Accidently Put Filter In Untreated Water...

[lucasluke]

Hi guys... I did something stupid today. After having done a fishless cycle for 3 months and had fish for 4 months, I have just accidently put my filter in tap water!!!!!!!
I had a bucket of tap water ready for cleaning, it had been standing there for a couple of hours. I had forgot to put conditioner in though and put my filter in it. After a minute or so I realised I quickly put dechlorinator into the water and put the filter back in the tank. Will I have destroyed all my bacteria? What do I do

 

[Tolak]

For sure knocked them back a bit, as long as it wasn't soaking long probably didn't kill them. The disinfectants in tap water are enough to keep it safe throughout the distribution system, with a bit extra added for a margin of safety.

 

[Prime Ordeal]

Just run the filter as normal. It's unlikely you will have killed off all the bacteria but you can expect a short mini-cycle. So just keep an eye on ammonia and nitrite readings for the next day or two and all should be well.