Will adding seashells to a marine tank increase the ph?

Question

I have a new 29-gallon tank that I'm beginning to cycle. I bought 2 small blue legged hermits yesterday and I need to add several (8-10) larger shells for them to move into. I've read, though, that adding even 1 shell can mess up your ph? Is this true? If yes, how should I add them - one at a time and see what happens with the PH? The substrate is live aragonite, which already has a lot of shells in it, but too small for the hermits.

Answer 1

adding shells only messes up freshwater pH.. in saltwater you NEED a high pH.. the aragonite sand you already have is going to be a bigger influence of pH than a few small shells

Answer 2

They will not effect the PH since you are using aragonite, this will have the most effect on the PH which is what you want it to do, you want the ph between 8.2-8.4  Add as many shells as you feel you need to, it won't hurt anything. (how many do you think are in the ocean?)  ;D