Nasty filter stuff in tank?

[Wenrl]

Today I checked my filter, rinsed cartridge in a bucket of tank water, moved some things around in the filter and added extra media. In the process, tons of nasty filter waste ended up in the tank. Is this a problem?

It’s looking nasty, but water testing same as before and fish don’t seem to mind, but cloudy and yuck for now.

 

[SaraB]

Is it floating? If so you might just be able to scoop it out with a net.

 

[Wenrl]

All over the place. I netted what I could. The rest went back in the filter or settled overnight and fish seem cool with everything. All is well.

 

[libertybelle]

That’s normal. If it’s not too bad I just leave it and test to make sure there are no ammonia results. If it’s bad I do a small water change later or the next day just to bad a bit off the surface.

Sometimes I restart the filter into a 5 gallon bucket after cleaning and then put it back on the tank to keep that from happening.