Deer Antlers in Tank???

[Burbotman]

I am contemplating using a couple of shed deer antlers for decoration in my 180.
Has anyone put antlers in their tanks?
Thoughts on water chemistry??

I have a few really nice sheds and it will give the tank a different look.

Thanks

 

[Oddball]

Do a search on antlers since this has come up before. The short answer:

Cured antlers, with no velvet coating, are fine in an aquarium. The calcium in the antlers will affect pH towards the alkaline side. So, not a good choice for discus tanks. But, great for african cichlid tanks.

 

[rottbo]

damm oddball you know the craziest things

 

[Fish_are_fishfood]

Do a search on antlers since this has come up before. The short answer:

Cured antlers, with no velvet coating, are fine in an aquarium. The calcium in the antlers will affect pH towards the alkaline side. So, not a good choice for discus tanks. But, great for african cichlid tanks.

What about skulls and/or bones of regular animals?

 

[ewurm]

Bones also add calcium to water affecting pH and hardness, but probably OK for larger tanks which won't be affected at such a high rate.

 

[Burbotman]

Thanks for the responses. I will post pics when I am done my aquascaping

 

[ewurm]

Cool. I would like to see them.

 

[KillerKlover]

Yea thats gonna be a sweet tank when your finished.

 

[Oddball]

What about skulls and/or bones of regular animals?

Mammal bones need to be fully cured (no marrow remnants). Fish and reptile bones are OK since there's no bone marrow (self replicating (nucleated) blood cells). Some bones will require anchoring to keep them from floating until the bones saturate..

 

[jcashion]

Oddball, lemme borrow your brain for just 2 minutes. Please! My fish would love you for it!