how long does bacteria live in wet media?

[waitaki]

Hi, I am just about to restart my trickle filter on my AR-620 tank. The media has been sitting in the compartments for about 6 weeks without water flowing through them, should I throw those out and start again? I don't want to make any unnecessary with my discus. I cleaned the trays and have them sitting in the sun for a couple of days to sterilise them. The noodles are in a bucket of aquarium water.
Tahnsk for any suggestions.

[dwilder]

the bacteria on the media will be dead by now just wash and reuse

[Hollowman]

As above, the bacteria will be dead, if you want to re-use the media, better to microwave it to be sure the bugs are gone.

H :)