Possible Emergency...Arrgggghh

[pnyklr3]

I noticed that the sponge filter part of my AquaClear Was very dirty, so I decided to clean it out. I pulled out everything: the carbon, biobag, and the sponge. I then put them all in a bucket of water. I forgot to dechlorinate it!!!!! I know, I shouldv'e used tank water, but the amount I needed to clean it out, it was just easier this way.

My question is: Did I just wipe out my entire "colony" of bacteria? Also, is there enough bacteria in my gravel so that my 55 gallon doesn't cycle again?

Thanks!

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Nice job.

Just kidding. It's not so bad.

If it was for about 5 minutes or more, then the bacteria are probably gone. They might not all be dead, which ouwld mean that they can multiply again. Plus, since you have such a big tank, all of the gravel has probably been colonized, and since this is where the majority of the bacteria is anyways, you should be fine.

 

[pnyklr3]

It was maybe a minute, tops. I kind of just stuck the whole filter-thing into the bucket, shook the carbon and biobag around, and then tossed it into the filter box while I thoroughly cleaned out the sponge.

This is what I get for trying to cram so many things in at once....LESSON LEARNED!