filter help

[Tener ds]

how long can the beneficial bacteria live if the filter packs up?
ive just noticed the filter has stopped in my edge,the inpeller thig was
full off muck,cleaned it and now its working.
i dont wont to have to re-cycle this tank.

 

[scatz]

should be fine for a few hours at least.
i think some of the bacteria starts to die off fairly quickly, while the majority can last for a fair while.
unless its been off for 12hrs plus, it wont need to fully cycle again, worth testing the water though just to be on the safe side

 

[matubula]

I have an ADA catalogue and in their blurb about the filters I think they said that bacteria start to die off after about 30 minutes depending on the oxygen levels. I'll try and find it for you.

With not knowing how long your filter has been off I would not turn it back on. It could contain some nasty nitrogenous waste, which if you turn back on will pollute the tank. You might have to cycle the tank. Test the water to see if ammonia and nitrite are present, if they are then you will need to cycle again. You should also up your water changes to dilute the ammonia and nitrite before it is broken down by the filter again.

 

[Tener ds]

I have an ADA catalogue and in their blurb about the filters I think they said that bacteria start to die off after about 30 minutes depending on the oxygen levels. I'll try and find it for you.

With not knowing how long your filter has been off I would not turn it back on. It could contain some nasty nitrogenous waste, which if you turn back on will pollute the tank. You might have to cycle the tank. Test the water to see if ammonia and nitrite are present, if they are then you will need to cycle again. You should also up your water changes to dilute the ammonia and nitrite before it is broken down by the filter again.

when i put it back on loads off crap came out,did a big water change then.
tank looks clear ish now.

 

[scatz]

have you tested the water?

 

[Tener ds]

Yes,tested it 15 mins ago.
All ok, results are the same as they were when I tested the
last time.

 

[matubula]

Keep testing just to see if ammonia and nitrite creep up, if they do, then daily water changes might be needed.

I found the ADA catalogue, from their study with Super Jet Filter ES-1200, it roughly says:

When the filter is turned, due to the tremendous amount of bacteria their oxygen consumption is huge, so the oxygen level in the filter decreases. After 30 minutes the oxygen levels begin to significantly drop and within 90 minutes have completely depleted.

They recommend that if the filter needs to be off for more than 30 mins then you should take the water out. Thinking about it it makes sense. Because they are aerobic, they should love being exposed to the air (while keeping them moist).