The Puffer Forum

how long does the bacteria on a filter stay alive and well, any idea? random question I know but I am selling a tank along with a filter and I would like the person that asked to buy it to have somewhat of an easier time with the process. I am thinking of putting the filter media in a zziplock bag with tank water to keep it alive but dont know if I am wasting my time

About 24 hours.

I tore a 29g down once to take to a buddy but he decided the tank was too big for where he wanted to put it. The tank and media (closed bagged in tank water) sat in my trunk for nearly two days in cool weather. I set the tank and filter back up in my basement with non established substrate to cull 6 full grown head and tailight tetras as well as a 5" pleco until I could rehome them. The filter media didn't miss a step.

The cool weather probably helped.

thank you ! for those timely responses with great news