You can't see ammonia, so the University of Florida says the only way to know it's there is to test. Start with test kits and liquid kit vs strips. Tap water needs treating, per the EPA: see water conditioners and Prime vs Stress Coat. Bottled bacteria are compared in Quick Start vs Stability.
Gear guides
Water Care
Aquarium test kits
Why and how often to test, the safe levels per UF and Aqueon, and liquid kits and strips compared.
Water Care
Master Test Kit vs strips
Liquid test kit vs strips compared by what they actually measure.
Water Care
Water conditioners
Chlorine and chloramine explained by the EPA and UF, and Prime and Stress Coat compared.
Water Care
Prime vs Stress Coat
Two water conditioners compared from Seachem's and API's own claims.
Water Care
Quick Start vs Stability
Two bottled bacteria products compared, and what extension research says about cycling.