Suvanna
Remove the gravel, leave it bare.
Do your parents want you to transfer your axie from the small tank directly to the large tank asap?
If so, fill the large tank and put all the decos and OLD filter media from their small tank into new one as well as the new filter (if you have it), airstone etc... (no need for substrate/gravel - if you can't get sand at this stage - don't even bother with the gravel if you want to keep a healthy axie). Apart from dechlorinator/water ager or water conditioner added to the water, don't add any other chemicals like ammonia eliminator or ph up or downs etc...
Your tank won't cycle overnight (if only it could be so quick!
) There is no way to speed up cycling, it can take from 4-6 weeks to establish, from the time you set it up.
One thing you will have to be rigorous about is keeping on top of your water quality/tank temperature and checking the water parameters every few days (especially as your axie will be in the water while it is cycling).
Most importantly you will need a test for ammonia, nitrite and nitrates, as stated above by others. If you/your parents won't buy them/can't afford them then you will have to ensure you get a sample of the tank water tested at the local petshop/aquarium for ammonia/nitrite/nitrate every couple of days. This is important, you don't want a sick axie. Post your figures here. Waterchanges will have to be done either daily or every 2 days.
Invest in a turkey baster if you don't have one, this is great for spot cleaning of uneaten food/waste or poos.
Also, don;t forget a thermometer, if you don't have one.
Don't be tempted to add fish to speed it up either, as fish tend to nibble gills and have higher waste/ammonia.
(Message edited by kapo on July 10, 2006)