home made filter media?

as long as the same fish, same gravel, same everything, including filter and as much of the old tank water as possible are being switched to the new tank and no new fish are being added at this time, it should be ok until you can get somewhere to get filter media. the only thing changing really is the increase in water volume (bigger tank).

the filter from your 20 gal has cycled media in it from an established tank, right? i would keep it running on the new tank for a while to aid in getting the tank and other filter cycled.

btw, your shirt most likely has soap residues and chemicals from washing/drying in it and that would leach into the water, and even small amounts are potentially harming to your fish.

No need to use the old tank water, bacteria doesn't live in the water column.

but food for the bacteria does so i would use at least 50% or more just so the cycle will not stall from lack of bioload. it will be like doing a 50% + wc and a good gravel vac.

The bacteria will of already used all of it food from the water and all that should be left are nitrates. But adding old tank water to the new tank all you are doing is polluting the water, the fish will add a source of ammonia for the bacteria.

krytan said:

The bacteria will of already used all of it food from the water and all that should be left are nitrates. But adding old tank water to the new tank all you are doing is polluting the water, the fish will add a source of ammonia for the bacteria.

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+1... there should almost never be any reason to take the old tank water with you when setting up a new tank.

sometimes its appropriate to do so when shipping, or when setting up a breeding tank.. but NEVER for cycling purposes

bacteria doesnt live in the water... and any ammonia/nitrite should already be gone.. which is why we like to see out levels on those chemicals at 0... and there is NO reason to add nitrate to the tank.. that is just asking for trouble