How long can a filter "Live" for?

[Zebra Pleco]

Hi all, slowly moving my tanks around but just wanted to know:

(1) How long can a filter stay alive for out of water, powered off?
(2) How long can a filter run for in water but powered off?

 

[bigbird]

Hello,

Out of water would not be a good idea, as I think the bacteria perish quite quick. In water or with water in them approx 12-16hours .
Why not empty the filters in buckets full of water and transport or put the filters in a bucket and keep them running using the water in the bucket ? Maybe just an idea. cheers jk :thumbup:

 

[Zebra Pleco]

My two internal filters are rated at 1800LPH, so too strong to go in a bucket, water splashes everywhere.

Basically I have just bought an 4 foot rack that has three 4 ft tanks and a 3ft sump, so taken time getting everything setup, and with moving fish and equipment around trying to keep things organised, I have heaters, pumps and filters constantly in and out of tanks.

But if it takes hours to kill the filter off, then I have nothing to worry about.

 

[Lornek8]

Filter bacteria actually require oxygen. Thus as long as the media is kept moist it should suffice. If you're only lookig at a couple of hours then fhouldn't be much of an issue.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
Bigbirds is the right idea, if the flow is too strong. I'd just empty the filter material into a bucket (a tray would be even better) and then put in enough tank water to cover the media, and add an air stone. You should be able to store the filter material like that for several days if you need to.

cheers Darrel

 

[D-MAC]

Lornek8 is right as long as the filter media has an oxygen source and is not allowed to dry out it will last for days. Don't keep it submerged in water without movement to oxygenate or it will stagnate and go rancid.

 

[macvsog23]

hook the filter up to a bucket of tank water