Spare active filters

[k7prz]

I like to keep a spare tank full of water with filters running in it. But do I have to keep it heated to keep the bacteria alive?
My shed is at about 55 degrees. Discus tank is at 85 in the house. Will the box filter stay alive moving it to the warm discus tank?
Sorry if this has already been discussed somewhere in the forum.

Dave in SW Washington state. 3 Tiger Turks and 2 Blue Diamonds bought locally
size of 1/2 dollar---back in November. Now in a 55 gal. doing fine and growing.

[guggas]

Ive not an expert but I've done some reading on this in the past. The bacteria survive at that temp but reproduce very slowly. If your just trying to maintain a cycle, maybe you wont have any problems. I once tried to cycle a sponge at that temp and it never finished its cycle. They do better in warmer temps.

[Willie]

You need a source of ammonia to keep the bacterial population going. I keep my spare filters in existing fish tanks.