How Long Does Good Bacteria Last?

[mrcobrajet]

If I take out 1 filter of media out of my filter and put it in a plastic bag and it never dries out... How long does the good bacteria last in this filter media to use on another tank to promote good bacteria growth so I don't get ammonia problems if used in another tank?
THANX
Scott

 

[techen]

Most people say there's a die off of 10% a day, I used a filter that sat for 7 days and it could process ammonia no problem just not a lot of it.

 

[mike455555]

i heard that the amount of good bacteria go's down about 10% each 12 hours 

 

[DreamertK]

You could put a small bit of NH3 into the baggie and not have any die off too.

 

[the_lock_man]

Most people say there's a die off of 10% a day, I used a filter that sat for 7 days and it could process ammonia no problem just not a lot of it.

 
If you ask a member by the name of TwoTankAmin, he will advise that the bacteria do not die at all, they just become dormant, and will revitalise when provided with ammonia and oxygenated water. The time taken for the bacteria to revitalise seems to depend upon the length of time deprived of the ammonia and water.
 
He gives links to a number of scientific studies to back up his claims.
 
Whilst waiting for the bacteria to revitalise, you would be in a standard fish-in cycle situation.