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After months of waiting im finally getting my 55gal tank this weekend. Im planning to get around four rosey red minnows to put into tank to get the biological filtration started before i get my turtle. How long should it take to get biological filtration going enough to get a turtle?

I would suggest having it set up for at least two weeks. You basically need to wait until all temps (basking and water) are stable and the water is clear.

Some live plants would be good to help the biological filtration too, just make sure you wash them off before putting them in the tank.

thanks for your reply. i was planning on getting some Anacharis also

I would just put them in (after the water has been dechlorinated). Not having bio filtration to start won't hurt the turtle, and the minnows will be eaten anyway