Menagerie
Aquarium Advice Addict
Do not change the filter. There is no way it has established yet. After two more months, rinse the filter in used tank water. After that, rinse the filter as needed--you'll see reduced water flow and know it's time to rinse. Only change the filter when it starts to fall apart.
For your water changes, one gal will not make a difference. Do a 25% water change (4 gals).
For your water changes, one gal will not make a difference. Do a 25% water change (4 gals).