Tank setup after dying fish are gone

[M-Millett]

I am new to the hobby and have recently purchased a 56-gallon tank. Initially it was for goldfish but I was sold a sick fish which in turn made my other 2 sick. The sick one had anchor worm and now these two have it as well as - I think - ich. At least I think it is since there are now white specks on their bodies where their tails connect.

I'm still in the first month of filtration so it's expected that they won't make it since the cycle hasn't processed. As of yesterday the ammonia levels were just starting to get high so the process is now beginning.

Our question is - once the process is complete and the ammonia levels are back to normal - and the fish have gone. What steps do we need to take if we want to switch to freshwater fish instead of goldfish? Do we need to start from scratch with rocks and water or is there another process that needs to unfold?

Please advise.
Michelle & Duncan.

[rosita]

Hey folks. I've got a couple of articles that give you options:

This one will probably be quicker, just be sure to treat everything for chlorine at the end:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79226&highlight=salt%2Fheat+ich

This is a salt/heat treatment for ich; it may be too time-involved but you can always mark it for future reference!
http://www.aquariumboard.com/forums/articles/25-ich-fw.html

Once you've treated the tank and all of its furnishings, this article offers you great info on cycling the tank to get it ready for its new inhabitants.
http://www.aquariumboard.com/forums/articles/26-cycling-tank-fw.html

Good luck and happy trails!!! :thm:

[M-Millett]

Great!! Thanks for the information it will definately come in handy.