How Long Does Bacteria Lives For Without Water?

[zuulan]

I've a couple of tanks where the filter will stop functioning once the water level drops down to a certain level during a water change. It might be another 30 mins before I've topped the water back up enough for the filters to start working again.

In the Juwel tank the filter is still covered covered in water but the water isn't flowing thru it and the other tank (an Aquael Orb) the filter is at the top of the tank so the water completely drains from it during the water change. That's more like 10-15mins before I replenish enough water to restart the filtering process.

Will the bacteria be fine in both systems during the water change?

 

[fluttermoth]

As long as the media stays damp, you have nothing to worry about for those short times.

 

[zuulan]

Ok, thanks.

Is it a good idea to pour the new water straight onto the filter, so it gets water a bit earlier? The water is dechlorinated & at the same temperature as the tank water. Would it still harm the bacteria?

 

[StandbySetting]

Ok, thanks.

Is it a good idea to pour the new water straight onto the filter, so it gets water a bit earlier? The water is dechlorinated & at the same temperature as the tank water. Would it still harm the bacteria?

It wont make a difference, no harm done.

 

[zuulan]

Thanks guys.