When you say 26, I imagine you mean C and not F? Because 26F would give you a block of ice and a shattered tank...
Also, punctuation is appreciated. It makes your problems easier to read and understand.
You did a good thing by giving away your fish; while fish-in cycles are doable, it's better to do without. At this point you should go to Miss Fishy's site to check out her page on fishless cycling (
MissFishy's Guide to Fish). She goes through everything you'll need.