Genuine Aquarium Wonder Shell Aquarium Mineral Blocks
- Authorized AAP/Weco | Disease Preventative

EXCLUSIVE INFORMATION ABOUT WONDER SHELLS (may not be used without permission from AAP):

• What are Wonder Shells Made of?

Our FRESH Regular Authorized AAP/Weco Wonder Shells Contains Calcium Carbonate/CaCO3+ cations (a VERY important element for proper Osmotic Function in fish as well as Redox Balance™, more important to fish health than parameters such as exact pH!). ALL minor and trace elements in the exact ratio (with the exception of calcium) as found in the ocean. Useful for Important Mineralization/Electrolytes, Calcium Carbonate, Water Hardness Control, & more.

A few other elements found in minor & trace amounts include: Magnesium, Chloride, Sodium, Sulfate, Potassium, Bicarbonate, Bromide, Borate, Strontium, Fluoride (there is NO sodium thiosulfate despite poor search result claims). Based on our extensive experience with 1000s of aquarium in our decades of professional aquarium maintenance, the use of AAP Wonder Shells (often at only fractional doses) is superior to other methods of minor & trace element/GH maintenance including over SeaChem Equilibrium (which is still an excellent product, it simply does not provide the continuous mineral Cations to battle oxidative stress)!

Calcium and magnesium have been proven to help fish (and humans) during stress and to help prevent disease due to acid buildup in the brain/body. Important for the prevention (& treatment) of Columnaris and Saprolegnia/Fish Fungus. These positive mineral ions play a part in prevention of Columnaris by lowering oxidative stress and improving osmoregulation.

Can aid in prevention and treatment of Livebearers/Molly Disease such as "shimmies" and "wasting away" (not from Fish TB) whose general cause is the lack of these important elements.

• Do Wonder Shells Work?

Authorized Fresh AAP Wonder Shells add Necessary Minerals/Electrolytes - very important whether your source is this product or another method.

Authorized Fresh AAP Wonder Shells perform this by adding a constant supply of positive calcium and other positive mineral ions, which are depleted during Redox Balancing™ while lowering oxidative stress in fish (the picture to the right demonstrates how an AAP Wonder Shell lowers oxidative stress over just water changes). GH tests cannot discern the ion charge and may show high GH when in reality, these cations are depleted. As well, while a Redox Meter may not show a difference in some well balanced aquariums with natural Reducers present, the Wonder Shells can react much better to oxidizers that might become present than natural reducers (the Potassium Permanaganate test can verify this).

See also these articles:
• Aquarium Chemistry; GH, Depletion of Positive Ions


• Aquarium Redox Balance | Fish Health | Potential & Reduction | rH

This video helps demonstrate how mineral Cations remove oxidizers (including chlorine):

Video: Aquarium Redox Part 2 | Oxidizers & Reducers | AAP Wonder Shell Experiment

For maintaining a higher pH or KH Wonder Shells should be combined with baking soda or better Sea Chem Buffers (or similar).

Please note, Wonder Shells do NOT generally raise KH or pH, despite some incorrect claims by Weco and other websites that have not used these AAP Wonder Shells properly. They more aid in maintenance of these parameters by neutralizing harmful acids, which result from organic decomposition (as noted earlier on this web-page, ONLY AAP has long term professional experience and testing of this product, so we know the facts of what it can and cannot do).

• Aids in Chlorine removal & helps keep aquarium clear.

• Aids in prevention of toxic ammonia buildup.

• Aids in prevention of HITH and HLLE (especially the 1 kg Block when used in large marine systems employing ozone).

• Especially useful for use with fish with higher mineral requirements such Goldfish, Livebearers, Cichlids, and more.

• These mineral blocks can help cure scoliosis in fish such as Guppys or even Bettas when lack of minerals is the cause.

• Regular Wonder Shells can also aid in prevention and even treat HITH by virtue of the necessary minerals found within these products.

• Each shell oxygenates, aerates and aids in neutralizing harmful acids resulting from normal bio processes. This makes the small Wonder Shell an Excellent Choice for Betta Bowls (especially when combined with Pillow Moss, Peat, Indian Almond Leaf Extracts, or Driftwood pieces).

• Also useful in Planted/Amazon River environment aquariums such as Discus and Ram Cichlids as well as Bettas for addition of positive mineral ions based on the proven fact of the need for calcium and other minerals for osmoregulation and Redox Balance™!

Concerns raising GH with Discus, Angels, planted tanks, etc, is at times over-rated, as this does not take into consideration the fact that essential positive mineral ions can be depleted, while the GH still might test “high”. Reference: Depletion of Positive Ions.

• Extremely useful in planted aquariums at maintaining hardness (and we mean GH, not KH as studies in photosynthesis prove) to counter act peak daytime photosynthesis. The Authorized AAP Wonder Shell is a CONSTANT GH supplement unlike other supplements for those using the EI method of dosing for planted aquariums! As well, AAP Wonder Shells are useful for other minerals required by plants. This said, if a planted aquarium GH booster are already being used daily, the AAP Wonder Shell would NOT be necessary.

Please see this article for more: Aquarium Plants - Information and care.

• Can be used in marine aquariums, although better methods are available for reef aquariums in particular (such as with many SeaChem products).

However, Wonder Shells are excellent for use in RO water storage to aid in re-mineralization prior to top off for evaporation or mixing in Reef or other saltwater aquariums.

As well, for fish only or FOWLR marine tanks. They still can be useful for EVERYDAY mineral maintenance.

• Provides crabs, snails and turtles with an easily available source of bio available calcium for healthy shell growth.

• NOT a cure all for poor water management, but a useful tool in proper aquarium maintenance. This is an excellent product, but the name is misleading, as Wonder Shells do not perform “wonders”, it is just a useful. However not essential product with more than 30 years of aquarist use to back it up.

A TOOL FOR A HEALTHY AQUARIUM WHICH MOST FRESHWATER AQUARISTS SHOULD NOT BE WITHOUT!

If in doubt, ask some members at Everything Aquatic or see the article: The importance of Calcium/Minerals in ALL Aquariums.

• NOT the same ingredients as Plaster of Paris. The Wonder Shell is vastly superior! See this article for more: Plaster of Paris In Aquariums.

• Please follow the directions and use suggestions WE PROVIDE, as the packaging provided to us & then re-packaged still dates back to the 1970s are partly incorrect. Please also note that AAP rotates stock, so even though no "best used by date" is published, you can be assured you are getting a fresh product that can maintain its full mineral Cations for well over a year (unlike many sold via 3rd party sellers on Amazon or other discounters that sit on the shelf for years before being sold at clearance prices).

These instructions are based on decades of experience as well as the unique ingredients we add.

USE:

The Wonder Shells should be placed in an area with low water flow for best results. NOT in filters! They will dissolve approximately as needed for minerals/electrolytes and should be replaced when about Ό original size.

For aquariums set-up for fish, which come from bodies of water that tend to be more soft (these fish still need positive mineral electrolytes for osmoregulation and Redox Balance™). The basic principle is to have at least some Wonder Shell piece, fragment, etc. present, no matter how small just to be able to provide constant mineral Cations THAT ARE PRESENT EVEN IN THE MOST SOFT OF NATURAL BODIES OF WATER!

As a starting point, we recommend a 1/4 “dose” (recommended AAP Wonder Shells per tank size), or even just fragments added as they dissolve as noted earlier on this web page.

The regular Wonder Shells (not Medicated) can also be broken for economy. Using a flat head screw driver placed in the middle of the shell, then hit with a hammer allows for easy splitting.

For use with soft water fish or sensitive soft water plants - often a 1/4 dose to maybe a 1/2 dose of AAP Wonder Shells solves this problem along with the more easily measured dosing of SeaChem Replenish at the time of a water change IF RO water is used (for example: a 1/2 medium Wonder Shell for a 60 gallon tank equals 1/4 dose).

A test before and after can confirm correct dosing for fish such as Bettas, Discus, Angels, etc. You would want to see at least a 10% bump in GH after a few days use if properly placed in a low flow area. Example; if the GH in your Betta tank is 200 before, and a few days later it is 225, this shows correct use (as you only want to see a slight increase to confirm ongoing mineral Cation replacement). However if the GH goes up considerably (such as to 300), then try a small size and confirm you are placing in a low flow area. With high mineral fish such as livebearers, African Cichlids, etc, even doubling GH should not be an issue.

• The mineral block dissolves approximately as trace elements are depleted in an aquarium or as the bio load dictates. Larger aquariums, those with high bio loads, or those low in trace elements will dissolve Wonder Shells at a higher rate until stable. Calcium (which is the carrier for the other elements) will not exceed safe levels as aquariums will precipitate out excess. GH readings will reflect this, however the GH will only show the overall hardness, not the balance of trace elements, so higher readings (over 200 ppm) are only reflecting excess calcium.

As well for soft water or planted aquariums, the use of SeaChem Replenish for adding essential minerals when RO water is used, then the use of 1/4 the normal dose of Wonder Shells or fragments to aid in the constant supply of essential mineral cations is suggested.

