Hey all. Sometimes when we change our filter media, it isn't dirty. So, how can we save all the bacteria on that media for later use?
What I've been doing lately is storing my bio-bags in ziplock bags. At first I was just doing it to keep them clean, but then I got to wondering - what if there is a way to keep the bacteria on the bags alive but dormant? By dorman, I mean keeping the bacteria on the bag, but not functioning, (don't supply it with ammonia or nitrites, basically.) In theory, when you placed the bacteria back in water it would 'spring to life.'
Anyone have any ideas on how to accomplish this? I have two so far - the first is just a ziplock in the freezer, with the filter media inside. The second would involve say, a 20 Gallon Long tank. You would fill the tank with dividers every few inches, and put your filter media in between the dividers. You would then install powerheads at both ends, as well as a heater. Then, some doser that would add a small amount of Ammonia every so often. Of course, with this idea the bacteria stay alove and not dormant. Any thoughts?
What I've been doing lately is storing my bio-bags in ziplock bags. At first I was just doing it to keep them clean, but then I got to wondering - what if there is a way to keep the bacteria on the bags alive but dormant? By dorman, I mean keeping the bacteria on the bag, but not functioning, (don't supply it with ammonia or nitrites, basically.) In theory, when you placed the bacteria back in water it would 'spring to life.'
Anyone have any ideas on how to accomplish this? I have two so far - the first is just a ziplock in the freezer, with the filter media inside. The second would involve say, a 20 Gallon Long tank. You would fill the tank with dividers every few inches, and put your filter media in between the dividers. You would then install powerheads at both ends, as well as a heater. Then, some doser that would add a small amount of Ammonia every so often. Of course, with this idea the bacteria stay alove and not dormant. Any thoughts?
