Eheim filter problems

[jweis]

So, in preparation for my trip to Italy, I am teaching my husband how to do water changes and basic filter maintenance (just in case something goes wrong). So, the water change part went without a hitch, but the handle broke on my large Eheim ECCO. So, I thought to myself, no problem, I have two other smaller ECCOs and I will just swap out the handle from one of the smaller units. I did that, and then noticed the large filter was leaking. Turns out the cannister cracked (in addition to the broken handle)! So, then I had to move a smaller ECCO to my big tank (big to me is 37 gallons). I took the fish from my son's little tank and put them in my big tank so their fish will survive until I get that tank back on a filter.

So, long story short, can I keep the good bacteria alive in the large canister (crack is at the top) by putting an airstone in the bottom and letting the bubbles provide movement?

[Aaron]

The air bubbles should do the trick. They need oxygen to survive so I can't see why that wouldn't work.

[150EH]

I would agree, it should work.

[jweis]

Thanks guys.

I had to order an entire new filter because Eheim and everyone else that sells them, is out of the 2234 canister. Ugh.