Heat Quarantine Tanks when not in use?

jan db · 12-07-2012, 03:55 PM

I have (3) 10 gallon qt tanks with sponge filters. I may go several months with nothing in them. Will I kill the bacteria if I unplug the heaters when they're not in use? My basement stays in the mid to high 60s. Thanks.

Diana · 12-07-2012, 04:36 PM

I do not keep my Q-tanks running.
Keep a little spare media in a running tank, keep the empty Q-tanks in storage, and set them up when needed. I do have some running as plant-only tanks, and no heater. I could call those Q-tanks, I suppose.

Anyway, lower temperature is a good way to keep the bacteria alive, but living on a slower level. They must not be frozen, but cool temps are fine. Just keep on feeding the tanks ammonia to keep them alive. Feed less when the temperature goes down.

12-07-2012, 03:55 PM	#1
jan db Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 127	Heat Quarantine Tanks when not in use? I have (3) 10 gallon qt tanks with sponge filters. I may go several months with nothing in them. Will I kill the bacteria if I unplug the heaters when they're not in use? My basement stays in the mid to high 60s. Thanks.

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12-07-2012, 04:36 PM	#2
Diana Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Contra Costa CA Posts: 5,012	I do not keep my Q-tanks running. Keep a little spare media in a running tank, keep the empty Q-tanks in storage, and set them up when needed. I do have some running as plant-only tanks, and no heater. I could call those Q-tanks, I suppose. Anyway, lower temperature is a good way to keep the bacteria alive, but living on a slower level. They must not be frozen, but cool temps are fine. Just keep on feeding the tanks ammonia to keep them alive. Feed less when the temperature goes down.