if i ever intend leaving my filter off for any length of time (couple of days) i empty the contents into a bucket of tank water with a small airstone,as long as the media has oxygen it should be fine
Either of these techniques work. Have a look a this thread: <Power loss during the winter-concerned about bacteria in filter | UK Aquatic Plant Society>.long as the water in the filter is drained but the media still wet it should be good for a good few hours. Its when its left off full of water the lack of oxygen into the filter can have a negative effect