what do i do if my Ammonia levels are high ?!?

Question
I have a 15 gallon tank with 7 different fish in it. My problem is that only certain types of fish have died in my tank. the fish that have died are the following: Molly, Barbed Tiger, and a Guppy.
All my other fish APPEAR to unaffected? I have done water changes, I've been testing it every day so far. After all i did just start the tank a few weeks ago. I also believe my Ammonia levels are high. How can I be sure,a what can I do if my Ammonia levels are high???

Answer
Hi D.C,
Your tank looks like its in the beginning of cycling, like it just started, or didn't even start yet.  When fish waste and extra food that doesn't get eaten fall to the floor.  They get broken down into Ammonia.  Which is why you have a high ammonia level.  Theres 2 sets of beneficial bacteria in all aquariums in which the 1st set breaks down ammonia-to-nitrite and the 2nd set breaks down nitrite-to-nitrate.  Since you haven't given long enough time for these bacteria to grow, you therefore have high ammonia levels.  You don't have the 1st set of bacteria that is nessesary to break ammonia down into nitrite.  In order for these 2 sets of bacteria to grow, you need to give the tank time.  As time progresses, the bacteria from the air goes into the water and breaks down these toxins.  Nitrate is the final result after ammonia and nitrite are broken down.  And there is no 3rd set of bacteria to break down nitrate.  The only way to remove nitrate is to do water changes.  Thats why all aquarists are encouraged to do 15%-20% water changes every week to remove nitrates.  But since your tank has not been cycled yet.  You must do water changes every 2 days to prevent the ammonia levels from getting to high.  After the 1st set of bacteria is grown, you will have no more ammonia problems, but then will have to worry about nitrites which also requires water changes every 2 days.  Once both sets of bacteria have been grown you can reduce water changes to once a week.

For now, keep doing water changes every 2 days and be patient.  Your tank will eventually cycle.  In order to test for Ammonia Nitrite and Nitrate levels you need a test kit.  They are available at any local fish store such as petco and petsmart.  But I would suggest you get the liquid test kit.  Test strips are very inaccurate.  

Here are some examples to help you understand,
For the cycling, you need to grow 2 sets of bacteria. One is ammonia-to-nitrite converting bacteria and the other is nitrite-to-nitrate converting bacteria. One cycling is done, and you test the water. It should read 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and some readings of nitrate.

For Ex: If you have high ammonia levels, with 0 nitrite and 0 nitrate, it means you have not grown the 1st set yet nor the 2nd set. And this usually occurs in the beginning of cycles.

Another Ex. If you have 0 ammonia, high nitrite, 0 nitrate, it means you have successfully grown the 1st set which converts ammonia to nitrite, but not the 2nd set, kinda get it? This usually happens midway along the cycle

Last Ex. If you read 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and some readings of nitrate. It means you have grown both sets and you tank is cycled.
-Matt-