Oyster shells for filter

[anniefish]

Hi all,
I am having trouble getting a supply of oyster shells. Rang around many restaurants but no one uses oysters, went out to dinner last night - oyster on the menu. So I asked the waitress if she could keep the shells for me - yes, no problem. She came back later and told me they couldn't keep the shells and no doggy bags either, due to health regs.

I can get shell grit used for birds, but it is rather fine. I'm thinking it would make the filter too heavy if I just used it, could I combine something else with it? So any ideas on suppliers or an alternative to oyster shells would be appreciated.
Ann

[Hamish]

Are there any seafood processing places near you?

[djs-sa]

I know of 1 on the gold coast:) better check with my mate he could help u guys out, he own's it

[anniefish]

Hi Hamish,
Not much seafood around Warwick:), although the restaurant last night had 'wild caught local barramundi', wonder where they mean. I think 'local' may be very far reaching! Never heard of barra being caught anywhere near here.
Ann

[Dufflight]

She came back later and told me they couldn't keep the shells and no doggy bags either, due to health regs.

Sounds like they could not give them to you because they look like muscle shells.:)

[GaryD]

Hi,

There's an oyster processor at Archerfield.....that's where we got our oyster shells from.

Gary

[anniefish]

Thanks for the replies,
Gary, do you have a name or phone number for the plant?
Ann

[GaryD]

Hi Ann,

City Oysters at Coopers Plains - 3277 0270.

They shuck oysters most days......and the truck picks up their shells almost daily, too. You'll need plenty of buckets tubs or a trailer.

If you leave your trailer there, they'll tip their buckets of shells into your trailer rather than the big waste bin.

Gary

[anniefish]

Hi Gary,
thank you for the info, sounds great.
Ann

[Hamish]

Do City Oysters charge for the shells Gary?

[GaryD]

Hi,

I've never been charged for them. Mind you, I always buy two or three dozen oysters whenever I'm there.

Gary