Filter Cleanout Disaster

[falcodarkzz]

Today I took the filter out to clean the sponge as usual, and the bottom dropped of, all the debris flew out and went everywhere in teh tank.
I cleaned the filter and put it back in, but what is the best thing I could do now?

 

[babybell911]

The filter will pickall the debris back up eventually I mean it did collect it all in the first place you'll probably just have to wait for it to clear it again. If it settles trying vacing the bottom to pick some of it up.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

If you don't have a gravel vac or syphon or anything to clean up the waste, you can always try using a fine net to sweep the mess up (this is what i often do, as my largest common plec often leaves huge poops around the tank that don't look nice).
I would test your water particually for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates just to make sure all this excess waste hasn't effected water quality .

 

[PaulEbs]

Ah this used to happen to me all the time with my old filter, it never caused any problems though.

The best methods have already been mentioned - but I found supporting the filter from underneath when taking it out works best

You should only be worried if your water stats show high ammonia or nitrites after the filter spilage - or any unusual fish activities.

Paul.