Severe Amonia problem

Question
Hello Karen,
I am in dire straits, and can not figure out what to do, I have always had fish tanks and up until now have never had a problem,
I have a 55 gallon aquarium that I acquired from another person, When first getting it, I did not cycle it enough and soon enough, between too many fish and maybe feeding a little to much, the ammonia rose sky high and all but three of my fish (2 guarami's and a rainbow fish) died.
Since then I know I have to get the tank right and will take as much time as possible.   about 3 weeks ago I did a 80 percent water change, bought a brand new duel whisper pump, and haven't added any new fish, and the ones I have only get fed about 2 times a week.  the week after I tested it to see a still very high ammonia count, then I added some TLC to the filter, and another 20 percent water change.  Continuing with the TLC every other day, I waited another week to see my ammonia has not changed still, and did yesterday another water change, and added some dirty water from a local fish store (they said it would help cycle)I tested it again and it doesn't seem to be changing... I am really worried, I tested my tap water and it shows a light green amount of ammonia ( I don't know if that has anything to do with it)
do you know anything that it seems is wrong with what I am doing, I currently have red gravel down, should I take it out, and replace it with natural rock?
If you can help at all I will greatly appreciate it.
thanks again
Misti

Answer
Hi Misti,
Although the ammonia in the tap water is definitely not a good thing and could be contributing to your high ammonia levels. I would wonder if the test kits were inaccurate. You can get false readings if you use a water conditioner that neutralizes ammonia. Fortunately most say on the label what test kit reagent they are compatible with.

If this isn't the case. You may have to do a very large water change to have any impact on the ammonia level when it has built up. Something like 50-75% would be needed. Although it could produce false readings if you don't have a compatible test kit, using a water conditioner that neutralizes ammonia helps with the ammonia in the tap-water problem as well as helping to relieve the ammonia in the aquarium which will put a lot of stress on the poor fish.

But first make sure you aren't getting false readings. Then work on from there.

There's really not much wrong with red gravel. But it doesn't show fishes colors very well and natural gravel is always best. But don't worry about that right now.

Best wishes,
Karen~