High ammonia and compatible fish

Question
Hi Karen,

   My name is Matt and Im 15. About a week ago I got a 29g tank and my ammonia is still high, could you give me some advice to bring it down. Also I have 2 Dwarf Gouramis and a few Ghost shrimp they are doing great, I was wondering what kind of fish you would recommend when I get the ammonia down.
               Thanks in advance sincerly,

                               Matthew G.

Answer
Dear Matthew,
The best cure for high ammonia is 50% water changes. Massive water changes like these are a must when ammonia spikes. As ammonia is very dangerous to fish even in small amounts. Since your aquarium is only about a week old, I would recommend it best that you completely finish cycling this aquarium before adding anymore fish.
*Be sure to test your aquarium everyday and take note of the ammonia and nitrite levels
*Do those vital 50% water changes if ammonia or nitrite is above safe bounds. (Always insure your replacement water is equal in temperature to that of your aquarium and insure it is properly dechlorinated with a water conditioner)
*Aquariums can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to finish cycling or establishing the beneficial bacterial colonies whom convert ammonia into nitrite and then later into nitrate
*Daily testing will help you moniter the cycling process. High ammonia spikes typically means your aquarium is in the early stages of cycling .
*Once your ammonia and nitrite levels have dropped consistantly to ZERO and nitrate has appeared. It is now safe to add a few more fish per week until you are fully stocked.
*Just remember this takes time and patience. Please do not add anymore fish or aquatic creatures until the ammonia and nitrite levels are consistantly zero
*Also make sure if your water conditioner neutralizes ammonia and/or nitrite that it doesn't give false readings on your test kit. Some do, but fortunately most give warnings about that.

~Once your aquarium has finished cycling and the water is safe and healthy for fish. I might add 2-3 schools of tetras or rasboras. That is-- for example, say a school of 8 Harlequin rasboras and 6 gold barbs.
I know a few well-tried and true fish combinations adapted from a well-known aquarium fish book that I highly trust. One of the stocking schemes is based on small fish from one specific area of the world. This one is all fish from Southeast asia and can be somewhat considered an "asian biotope" The numbers of these fish are also based (coincidently, on a 29gal)
Here are the fish that are used in this unique little display- (This is if you were just starting out)
*The aquarium is cycled with 6 White Cloud mountain minnows
This is a delightful little fish that is extremely hardy, colorful, peaceful and very active. What more could you ask for! ;-)
* Gradually, a school of 6 Gold Barbs and 8 Harlequin Rasboras are added. The colors and iridescence of these fish complement each other, their behavior does as well. From the more retiring and calm rasboras to the bolder barbs.
*To finish this grouping a pair of dwarf gouramis completes this setup.
(I chose this stocking scheme because you already had two Dwarf Gouramis and I believe perhaps you would enjoy keeping all these little schools of colorful and interesting fish)

I really hope this helps!!! Just be sure to get your ammonia down and stably at ZERO before adding anymore little critters.

Best wishes,
Karen~