old tank (20gal) new tank (55gal) old fish in new tank

Question
Hi Nori,
I just started a new tank today, 55 gallons. I have been reading about testing the water and all about preparing a tank. But I havn't read anything about introduceing my fish into the new tank. I have 4 African cichlids. Another thing that worries me is that I just lost a fish 2 weeks ago. I have had them for two years now. And the hole reason I got a bigger tank is becuase the fish are getting bigger. I never tested the water in me 20 gallon but I just got a test from Jungle, 5 tests in one strip. everything is reading normal in my 55 gallon after 18 hours. So I tested the 20 gallon out of curiosity. My Fish are living in very bad water. The pH - 6.2, KH - 300, GH - 150, Nitrite - 3.0 and Nitrate is 200+. Should I just go ahead and put my fish in their new tank right away. Or wait a week?

Answer
Hi Randy,
Thank you for your letter. If you are not already using it, pick up a bottle of Cycle, friendly bacteria. Add it to the new tank following the instructions on the label and keep it in the refrigerator between use. If the temperatures are equal and the new tank is treated with friendly bacteria, you can add them anytime.
The off balance readings in your old tank may be from over feeding. Please read and print out my page for holistic aquarium care to learn the right feeding amounts.
http://steamboats.com/aquarium.html
Write back if you want to discuss further.
Nori