How Long Can Filter Media Survive?

[Zante]

My brother is showing interest in having an aquarium, and I would like to encourage and help him as much as possible. This would also mean kick-start his filter with some of my very mature media.

Problem: he lives in Italy. We're flying there for a holiday on Wednesday, and I could pack some ceramic media in a bottle of tank water, but how long would the bacteria survive in there? Is it worth doing it or might as well not bother?

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, I'd say worth doing. Make sure you pack it with just enough water to keep it damp and plenty of air to keep it oxygenated and some should survive the journey.

 

[Aqua Tom]

Also add a small pinch of fish food. This will decay & produce ammonia to help feed the bacteria.

Tom

 

[HAMBONE]

good luck getting through customs.. no... your bags won't be flagged..

 

[fluttermoth]

good luck getting through customs.. no... your bags won't be flagged..

lol, yeah, I thought about that too; just don't tell them it's 'bacteria', Zante, whatever you do!

 

[stu40]

They won't let you take fluids in hand luggage