How long can BB live?

[swifty]

When I do filter maintenance sometimes I'll need to place the filter media (Aquaclear sponges/biomax bag) aside on a towel for 5 minutes or so when cleaning the filter and intake tubes.

Is this a safe practice or should I ALWAYS keep the media submerged in old tank water?

Also, how vigorous can I squeeze the sponges out so it doesn't remove the BB? I squeeze about 8-12 times to get most of the gunk out.

 

[calfishguy]

When I do filter maintenance sometimes I'll need to place the filter media (Aquaclear sponges/biomax bag) aside on a towel for 5 minutes or so when cleaning the filter and intake tubes.

Is this a safe practice or should I ALWAYS keep the media submerged in old tank water?

Also, how vigorous can I squeeze the sponges out so it doesn't remove the BB? I squeeze about 8-12 times to get most of the gunk out.

I try to keep mine in tank water at all times.

 

[GNarnian]

I always sit mine in a 5-gallon bucket with old tank water when I'm cleaning my canister. Just in case something comes up in the middle of cleaning and I need to stop.

 

[jetajockey]

It's not a big deal, just don't let it dry out completely.

 

[MarMan]

Try not to keep them out of water for over 20 minutes, but if they don't dry out you should be ok. I follow the same regiment as you while cleaning my canister filter and the trays stay out of water for about 10 minutes. I have a 5 gallon buck for cleaning the filter and I squeeze them rather vigorously in the bucket while keeping them away from my tap water .