
(I just really worry about infections and other things)