Filter Off For 4-5 Hours

[eduller]

I know in my rational mind that it's fine and the filter being off for only 4-5 hours hasn't killed many, if any, bacteria. Can anyone reassure me though?
 
I did my weekly water change and forgot to plug the heater and filter back in. Then left and was gone for about 4 1/2-5 hours. I did notice right away when I got home and turned everything back on. The temp had dropped less than a degree. All the fish are fine. But my filter is okay right?? It's a canister, so it's closed. Nothing dried out. There was no water circulation, but bacteria are hardy things.

 

[bluesword23516]

It should be fine. bacteria don't have to have the constant water flow. They can live for a while just in the water, so I think its just fine.

 

[sawickib]

Bacteria are very hardy little things and can survive quite some time in stagnate water, as long as they weren't dried out you should be fine.

 

[fluttermoth]

We've all done this; I've had filters off for twelve hours!

The bacteria should survive perfectly well, though you can get a small build up of ammonia in the tank itself.

Water tests and an extra water change are sensible precautions, but you really shouldn't see any issues.

 

[star4]

The filter should be fine, I had a 9 hour power cut and all the filters were fine. 

 

[Ch4rlie]

Everybody seems to have said there is
 
Bacteria is more resilient than most people think, if they have no food i.e ammonia, they simply go in a dormant or hibernation sort of state, once food arrives again, they'll slowly begin to wake once again.
 
Although in prolonged periods of time, days or weeks even, you may lose a few but generally they will come back to strength again once conditions are right, will just take them longer to get back to full strength.
 
Just as long as the media where the bacteria resides on does not go completely dry, or too much light or too cold etc, they should last for quite some time.

 

[eduller]

Thanks everyone! I was totally paranoid all night. Tested the water this morning even though I knew it would be okay. Sometimes emotion overrides logic, lol. All is fine.