Dry Establshed Gravel still good?

[Quartermain]

Quick question about established gravel. I have a bunch of old gravel from my parent's gold fish tank. I started a 5.5 gal tank with some of it but the rest got put into a bowl and is now dry. A friend of mine wants some established gravel to start her tank. My question is, does that dry gravel still have all the bacteria in it? Or does the bacteria die in the absence of water? I'm assuming the latter, but you never know. Thanks.

- Kevin

[waterdawg]

I think the bacteria would die when the gravel fully dries out...

[Quartermain]

Well the reason I ask is that certain microscopic organisms go dormant and then spring back to life when reintroduced to a suitable environment. I'm no biologist but I do know for a fact that household bacteria, like that found on your kitchen counter, die in the absence of water. I can only assume it would be the same for these bacteria as well. Can anyone confirm that?

[StreetCypher]

I know a member on here tried a little experment with old dry gravel... something about it still being good... i think it was anonapersona . hopefully he/she will chime in