So much confusion...

Raeiyne · 2026-11-02T07:18:10-0600

Hello! I am super new to the hobby, maybe a couple months in, and while I'm doing great with all of my generalized research, I have absolutely no idea what im doing and reeeeeally dont want my fishy babies to die... I want to clean the filter floss media so I can get rid of waste and bad bacteria or replace it because I have seachem matrix with all the bacteria colonies growing already, but i really don't know what to do or how to do it and I could really use some advice.

For reference it is a topfin 10gal pfs filter and also a topfin 5gal filter...i have another 10gal thats aqua clear 50 and it has like the black sponge media and some matrix in there.

GaryE · 2026-11-02T08:55:15-0600

Stepone - realize it's very simple and not as stressful as it feels. Clean the media with a simple rinse every few weeks, and treat the new water on weekly 30% changes for chloramines or chlorine, depending on wat you have.
If your tank is cycled, as it should be after a couple of months, you don't need to add bacteria.

Forgive me if I overstep, but it sounds to me like you do know what you're doing, but are concerned maybe there are steps you don't know about.

Rinse the media under room temp water, and do your water changes. Whether you've been at this 60 days or 60 years (like me), that's the key.

Raeiyne · 2026-11-02T09:12:20-0600

GaryE said:
Stepone - realize it's very simple and not as stressful as it feels. Clean the media with a simple rinse every few weeks, and treat the new water on weekly 30% changes for chloramines or chlorine, depending on wat you have.
If your tank is cycled, as it should be after a couple of months, you don't need to add bacteria.

Forgive me if I overstep, but it sounds to me like you do know what you're doing, but are concerned maybe there are steps you don't know about.

Rinse the media under room temp water, and do your water changes. Whether you've been at this 60 days or 60 years (like me), that's the key.

I'm honestly doing a lot of guesswork...I want the healthiest tanks I can have and for whatever reason, I keep seeming to lack in one area or another and honestly get really stuck in my head. Most of my fish are from a friend and I really want to keep them alive so I'm taking all the advice I can get until I can start my own fishkeeping journal with proper steps and such lol

I really appreciate you giving me advice though. It means a lot as a new fish parent. And in general.

Jennet · 2026-11-02T09:49:02-0600

It can be stressful at first when you are new to it, however as GaryE has said, sounds like you are doing fine. Keep on with your water changes, cleaning filter media in tank water you are taking out at water changes and ensuring any water you put back in is dechlorinated if needed and warmed to temperature of your aquarium.

Experience comes with time. Good luck.