How long can bacteria live without power?

[ptran]

I have Eheim 2262 and FX5 and a power head running in 150gal tank. I happened to forget to plug the power for the FX5 after reset it (I know). I found that out 12 hrs later. All the fish still okay because I have the Eheim and power head still running. I notice that the water was a little cloudy. That's when I found out about the FX5 unplug.

Just wondering how long can bacteria in the canister FX5 survive without power. What should I do if they are all dead? I'm doing an emergency 50% water changer as I write this. Please help with your comments. Thanks.

[imagirlgeek]

This question came up a lot when the power went out during Hurricane Ike, and I seem to remember someone saying that up to about 12 hours is usually fine. If I were you, I'd just give it the smell test. If the water in the FX5 smells nasty, your beneficial bacteria is probably not so 'beneficial' anymore. If it smells good, like a healthy aquarium smells, just start it up and let it do work.

[SunnyHouTX]

I'd say rinse the media in dechlorinated water and crank it up. I've read somewhere that some bacteria can remain dormant in the absence of nutrients for quite a while.

[ptran]

Thanks for the comments. I just finished water change but didn't rinse the media like Sunny suggested. I might have to do that later. I will keep an eye on them fish to see if there is any problem.