Large fossilized Megalodon shark tooth - okay in my tank?

[MissingYuengling]

I have a a large fossilized megalodon shark tooth I was going to place in my 100g tank, but just curious if that is a bad idea for my water chemistry. On one hand, it sat in the ocean for millions of years. On the other, it might have absorbed chemicals I don’t want like heavy metals. Curious if anyone knows the science.

Thanks.

 

[Asagi]

Dude don’t ruin that fossil. It’ll get covered in coralline. Sell it to me!

 

[Rennurdoar]

I have a a large fossilized megalodon shark tooth I was going to place in my 100g tank, but just curious if that is a bad idea for my water chemistry. On one hand, it sat in the ocean for millions of years. On the other, it might have absorbed chemicals I don’t want like heavy metals. Curious if anyone knows the science.

Thanks.

You at least have to post pictures

 

[KrisReef]

Fossils "science" is applied chemistry, with perhaps a little geology mixed in? The cartilaginous fishes didn't have bones so to fossilize a tooth would require substitution of cartilage with minerals. I don't know why, but I suspect a fossilized tooth isn't going to dissolve very much in water, and I don't thing they would have much lead or copper or silver in their teeth because as far as we know there were no dentists to fill cavities for sharks that became fossils. There isn't likely loose metals to worry about unless it was mounted with a fitting for jewlery? We do need to see this to be sure.

In Summary, I think it will be fine, but like Dr @Asagi mentioned you will need to brush it too keep it from looking decayed.

 

[killer2001]

I don't know about you, but if I was a fish in a 100gal tank and I came across a giant shark tooth, I'd be stressed out its going to come out and eat me and any given moment!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I do not think it is likely the tooth will release chemicals that will be a problem for the reef aquarium.

 

[Tired]

It shouldn't dissolve, no. It's a rock with some mineral-infused enamel on it- enamel doesn't break down like the rest of the tooth. There is a chance it could have absorbed something that might leach out, though. Could always try leaving it in a cup of saltwater for awhile, then sending a sample of that water off to be tested.

 

[JTP424]

+1 do a test run.
Soak it in some RO to see if anything leaches. Then you can test against a TDS meter to start.
Then move to Saltwater and run the standard tests.

 

[Tired]

I thought about a RO water soak also, but I don't know if completely pure water would cause leaching of harmless minerals that wouldn't leach into saltwater. Though, no harm in finding out, I suppose. Just keep in mind that a reading on the TDS meter might be something dangerous, or might be something entirely harmless.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Nothing should leach. Shark teeth fall off in ocean and captivity frequently. . . would be comparable to sea shells.
Would love to see a pic (hint-hint)

 

[Tired]

Oh, yeah, a shark tooth wouldn't leach anything appreciable, but a fossil might. A fossil is, essentially, a mineral growth in the shape of whatever used to be there. It's a rock.

That reminds me, I have some fish bones I ought to pop in my tank.

 

[MoshJosh]

I doubt someone would do this, but depending on where you got it, it could possibly have a coating applied to it, either to enhance shine or to further preserve the specimen. Also are you sure it is an actual fossil and not a high end replica? Asking because I imagine there are come nice replica/display pieces out there.

 

[Briansreef]

I dive for these regularly and have a nice collection. I have also had them in my reef aquariums and there have been no negative results. It will get covered in coralline but a vinegar soak will clean it. That being said i’d never vinegar soak a high quality tooth but rather clean with a dremel tool. So I use nice teeth but ones chipped or otherwise not in perfect condition. I was actually just thinking of offering some for sale in the Market place here. Perhaps I will post some soon.