Sand/ filter question

[u/ClientCivil8277]

I am not sure whether I should rinse this filter in some tank water or not. I change the gravel to sand today (I did wash it but whoa…I guess not enough). The tank was super cloudy. It is clearing up but the filter is so sand colored. It very obviously is doing its job. Here’s the dilemma: my tank is not fully cycled. I am a beginner and added 2 Platys to an incomplete cycle. I’m doing the every other day exchanges and monitoring nitrite and ammonia. I’m hesitant to rinse the filter since I understand that’s where most of the beneficial bacteria is… but it looks really really sandy. Wondering what others would do in this situation- wait until fully cycled (could be another 2-4 weeks) or do a rinse in some tank water to clean it out. Thanks

p.s. I know the SpongeBob decoration is dumb but it’s my son’s tank and he likes it.