first saltwater tank PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!

Here are my observations/recommendations:

- As others have said, that's a lot of fish in such a new tank.

- Add to that that your tank is WAAAAY overstocked. And by "WAAAAY" I mean a ton. Just a single one of those tangs in a 55 is not good, but three is likely causing a lot of stress and contributing to the problem.

- How big is your UV sterilizer? Chances are it's not big enough to be doing anything to inhibit the ick and is only slowing down algae growth. Post the brand and wattage and we'll let you know.

- Dipping fish only takes care of the parasites on the fish. There are still a ton of the little f#$kers in the tank that simply attach to the fish when you put them back in.

- If I were you I would see if the store you bought the fish from has a treatment system and if so, take all your fish out and back to the store to get medicated. After about four weeks of treatment your tank should be rid of ick (if it stays fishless). Get rid of the two Powder tangs (both are not acceptable for a 55g) and maybe the Yellow (borderline acceptable).

- Did your store know how big your tank was when they sold you the fish? Did they know you had all the tangs? If so, do not listen to a single piece of advice they give you, EVER. They don't know what they're doing.