Keep Bacteria Alive

[Deleted member 55926]

Just started setting up my first tank today, and just before I came back to my flat, I was visiting someone who happens to have a very dirty tank with a couple of tetras and an angel fish. So I cut a piece of filter sponge off, and squashed it out a lot into about a litre of water, and took them back with me.

I am wondering now what to do because I don't want the bacteria to die, but seeing as I seem to have overlooked a heater holder for my internal heater, I don't think I will be able to get my tank running today. Help! How can I preserve the bacteria, or do you guys have any other ideas as to how I could temporarily use the heater without a proper holder, and get the tank running so I can chuck the mature media into the filter?

Should I stick the whole lot in the fridge or freezer or something? At the moment they are about 5 hours old and probably room temperature. Would they still be alive at this point?

 

[Tolak]

If the heater is submersible just toss it in, no need for a holder. If it isn't, get a piece of string, tie it to the side at the proper level. I have all submersibles, no holders, just tossed in the tanks.

After 5 hours the media will be fine, I've shipped cycled media that has been in transit 2-3 days, and it works fine at the receiving end.

 

[Deleted member 55926]

I have all submersibles, no holders, just tossed in the tanks.

Interesting, thanks.

Out of interest, what is the best temperature to be keeping bacteria alive? Same as the water temp, or can they be preserved for longer by freezing/refridgerating?

 

[Tolak]

I generally try to keep them at room temperature, when shipping there are no heat or ice packs involved. Cooler is better, as it will slow down any die off, but freezing will kill them. The only couple of products that do include live bacteria must be refrigerated, I really don't see refrigeration causing any harm.