Using media from cycled tank?

Pugwinkle

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Feb 25, 2004
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Hi, I just wonder how long before the beneficial bacteria dies when it has been removed from a cycled tank even when kept wet.

I am moving in a few months and I want to set up a new tank at my new home. I will be taking a filter sponge from my AC300 and also some of the decorations as well as some of the substrate from my cycled tank in order to jump start the cycle on the new set up at our new home. The problem is, by the time I get the stuff put into the new tank it will be at least two hours. Will the bacteria have died off by then? I am under the impression that the bacteria needs the oxygen to stay alive so how do I go about keeping it alive?
 
Keep the media moist in the filter--doesn't have to be completely submerged, and a bit of agitation will keep the O2 levels up. A couple hours is not a problem--I've lost power for longer than that and not had a problem. I would lightly rinse the media off with fresh water before putting it in, but that's about it.
 
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