Freshwater sponge filter for saltwater QT?

FlyingFish65 · 02/01/2006, 06:20 PM

I'm starting a 75gal reef and want to establish a QT with a sponge filter. I have some fresh water tanks... can I "seed" a sponge filter in a fresh water tank, and then use it in my saltwater QT? Will the saltwater kill the freshwater nitrifying bacteria? Should I set up my 75 gal with LR/LS without fish and then use THAT tank to seed my sponge filter? OR get some LS or rubble from LFS for QT? Thanks.

LittlePuff · 02/01/2006, 10:43 PM

Forget the sponge filter and use live rock and/or sand.

Kim

Morgandy · 02/01/2006, 10:49 PM

I can't answer the contamination between fresh and salt sponge use, but for a QT, I think it is generally not advised to use LR and sand for a variety of reasons. A sponge is really recommended, from all the expert advice I got when I had to qt my puffers. Nothing else in the tank like rock, sand, etc.. PM Puffer Queen and see if she has some advice for you.

Good luck!

ste6168 · 02/01/2006, 11:05 PM

i would just let your tank cycle and seed it for a couple days in there, if thats not the case maybe seed it behind the scenes at a LFS or a friends tank. i dont know about the freshwater thing though because i have never done it.

LittlePuff · 02/03/2006, 10:41 AM

Freshwater bacteria will be killed in saltwater.

Kim

integlikewhoa · 02/03/2006, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LittlePuff
Freshwater bacteria will be killed in saltwater.

That would be my guess too.

02/01/2006, 06:20 PM	#1
FlyingFish65 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Midwest Posts: 82	Freshwater sponge filter for saltwater QT? I'm starting a 75gal reef and want to establish a QT with a sponge filter. I have some fresh water tanks... can I "seed" a sponge filter in a fresh water tank, and then use it in my saltwater QT? Will the saltwater kill the freshwater nitrifying bacteria? Should I set up my 75 gal with LR/LS without fish and then use THAT tank to seed my sponge filter? OR get some LS or rubble from LFS for QT? Thanks.

02/01/2006, 10:43 PM	#2
LittlePuff Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Peoria,IL Posts: 685	Forget the sponge filter and use live rock and/or sand. Kim __________________ 90gal FOWLR (planning) 55gal FOWLR

02/01/2006, 10:49 PM	#3
Morgandy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,173	I can't answer the contamination between fresh and salt sponge use, but for a QT, I think it is generally not advised to use LR and sand for a variety of reasons. A sponge is really recommended, from all the expert advice I got when I had to qt my puffers. Nothing else in the tank like rock, sand, etc.. PM Puffer Queen and see if she has some advice for you. Good luck! __________________ Amy. Current Tank Info: Numerous past tanks (down to nano now)

02/03/2006, 10:41 AM	#5
LittlePuff Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Peoria,IL Posts: 685	Freshwater bacteria will be killed in saltwater. Kim __________________ 90gal FOWLR (planning) 55gal FOWLR

02/01/2006, 11:05 PM	#4
ste6168 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,066	i would just let your tank cycle and seed it for a couple days in there, if thats not the case maybe seed it behind the scenes at a LFS or a friends tank. i dont know about the freshwater thing though because i have never done it.