Dry Media

[Fwoom]

So I'm about to leave to buy a new filter and the previous one dried up. Media and all. Not good...

Just wondering what the best thing to do would be? (I know this isn't really about a sick fish, but it is one of those "need to do something now" deals.)

Tested the water earlier today and didn't pay much attention to the filter, so I have no idea how long it's been dried up, but this is what his water is at now:

pH = 7.9-8.0
Ammonia = 0.25 ppm (Not as nice as I'd like. Definitely going to have a water change when I get back.)
Nitrite = 0 ppm
Nitrate = Approximately 0. (It's low enough to where it looks much closer to 0 than the 5.0 ppm color, but there is a small amount)
SG = 1.014-1.015

I put the media in the aquarium and I'm going to try to shove it in the new filter as best as possible, but what's the best solution for this kind of thing?

Edit:
Got to Walmart and decided strongly to wait 5 hours until a pet store opens. Just a bunch of junk. I did buy lots of water to prepare for water changes when needed. I used tap water once and Diatoms flooded my tank for 2 weeks...

Is there anything I can add to the tank maybe to help build up the new media?

[Pufferpunk]

Is this for a FW tank? See if they have Dr Tim's or Safestart to add to the filter to get the bacteria started. Don't buy any other product. I'd go for Dr Tim's over Safestart.

[Fwoom]

No, it's BW. I listed the SG.

I'm 99% sure the Petsmart here has Safestart. I was looking at that NTS stuff, but decided to hold off before I heard anything here. I don't remember seeing Dr Tims there and where I live I'm extremely limited in what I can buy locally. Would it be worth it to wait a few days and order Dr Tims? And should I use the FW or SW nitrifying bacteria?

There weren't many filters offered and I was kinda hoping to play around with a canister filter, but settled for an Aquaclear 200. It was actually too large for my 15 gallon hood (I know it's small, but plans are to get a 30 gallon right after the move this summer.), so I had to cut a larger hole out. After I replaced the hood and the filter was in, I saw quite the stressed puffer. :/ I had not seen that black of a belly since I first got him, but got his normal white belly again after awhile.

[FADE2BLACK_1973]

Seachem's Prime is a really good water conditioner that helps detoxifies ammonia. Used it for years and has been a huge life saver for my tanks and fishes. Also agree with PP about adding that extra bacteria in the filter to help with the jump start.

[Fwoom]

I actually recently switched from API's water conditioner to Prime. It made a huge difference. I guess I'll order Dr Tims then. Thanks.