ammonia in tank

Question
Ok...I had a 55 gallon tank for over 20 years. Gave that up until my child wanted a tank. Got her a 20 gallon tank...we set it up..ammonia. Put in tabs, took about 30% of water out and still ammonia. Now, we emptied the tank, put in bottled water. Ok, fish are now living and not dying in just a day. Tonight tested the ammonia and again...ammonia. High. Going crazy with this tank...I spent a lot of money of it and my daughter is getting so upset about it and so am I. So, what am I doing wrong? I really need someone's help because the fish stores I go to don't seem to be helping. Please, Help.

Answer
Hi Robin;

Ammonia is very normal for a new tank. It's from fish waste. The beneficial bacteria in your filter, on gravel and decorations hasn't had enough time to develop enough in order to consume it. The trick is to put just enough fish in  a new tank that the ammonia does not rise too high for the starter fish to survive it. Here is my web page about it to show you the process and what to expect;

http://www.xanga.com/expert_fish_help

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins