can I put this sponge in my tank?

[BaileyB]

My roommate was just in the Bahamas and brought me back a softball sized sponge he found on the beach, I was wanting to put it in my HOB filter and let some bacteria grow on it. How should i go about cleaning it to make sure its safe for my tank? Dishwasher? or will the heat make the sponge fall apart? I dont have anything in the tank at the moment its cycling. Thanks guys!

 

[Oscaror]

My roommate was just in the Bahamas and brought me back a softball sized sponge he found on the beach, I was wanting to put it in my HOB filter and let some bacteria grow on it. How should i go about cleaning it to make sure its safe for my tank? Dishwasher? or will the heat make the sponge fall apart? I dont have anything in the tank at the moment its cycling. Thanks guys!

A dead sponge is just dead matter I don't think it's good for the tank

 

[Brian82143]

I personally would not trust putting that in your system. Who knows what parasites could be living inside it and it won't bring any benefits for your tank.