Always up quarentine

[USMA36]

how long will the bio filter last in a quarantine tank without fish? I would like to keep my tank up all the time, but sometimes will go months without it seeing a fish

 

[nautical_nathaniel]

You could "feed" it a few pellets or flakes, that may keep the bio filter active as long as there are nutrients for it to feed on. You can also keep a spare piece of liverock or some porous ceramic bricks in your main system that will serve as a backup to reestablish the bio filter if you shut down the quarantine tank or something.

 

[saltyhog]

It will last a long time. It may not be quite as robust but it will bounce back pretty quick. I try to feed a little once a week but you won't completely lose your biofilter even with months of "fishlessness" (just made that up).

 

[PAXpress]

I've heard its over a year no site to quote but maybe just get a bottle of ammonia to add a few drops monthly to feed the bacteria?