How Long Bacteria Last Without Running Filter.

[skiltrip]

I'm sure this has been asked (maybe even by me years ago, but...)

How long will it take to kill off bacteria in your power filter if it is turned off by something like a power outage?

(yesterday after instructions to NOT unplug the filters while the electrician was at my house, my filters were off for about 2 hours).

 

[daved]

If I am not mistaken then you should be OK if media is still in water, if it is out of the water then you have about 20 mins. I do seem to remember reading somewhere
Dave

 

[skiltrip]

If I am not mistaken then you should be OK if media is still in water, if it is out of the water then you have about 20 mins. I do seem to remember reading somewhere
Dave

The media was in water the entire time, so that part isn't an issue. I just worried about lack of oxygen and new food supply (ammonia) running thru.

 

[Lateral Line]

Oxygen is the main concern. You will doubtless have lost some in 2 hours, but generally it is about 6 hours before the majority are dead.

 

[skiltrip]

Oxygen is the main concern. You will doubtless have lost some in 2 hours, but generally it is about 6 hours before the majority are dead.

Thanks, glad I caught it when I did. People can't follow ONE simple instruction. LOL.

I have two filters (Whisper 60 dual, and an Aquaclear 50), so chances are I had plenty left to kick back in without upsetting the balance in a big way.