letsgofishn Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 Performing water changes how long can a sump/filter sit dormant before bacteria starts to die? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiscusKeeper403 Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 It can last a while but I have been told even 24hrs can have a greatly adverse impact on a bacteria colony. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parachromis1 Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 I think its fine as long as there is a little flow and the water doesn't go stagnant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RD. Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 Bacteria basically require 3 things to grow and/or remain active, oxygen, a food source, and warm conditions. Remove any of those 3 things, and they will slowly begin to die off. Depending on your system, with no water movement (as in no food source or 02) a massive die off can take place in as little as 4-8 hrs. If you notice a septic (dead fish) type odor from your filter, chances are your bacteria have been wiped out & gone anaerobic, in which case all of your bio media needs to be thoroughly cleaned before you start your filter back up. Failure to do so can result in a tank full of dead fish. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
letsgofishn Posted July 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 Thanks for the reply, Just wondering, because when I do a WC, the sump is turned off for about an hour. Just wanted to see how others avoid bacteria die off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EowynJane Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 I don't think an hour will make much of a dent in your bacteria, there should be enough oxygen to last that long and water wouldn't go stagnent in that short of time. If it does kill off some bacteria it would be a small amount, as long as the tank is well cycled it should recover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RD. Posted July 16, 2009 Report Share Posted July 16, 2009 No worries Wayne, in an established system 1 hr is not a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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