Cycling new tank with turtle sponge

[Ryan87500]

I just bought my first fish tank and have been doing a lot of reading about setting up the tank.

My mother in law had a turtle tank can I use part of her filter sponge to help cycle my fish tank? Or will there be issues with temperature differences etc? I plan to do tropical fish.

Thanks


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[jetajockey]

As long as her tank is healthy then it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Ryan87500]

Is there any way to test to see if it is a healthy tank. She has one turtle in a 20 gallon tank.


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[jetajockey]

Not really apart from just looking at the stock and seeing if they have any issues, parasites, etc. I don't think turtles transfer any fish diseases to any great extent, but there is a potential for salmonella. If the tank just genuinely looks to be in bad shape I would hesitate.

 

[Ryan87500]

Thanks. I assume the turtle is healthy so maybe I will try that.


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