Hermit Crab Shells

[ScottyD36]

My daughter went to the beach this past weekend and came back with a bunch of shells that can be used for hermit crabs. I wanted to know what is the best way to clean the shells. Obviously they currently smell like death. Just wanted to see ways people used to clean empty shells out so they are safe for tank or do you guys just throw them right into tank. Thanks for any help.

 

[andrewey]

I personally wouldn't add directly to a tank. I'd first confirm they are truely empty and the crab/snails aren't still alive and hiding. After confirming this, I would soak in a bleach solution for a few days/week, then rinse thoroughly (adding a dechlorination to your rinse solution). Depending on the number of shells and the size of the tank, you may have to add them in batches, as even after the bleach, you will have leftover nitrate/phosphate as byproducts from the reaction of bleach + organic materials.

 

[ScottyD36]

Thank you. They are all completely empty they washed up on the sand. Its about 10 of them. Ill do the bleach soak. Thank you for your input and help.

 

[andrewey]

If it's just 10, you can likely get away with dumping all at once after the soak/rinse. Enjoy your new shells :)