Would bacteria still be ok in old filters?

I have 2 small whisper 100 filters for when I used to keep beta's ~3-5 years ago. I haven't really used them since then and they don't have any bags in them, but I was wondering if I could use them and if the bacteria still be alive.

The bacteria grew when they were with the betta ~6 months. My tank isn't cycled in my 55 and my fish are dying because its not cycled so I was wondering if this could help.

 

No, sorry.
Without a source of ammonia the bacteria would have died long ago.

 

I'm going to say no.

3-5 years and the bacteria are toast. Plus, most of the bacteria live in the filter media itself, not the body of the filter. So even if the bacteria could/did somehow survive 5 years it's a moot point with the media gone.

Big big water change, treat water with simple decholorinator like AquaSafe, and SafeStart is going to be the fastest but quite frankly you probably have enough fish in there that the ammonia output will overwhelm the bacteria and it will die. I seem to recall the recommendation being 1 small fish per ten gallons of water until the SafeStart does it's job. Ammonia above 4ppm is toxic to the bacteria itself.

Other option is to get a nice sized bottle of Prime and do daily 50% water changes with hefty doses of Prime for 4-6 weeks until the tank cycles. Given the number of fish you have listed in your signature, this is probably going to be your best option.

 

I agree with the prime, and a water change(that's what helped me)

 

I'm going to say no.

3-5 years and the bacteria are toast. Plus, most of the bacteria live in the filter media itself, not the body of the filter. So even if the bacteria could/did somehow survive 5 years it's a moot point with the media gone.

Thanks for the advice. I still have the media just not the filter bag, sorry if I mis-worded it.

Thanks you all for the great advice!

 

Thanks for the advice. I still have the media just not the filter bag, sorry if I mis-worded it.

Thanks you all for the great advice!

The bacteria will still be dead.

 

In addition to there being a lack of food for the bacteria, I think the strain that inhabits aquariums is aquatic only, meaning once they dried out they would die.

 

Ok, than so do you guys have any cheap <$25/each filter that you recommend for 2.5 gallon?

 

I actually have a 2.5 gallon that I got from PetCo, and the filter that came with it is way too strong. It blows the shrimps around and kicks up a bunch of dirt. So JerI suggested I buy/make a sponge filter, you could try that. I'll be attaching an air stone to some airline tubing, sticking it in a sponge or some filter media, and attaching the whole shebang to an airpump. Not only does it aerate the water and make pretty bubbles, but the sponge/media houses beneficial bacteria. Of course, it will not remove detritus, but if you do regular water changes / gravel vacs, that would take care of it. I'm not sure there is a filter that is weak enough for such a small tank, but maybe other members are familiar with one.

 

A simple sponge filter with airline would probably be sufficient in a 2.5, or HOB AquaClear? (I think that's right).

But you'll still have to cycle a new filter. Why not use the old filters you have and use new media?

Either way, you'll have to cycle the filter.

And, even though you've got other threads going already, I'll post this suggestion here:

Do you have any friends with fish tanks? Could you beg/plead them for some of their filter media, or even a scoop of their gravel? That'd help to seed your tank with beneficial bacteria to help establish the colony (remeber to keep any media wet during transport)

And as a last resort - (a very last resort) - Do you trust your LFS? Would they give you some of their media to help you through? Even some old filter floss or similar. I say last resort, because there are some inherrent dangers/risks using LFS media.

 

A simple sponge filter with airline would probably be sufficient in a 2.5, or HOB AquaClear? (I think that's right).

But you'll still have to cycle a new filter. Why not use the old filters you have and use new media?

Either way, you'll have to cycle the filter.

And, even though you've got other threads going already, I'll post this suggestion here:

Do you have any friends with fish tanks? Could you beg/plead them for some of their filter media, or even a scoop of their gravel? That'd help to seed your tank with beneficial bacteria to help establish the colony (remeber to keep any media wet during transport)

And as a last resort - (a very last resort) - Do you trust your LFS? Would they give you some of their media to help you through? Even some old filter floss or similar. I say last resort, because there are some inherrent dangers/risks using LFS media.

yeah I can use a simple filter and I'll probably cycle it in my 55.

I don't have friends with fish tanks a majority of people my age play Call of Duty...

I don't trust my LFS because my LFS is pet co and I order fish online petsolutions.com. Still looking fo rLFS in my area.

Thanks for help.. will look into this.