inherited a tank, fishless cycling now

Hi All,
This is my first post. I inherited a tank and had beautiful old orandas. Unfortunately things happened and not knowing how to fix lost all. I was very overzealous. I have now been doing a fish less cycle b4 adding new fish. I believe week 7 maybe 8. My tank has cycled where I had nitrates and nitrites, however my ammonia is not going to 0. Last 4 days readings are roughly same am & pm. 2.0-4.0 ppm ammonia, 0 ppm nitrite, 5.0 or a little less on nitrate. Help please I am not going to hurt anymore glorious Orandas. 50 gallon tank. Have not done any water changes per your instructions but may be misunderstanding.
Thank you in advance
Nancy,