Please Help, this is breaking my heart

[bulletsworld]

If Reef central was up and running I could direct you to some really great info to read on different types of disease and the signs to look for.

Amyloodinium ocellatum more commonly known as "Marine Velvet" is a parasite much like ich. The difference between the two is ich is small salt like dots that usually cover all through the fins, body, even eyes of the fish like "Samw" on here posted for you. Ich usually doesn't kill the fish unless they are covered and not apply to fight it.

But when you mentioned that both fish died rapidly, had a dust like appearance. Sounds to me like it could be signs of Velvet.
Signs are:
-Heavy Breathing
-swimming near the surface
- Dust like appearance through fins, large white smudged dots
-scratching their bodies up against rocks or objects
-twitching
-frayed fins

Did you have some of these signs. Its usually only seen if you watch fish carefully and notice thier normal habits different. The parasites life cycle acts very quick and if not treated right away you lose your fish before you knew what hit yeah.

IMO, to completely rid of any disease for future fishies & losses you have to keep your tank FISH FREE, for at least 30 days (6 weeks recommended)