Need help with 300 gallon

Hello everyone. I have been a member here for quite some time, but I think this is my first thread. I have a 300 gallon that was set up for 4-5 years. The last fish that I had in there died around 3 months ago, and I have not put any other fish in there since then. I tested my levels about a week ago and my nitrates were extremely high, and my ammonia and nitrates were at 0. I did a 70-80% water change and my nitrates dropped a bit. I did a 100% water change and I now see a small amount of ammonia. I'm assuming that all of the beneficial bacteria are dead and the left over waste is starting a cycle? I'm not too sure how long bacteria survive without fish producing waste. My question is what do you recommend I do in order to get it ready to put fish in? Should I add some dithers and let them cycle it or is it like a mini cycle? I'm just a little confused because there was no ammonia before I did the water change, and I haven't had fish in there for months. Any help is appreciated


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Ok thanks for the input everyone. Yes the pump has been running since it had fish in it last. I put some nutrifin cycle in there a few days ago when I first saw the ammonia show up after the water change. I do have a 55 gallon set up with a little female dovii. I'm trying to get the 300 ready to move her into so I can start looking for a male. I will get some bio out of the 55 and probably buy some cheap fish to help with the cycle. I appreciate everyone's help!


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