Maybe I didn't explain myself well. There was no mini-cycle. Or cycle of any kind. API drop/color tests confirmed that all parameters were perfect, and identical to the original tank. The original tank was a 37 gallon and the new tank was a 20 gallon. The bio-load ratio was the same. Meaning that the new tank was loaded with the proper amount/type of fish to simulate the bio-load in the 37 gallon. The 20 gallon received no more, or no less, bio-load (percentage wise) than the 37 gallon.
You don't know me, but I go to great lengths to avoid any hint or possibility of suffering in regards to my fish, or dogs, or cats, or rescued racoons, possum, or mice. (Yes, mice...I can't help it, I find them injured in the yard sometimes.) I never, ever, use fish to cycle a tank. I sought out and bought the only AVMA and FDA approved drug for humane fish euthanasia and I gently ease any dying fish out of any unnecessary suffering. Some people think I'm crazy when I tell them that. But I wouldn't let a cat or dog suffer, it would go to the vet for euthanasia. This drug works the same as the euthanasia formula/procedure for cats/dogs. (I owned a vet clinic for 5 years.)
Anyway, the fish that went into the new tank were not exposed to any suffering of any kind, and certainly no ammonia. Oh, and I didn't make this up. There is a great group of guys with 20-40 years of aquatic experience on another board and they taught me this. I probably wouldn't have tried it without their recommendation and I would've waited for a fishless cycle to complete.
I do like your outspoken-ness. On the other board I'm always telling people about their unintentional (or intentional) cruel or inhumane procedures. And tomorrow I'm doing a "Pacu Rescue". Long story, but there's a woman selling a 30 gallon tank including a ---> 13" Pacu <-----! I had to call. Indeed, this fish is in prison, and has been there for 1.5 years. I acted happy to find such a deal and I'm buying the whole thing from her tomorrow...and taking it straight to my lfs where they are ready for the big Pacu. I certainly have no place for such a fish, and wouldn't even know how to take care of it. I'm going to try and be civil to the woman and just get the fish out of there.
Zambize