I think I'm having a system crash

[windcoast reefs]

Okay, so I think things are under control at the moment. I did a 50 percent water change and stuck on 2 reactors full of carbon as well as changed out the filter sock. I watched the guy at the LFS bag the sponge and it never left the water and it was handled very gently. He gave me a full refund and is helping get the tank back to normal. I took the sponge out as well. I did cut a few small pieces that were still healthy off of it. They are sitting in a bag in. My sump, so you think these are okay or should they be thrown out?