So I was doing some research on here recently and seen some info on how to upgrade my filter system to be more efficient and more economical in the long run. The tank and filter in concern is a recent 5.5 gallon setup that's been up and running for 6 weeks. I have two guppies and two RCS in the tank and they have really flourished in the set up. During my research I read that the carbon filter that comes standard in the set up loses it's effectiveness after a month or so but a good upgrade would be to but Fluval Biomax ceramic rings. Also it was suggested to buy Fluval Foam and cut to shape as it is thicker and provides much more filtration than the little 1/8 inch thick filter pad that comes standard. All of this makes perfect sense to me so I went out and bought the products from Fluval. I left the old pad in the filter along with the new foam pads. My concern is that I threw away the carbon filled filter and put in the Biomax rings. Did I just throw away all of my beneficial bacteria in the carbon filled filter and lose my cycle or is their enough in the tank and the old foam pad to keep my water and fish healthy?