HELP:...Im in the middle of a fish kill!!

Question
I've had my 55 gal fresh water aquarium for 7 years.  When I got the tank I bought 2 plecos (bart and olivia) 2 cory catfish (opal and pearl) and 4 goldfish (all named sarah)...I started out with 1 pleco (sophie) that I got for 4 years before that...and I've since inherited another pleco..totalling 4.  I have never had a problem with my fish or fish tank...They have survied a few moves and a house FIRE (the only standing were the outer walls and this fish tank!!)  Well...about 3 weeks ago one of my big goldfish died..and of course I'm upset because I've had him for so long..and to cheer myself up...I went to Wal-Mart (huge mistake) and bought 20 more of the .28 feeders.  Well...I got ICK from the fish at Wal-Mart..so the new fish all died and I had like 40 snails show up in my well...2 other big goldfish died too so I changed and scrubbed everyting in my tank and started ALL OVER...well...apparently that didn't do any good because not only did my last big goldfish die...but both of my cory catfish died and ALL of my plecos looke like they are on their last legs.  Their eyes are really cloudy and my water stinks something fierce.  I did the change just 2 days ago...I need something quick.  Please Help.
Thanks

Answer
Hello Lea Ann,

Okay, let's take this one step at a time.

First, the fish have to come out of the infected, filthy tank.  Anytime there is smell, there are serious issues with water quality.

First, I recommend removing the fish to a hospital tank or a tank that is bare, with a filter and heater.  Heat that tank to 80F.  Put 2 to 3 teaspoons of Marine Salt per gallon in and dissolve it.

Add the fish.

Leave them there while you thoroughly clean the main aquarium.

Second, I would leave them in their hospital tank, in fact, for one month, while you leave the other tank without ANY fish.  Why?  Well, the Ich will die without someone to eat on, so if the fish are gone, the ich parasites will cycle and die while the fish are away.  This is a nearly 100% effective way to kill the Ich.

Turn the heat up also while the fish are out so the Ich cycle fast.

Third, please do not add anymore store-bought fish without first hospitalizing them for ONE MONTH and then if they are sick, you don't have to treat the entire tank.  Just the little bare tank they live in. :)

You had your fish for seven years and I know how hard it was to lose him.  I feel for you.

Next time, also please do not add the store bought water that came with the fish.  Instead, get two bowls of water and make sure they are around 80F.

Take the store bag, and open it.  Take the fish out and put it in the first bowl, which should have 3 teaspoons of marine salt in it dissolved.  That is the salt bath.  Let your new fish sit in the salt bath bowl (monitored so he doesn't jump out) for 2 minutes and any ich he has...will DIE.

Then, gently put him into the next bowl and let him rinse off.  Then go to the main tank and put him in there.  

Everytime you pick him up, try to use your hand, gently without holding the fish.  Just cup him.  This way he won't get any net burns.  Always do it as stress-free as you can.

I hope this helps, Lea Ann, I'm so sad you lost your fish...all of them.  It must be maddening.

Write back if you need to...

Renee