Just remember that something ALWAYS dies when it is out of water. The bacteria will live a good while, but the more of anything that dies, the more ammonia will develop. And just a SaltyDr says, you will need to cure it again. The longer it is out, the longer it will take to cure it. If you can, mix some salt water and keep the rock in it with a heater or at a MINIMUM, if you don't have an extra heater, at room temp to help prevent further die off. This container (a rubbermaid or plastic container) can be used to cure it again. Then you can transfer to the tank when ammonia, trites and trates are 0. Hope this helps.