How Long Will Bacteria Survive In An External Filter ?

[Matt75]

Hi all,
 
I'm in the process of moving my current stock from a 125L to a 240L tank. No intention to expand stock at the moment.
 
The 240L came up and running on good levels with its own external filter and proven media (four layer external). I've changed some of the ceramic tubes for aquagrog and places the ceramics into a net near the filter for a while to keep the bacteria around the tank. The substrate and some moss balls came with it - the latter being added in as levels have stabilised.
 
My question is about the external filter on my 'old' 125L tank. I'd like to sell the tank but I just want to get a feeling on how long the bacteria would last if I just locked the filter and kept it inside the house for basic warmth ? 
 
It could be a week or so before a new home was found, so not sure if I need to drain / move the tank and then replumb / refill to keep the bacteria happy. 
 
Thanks,
 
M

 

[TwoTankAmin]

The bacteria can survive for some time if they are properly stored. The biggest issue with storing them in the filter is the organics already trapped in the media. That will get nasty. So your best bet is to throw out any mechanical media such as floss, then rinse the bio-media well in dechlored water. Also clean the inside of the filter if it is gunked up- don't scrub just rinse well. The replace the water (dechlor it the day before) and put the media back media into the filter. You should be OK for a week no problem.
 
Your can also keep the filter running on a smaller container and just add a bit of ammonia every 2-3 days and it will stay in tip-top shape for a long time. If you needed to do this for months you would need to drop a bag of crushed coral in the container.
 
The bacteria be OK as long as not allowed to freeze or to get above the mid 90s F (35-36.5C) for much time and once above about 100F (37.8C) they will be dying soon.
 
You could also just leave the tank going with the filter on it. Most buyers want to know a used tank doesn't leak, so having it filled when prospective buyers come to check it provides the proof.

 

[Matt75]

Thanks for the tips - all makes sense to me. 
 
Our most likely next home for it is within the family, so keeping it running to prove leaks wouldn't be the main issue there, but I can leave it a few days in normal set-up to see what happens. 
 
Like the idea of changing it into a smaller water bath and 'feeding' it chemically as an alternate. Thanks.