Do you have to boil sea shells in order put into your fish tank?

No, you should not boil seashells before putting them into your fish tank. Here's why:

* Harmful chemicals: Boiling seashells can leach harmful chemicals into the water. These chemicals could be from the shell itself, or from pollutants that the shell has absorbed from the ocean.

* Stress on fish: The sudden change in water temperature from boiling can stress your fish.

* Unnecessary risk: You don't need to boil shells for them to be safe in your tank.

Here's what you should do instead:

1. Clean the shells thoroughly: Scrub them with a brush and soap, then rinse them well with clean water.

2. Soak them in a bucket of aquarium water: This will help to remove any remaining dirt or debris and allow the shells to adjust to the water parameters.

3. Monitor your tank carefully: After adding the shells, keep a close eye on your fish and water quality. If you notice any changes, remove the shells immediately.

A safer alternative:

Consider using aquarium-safe decorative rocks or pieces of driftwood instead of seashells. These are designed for use in tanks and are less likely to introduce harmful chemicals.