to much ammonia in tank

Question
QUESTION: i got a 20 gallon tank about 2 weeks ago. i probably should have let it sit for a while before putting fish in it,but i didnt.:( i had a guramme, (i dont know if i spelled that right)an angelfish, and a sucker fish (im sorry i dont know there real name). the angelfish died first,within a week, then the sucker,this morning. so all thats left is the guramme and i really dont want to lose him! the ammonia levels are sky high. i tried to use some of those tablets they sell for that, and a partial water change,but nothing happened. then i heard that u shouldnt use that stuff at all,u should just wait and the ammonia will just go down on its own.im so confused. and i feel really bad for not waiting to put fish in there,but i really dont want to lose the last one. and i really want to get the problem under control. can u help me?

ANSWER: Hi Katie,
Many people make this mistake, and unfortunately lose their fish.  The best way to cycle a tank is to buy a used sponge that fits your filter from a pet store.  Squeeze out the access water, and let your tank run for 3-4 weeks without any fish it it, adding water that has evaporated.  You should buy the principle test kits for fresh water tanks which are ammonia, nitrites, and nitrate.  You should also buy a PH test kit, as not all fish live in the same PH.  Once you have these kits, you check your water periodically.  Before putting any fish into your tank, your ammonia should be zero, your nitrites zero, and your nitrates should be low.  A handful of gravel from an established tank also helps.  These kits are very handy to have, and should be number one in your fish cabinet.
For now, if you can, I would bring back the little gourami, as he will have quite a struggle in your water to survive.  If you cannot bring him back, you will have to do 10% water changes every day until your water chemistry is right.  I cannot guarantee you will save him.
Keep this sponge in your filter, and later when you must clean your tank, never rinse your sponge under tap water.  This would kill all the good bacteria in your sponge.  Rinse it in water that you have removed from your tank.  After the tank is well cycled, weekly water changes of 25% are a must to keep your water clean, and free of ammonia.  A sponge is good for a very long time, until it is old, ragged, and falling apart.
I would also like to add, when adding fish, do so very slowly.  Buy one fish, wait one week, check your water for ammonia, and nitrites, and if your water is perfect, do a 25% water change, and add another fish.  Do this until you have the right amount of fish in your tank.  If you add too many fish at once, your water chemistry will change killing off all your fish.  
Not all fish mix, and not all fish have the same needs.  Read up on fish, or ask before bringing them home.  For instance, an Angel fish will need 10 gallons of water all to himself, so if you go with Angel fish, you can only add two to your tank.  You could then add 4 little cory fish, because they are bottom fish, but this would be your limit.
Overstocking a tank brings stress to fish, and disease.  You must be very careful not to do this.
I would also like to mention that chemicals to bring up the PH or down, are not good for your fish, so avoid these, and any other chemicals.  The only one that you need is a good water conditioner that you use every time you do a water change, such as "Stress Coat."
I hope this helps.
Lynda

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QUESTION: so all i can do is get a used sponge for my filter and do water changes and wait, right? dont use any chemicals at all? and if i do that how long do u think it will take for it to get to the right levels?

Answer
Unfortunately there is nothing else you can do.  Buy a used sponge, and do little water changes every day.  Just add "Stress Coat" to your water changes, and nothing else.  Ask your pet store owner to give you a handful of gravel.  They are only too pleased to help us.  Do not rinse the gravel, just put it into your tank.  Don't rinse the sponge either.  The used gravel will also help bring good bacteria to your tank, but the used sponge is very important.
It may take anywhere from three weeks to a month to get your water chemistry right.  Keep checking your water to see.  This is all you can do.
Lynda