yea I read that, but the tank I set up last night is now empty and the old filter was rinsed and sat out dry for a day so Im not sure it has anything on it. The tank (50gal) only had one fish so not sure. I didnt take any of the rocks from it and it is just a 30-60gal walmart pump.
As long as you didn't completely sterilize the filter then there should be something on it. Try doing a quick fishless cycle and see just how "dead" that filter pad is. Unless I miss my guess you will be pleasantly surprised.
