get you a master test kit, it doesnt matter were you get cycled media, as long as you dont get it from a sick tanks, see if you have an LFS that would help. also are those fancy goldfish, most other kinds will outgrow the tank. even common feeders get 18in. gravel does some bacteria, not really much to help. get you some seachem prime, best dechloranater out there period. even helps reduce amonia and nitrates. also no way around it, if you didnt dechlor the water and put it in, it will kill the cycle of the tank. what filtration are you running.