Temperature Drop Killing Filter Bacteria?

[NeonTetra97]

Could a drop in temperature kill of the good bacteria that lives in filter media? For example if a heater or it's thermostat fail and the tank reaches room temp could the bacteria survive? Just wondering as my heater had a moment of madness and the temp in my tank dropped for a couple of days, thanks everyone!

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, they'll survive at room temperature; it's the same bacteria in coldwater/temperate tanks too.

 

[NeonTetra97]

What a relief! Haha I started to panic, thanks fluttermoth! The heater is working again now, don't know what happened! I have tested all the water parameters ammonia, nitrite and nitrate and all are good and the fish seem happy so all is well!

 

[fluttermoth]

That's good. I should have said to check the water, as the bacteria are less efficient in cooler water (which is why you can't stock coldwater tanks with as many fish as tropical ones).