• IMPORTANT: Keep in mind, if your aquarium is low in electrolytes, the quick release of positive mineral ions can be stressful to many SE Asia and Amazon River fish such as Bettas, as well as many shrimp (such as Crystal Red Shrimp). If not used before, it is strongly advised to start with a 1/4 dose and then work up to a 1/2 dose or more. However, literally 10s of thousands of professional uses (which includes CONTROLLED tests by aquarium keeping expert Carl S.) show this product to be safe and in fact beneficial when used correctly, so be wary of dishonest, poorly moderated aquarium keeping forums calling this product "evil" or making equally miss-informed statements based on a lack of basic aquarium chemistry knowledge (including Redox™). Example: a 1/4 Medium Wonder Shell or 1-2 small WS for a 10 gallon aquarium.

The sudden introduction of Wonder Shells in a low positive mineral ion aquarium is comparable to changing water in a tank with high nitrates or especially too low pH. The fish/invertebrates will need to be adjusted to the improved water quality or pH shock would follow from the water change!!!

Simply replace at whatever dosage you are using within a few days of dissolving. Unlike with AAP Medicated Wonder Shells, water changes should not require the aquarium keeper to ad more assuming new water is of the desired chemistry for the aquarium biotope kept.

Video: How Long Do Wonder Shells Last?

Simplified Directions for AAP Wonder Shell Use in different aquarium scenarios: FAQ Page - Wonder Shell Use, Simplified.

Redox Information Research: Please note that the research into aquarium Redox balance has been ongoing by Carl Strohmeyer since the early 1990s, with more recent help and input by others. Use of this information to help sell the Wonder Shell or other products is given by permission only.

GENUINE Regular American Aquarium Products Wonder Shells:

• Small (set of three) for fish bowls (1-2 gallon full strength) - $3.49
(for 5 gallon Aquarium use two for full dose)
Special for Lot of 12 Sets of Three - $39.99

• This product truly shines as a preventative when used with new fish or during times of stress, such as after a move or after aggressive behavior induced stress in African Cichlid aquariums.


• Probably one of the most effective treatments for velvet available, as the copper sulfate and methylene blue not only kill the swimming stage (as in ich), but kill velvet (Piscinoodinium pillulare) in the dormant stage by destroying the chloroplasts.


• Effective for mild Ich infestations (otherwise Super Ich should be used by itself or in combination).


• Effective for mild to moderate true fungal/Saprolegnia infections (even stronger when combined with Yellow Powder or Triple Sulfa).


• Authentic/Authorized AAP Medicated Wonder Shells when used in a display tank or a hospital tank treatment that is combined with Spectrogram, which can then be a very strong treatment for fungus, many bacterial infections, and many external parasites while also supplying mineral Cations to aid in oxidative stress.


• Electrolytes in the wonder shell aids in osmoregulation. While the Calcium buffers the malachite green, which is more toxic at lower pH.


• Not recommended as a cure or treatment for true bacterial diseases, only as a preventative or for mildly damaged fins. However the Medicated Wonder Shell can be a very strong treatment when combined with Spectrogram (using both as directed).


• Medicated Wonder Shells can be a great accompaniment to "out of tank" fish baths, fish food soaks for parasites and/or "white stringy poops", and more. Example: "Discus with white stringy poop and cloudy eye" EA Forum Post.


• Used as directed, these will NOT harm nitrifying bacteria.


• There are years of professional aquarium maintenance use behind this product, with this experience the acknowledgement that Medicated Wonder Shells are excellent for prevention, follow up, and treatment for mild to moderate Ich and Fungus infection. HOWEVER, we recommend either Super Ich Plus PREMIUM Ich Treatment or ParaGuard for serious infections and THEN use the Medicated WS for follow up (Medicated Wonder Shells are effective for serious Velvet infections though).

• I just placed my second order for medicated and regular "Miracle Shells". I have a giant ciclid with occasional saddleback issues, no matter how clean and well-balanced we keep his tank. I don't know why they work as well as they do but they make medicating much simpler! Thanks for providing all the information on your site about the product, the medication content and dosing recommendation. The product (as mentioned) lacks for packaging and/or instructions. Keep up the good work and your product info. - Mary M. Williams, General Partner and J. & M., Technical Consulting.

• ….that is a good article (Referring to Aquarium Chemistry)....wondershells are a good product. - Anonymous.

• An excellent and cheap way to do this is to keep AAP Wonder Shells in your tank. I always have 2 medium sized ones in my 26g, one that is almost wasted and one that is almost new. - Fishfever, Everything Aquatic.