internal filters

As i was about to do a water change today i moved my internal filter and it shorted out. I havent pulled it out of tank yet to check it out. When i moved it, it popped and everything on that circuit switched off. Water flew out of were the cord goes in at the top. Luckily for me i didint get electrocuted ( i had my hands in the tank ) and all the fish are ok.
How long can i keep the filter in the tank to keep the good bacteria in the media alive while i wait for a replacement. I still have my canister filter going also.

IMO youd b better off just taking the filter out. The canister should be sufficient filtration for the tank til you get a new internal.

seconded!

thanks. ill get it out. do i need to put in an air stone or will the spray bar airate the tank enough. its spays just above the water line so the surface is broken.

Your better off having an airstone in there anyways, just for a bit more aeration for the fish. Or do as I do and put in a sponge filter, kills 2 birds with 1 stone

yeah, again seconded. Playing devil's advocate the spraybar above the water line will be providing more than enough O2 for the fish but airstones make sure of that fact. they also help with water circulation and bubbles look pretty.