I need an Expert to walk me through..

Question
Hello again Karen da'Expert..
Hi again,and I pray God is keeping you healthy! aas for me I'm am so stressed out and frustrated rihgt now. I come home from work to find that my nightmare is starting, remember me, the guy that threw 20 community fishes into a 4 day old 33long..(Yeah,,him..)Anyway, if there wansn't so musch water to mop up afterwards, I would of surely used my baseball bat to SMASH right thru the front glass!
I need help! I just can't seem to get my tank to clear up, no matter how many water changes, I have all the kits(no strips) and everyting is within range except for the Ammonia, it never goes down, always at 8.o! So this is what I would like to ask of you...
I am willing to start from scratch!!! I will follow your direction to the "T" and write everything down, I'll even let you know if I pass gas, since that there might change the water chemistry, who knows? Would you please write me back with what I should do, like If I just walked in with my Fishtank today? I think this might be the only way for me to get it Right with an Expert's Advice and you monitoring me..

Thank You so much, I couldn't wait to write this email to you, 2 Fat and Plumpy Red parrots in 2 two days,and neons have died..so I no longer have 20 something fishes..
can't wait to hear from you,, Tony L (NYC,NY)what you think about NYC water? some say it's the best.. hmmm?

Answer
Dear Tony,
To help spare the other fish, you could take 98%percent of them back to the petstore if they will allow.

The most important thing you can do is 50% water changes EVERY day. Fifty percent should dilute the ammonia down and doing it everyday is vital to prevent more fish loss. Because of the high density of fish and bioload you may have to expect to lose more of the sensitive fish even with 50% changed everyday. Ammonia is so extremely toxic that few fish can really handle it for long. But eventually bacterial colonies will catch up and ammonia will drop with time and patience. Patience is the key.
If ammonia levels are still high after doing a 50% water change you'll have to do more drastic, like 75% or even more. Avoid a 100% water change as this can upset the balance of everything even more.

It's extremely important to remember to make the replacement water equal in that of temperature to your aquarium, flucuations are very stressful and remember to always use a water conditioner/dechlorinator.

No, I don't think you'll need to start over completely. Just INSURE you do those massive water changes every day to battle the ammonia spikes which are so harmful. With time, ammonia will level out and drop to zero as bacteria colonies catch up and you'll no longer need to do massive daily water changes but switch to reasonable weekly water changes as long as you keep your fish population low.

Don't just give up. There is hope and I know your aquarium will certainly straighten out with patience and water changes. Adding one of those "Bacterial starters" in a bottle that claim to have millions of the beneficial bacteria per teaspoonful can help but will probably not be a cure all.

Hang in there, feel free to write with anymore questions or concerns you may have.....
(For further referance and help--look into this great fishkeeping book that explains everything you need to know in a simplified and easy way called-
"The simple guide to freshwater aquariums" It's an excellent fish book and will get you on to the right track.
Remember doing as much research as you can is the most responsible thing you can do for your fish.--and water changes.... ;-)

It's very sad to hear about your fish. I know how frustrating having a troublesome fish tank can be, but don't give up just yet. patience.

Very best wishes and happy fishkeeping!
take care,
Karen~
ps:NYC water? I'm not sure. It's kind of hard for me because I live in Texas! ;-) Whatever they say! ;-)