how long can beneficial bacteria stay alive in an idle filter

[angelojg22]

as we all probably know were having a huge storm on long island and i want to know how long bio can stay alive in the filter if i lose power, i have a sump and a canister filter
thanks

 

[JK47]

I have been told the bacterial colony starts to die off wihin about 4-6 hours of no oxygen, although I have nothing to back that claim up. I will say however that I have had canister (sole filtration) be off for more than a day (forgot to plug back in once after water change) and only experienced a mini-cycle so some level of the colony had to survive. GL I am curious is someone has a definitive answer as well.

 

[angelojg22]

Oh well I can keep an air pump in the sump but Idk what to do about the canister?

 

[BMcAfee]

Just put all the media from you canister in your sump.

 

[angelojg22]

It's not in a bag though its an ehime canister so the media would go everywhere

 

[Spiritofthesoul]

You should put them in a bag, must easier to transfer and clean

 

[angelojg22]

Well I didn't lose power what a relief. Thanks for all the responses everyone