good for you for getting the test kit. I agree with what one poster said about feeling like a mad scientist. I did too when i first got mine. As has already been said, i would keep up with large water changes until the ammonia comes down. Even though you are cycling, in case there is lots of waste in the gravel decaying and causing the ammonia, i would do a good gravel vac as well. Most of the good bacteria is in the filter anyway. You are using the prime with every water change, correct? You can increase the amount of prime (i think it says how much on the bottle) to help with the ammonia.
Just keep it up. Good job so far.
yes i have been using prime with every water change. 2 drops per gallon as the bottle says.