filter bacteria

[jayci]

Just wondering, how long can a canister filter be turned off before you start getting bacteria die off?

I often use the filters inlet pipe to remove water for the water change.

[SpidersWeb]

This isn't a scientific answer but I think its about 3 hours? Basically when their air supply runs out.

Disconnecting it to do a quick syphon is fine. We had a 2 hour power cut the other night, nothing skipped a beat.

[Warren]

I've read it's between 45 minutes and an hour. However, the die-off is quite slow. Depending on the filter type and surface area of the media vs quantity of water and initial oxygen level, I'd suggest anything between 1 hour and 6 hours. If you're worried about it, give it a quick flush with some tank water before turning it back on.

[Caryl]

I have seeded a filter on my own tank then unplugged it and driven almost 4 hours, then another hour mucking about, before setting it up on another tank. Not a problem

[Ira]

What I do is just unplug the filters if it's been more than an hour, then when the power comes back on either pull them out and give them a quick clean or just drain a bucket or two of water out through them to clear any bad water.

[jayci]

thnaks people