Preserving Filter Media

[AshleyNZ]

So, I've managed to rehome all of my tropical fish
I am soon to begin to clean out the tank. It will probably be empty for a few months , and I was wondering, is there a way to preserve the bacteria in the BioNoodles, if that makes any sense... or should I just use a fresh lot and just recycle the whole tank again? Opinions and suggestions welcomed!

 

[Stimo]

i think it will only last an hour or so outside of running conditions

 

[AshleyNZ]

Hmm, thats interesting to know, because my filter isn't running 24/7 usually, so would that mean the bacteria isn't even growing at all?

 

[Stimo]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/236735-how-long-the-bacteria-can-live-in-the-filter-when-there-is-a-power-cut/
 
might help answer

seems to be a lot of different views on this. checking your water regularly will give you some indication of whats going on i guess

 

[hobby5]

@ashley
Filter bacteria don't grow while the filter isn't running and they cannot do there job of nitrification either because oxygen is missing. So your filter should run as much as possible, best 24/7. On the other hand they will not die within an hour either, but can last some days. Back to your original question theres is no meaningful way to preserve those bacteria over month. You could try to put the whole thing with water at 4°C. Let us know if it worked

 

[Alasse]

You can keep the tank empty, but if you have cleaned it out you will need to feed the bacteria. Drop in some fish food will generally keep it ticking over