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Hi everyone. My male RES has a small cut on his leg. I'm not sure how he got it, but my cichlid keeps trying to "bite" it which is really annoying the turtle. I called my LFS and was instructed to put Polysporin on the cut. I did so in a separate container. I left my RES in the container to let the Polysporin work its magic and then after about half an hour, I put him back in the tank.
Now I am wondering if I did the right thing... will the remaining Polysporin make the water harmful to my turtles and cichlid?
Is there a much more effective way to treat a cut?

When my turtles get a cut or sour I clean the wound and the put neisoprin or a triple anti-biotic and dry dock for about 6 to 8 hours per day until it has healed. I use a card board box with a light and have the temp at about 85 to 90 degrees.

Polysporin should be alright, and that was good you let it soak in. I'm not sure if it will affect your cichlid though.
To make sure the cut heals properly, it will be important to keep the water very clean.
Also, inspect everything in your tank for sharp edges. Could be something got broken and has a ragged edge.

For minor cuts, I dab the wound with diluted betadine, and let my turtle sleep in a dry area overnight. For me, using Polysporin depends on the cut location and severity.