Are antlers tank safe?

[sde]

Hi all,

I have access to a wealth of deer and elk antlers, and I am wondering if they are safe for aquatic or terrestrial setups? I have seen them used in terrestrial setups before, but am not sure if they are actually safe? They would be a great alternative to driftwood too.
Any thoughts?

 

[Bette]

I don't have the answer, but that idea sounds really interesting!

 

[Neotenic_Jaymes]

They're safe, I use them in terrestrial tanks. One setup for salamanders and the other for tree frogs. I've seen my salamanders climb on them. Though I've never considered antlers for aquatic use I don't think solid calcium would do anything to the water.

 

[sde]

Okay, thanks man.
You were actually the person I was referring to when I said I had seen them in terrestrial setups, so I was hoping you would reply.

 

[JM29]

Antlers may contain 0,6 % proteins.
I dont know how they do in an aquatic setup.

 

[Coastal Groovin]

Being made of bone they will slowly release calcium into the water. I don't know of any ill effects this could have but in a tank that receives regular water changes weekly I highly doubt any. Try it out on Axolotls and ribbed newts and see how it goes.
.

 

[elKendo97]

I have seen them be used in water tank and seems to work well with Spanish ribbed newts, personally I do not think any problem if you make weekly water changes.

I found this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMeKiTbrwD0

 

[sde]

Okay, thanks guys for the info. I would try it out on those species Bill, but I don't have either of them. I will try it out on Ambystoma gracile larvae. I will let you know what happens. ( It'll be a while though....)