Sick Fish (Another Newbie)

[phreezee]

Originally Posted by Subdued

does not ich come on from stress....ammonia spiking from 4 fish atr once would defn. stress them.

No it doesn't, it comes from a parasite LOL. Stress increases susceptibility, but obviously the guys problem is not an ammonia spike, but the fact that he has parasites in his water system.
(he even says ammonia at 0 in his initial post)

Sounds more like Velvet anyway.

Amyloodinium ocellatum
Common names: saltwater velvet, coral reef disease

When whole aquariums of fish are lost in a short period of time it is usually to oodinum. Oodinum is a parasite which first attacks the gills. Therefore, heavy breathing is the earliest recognizable symptom. As the infestation advances, the body will take on a powdery or velvet-like appearance. The spots are much smaller than Cryptocaryon spots. Oodinum can kill fish in less than a week! Careful observation of your fishes' respiration rate is important for an early diagnosis. By the time your fish has a velvety appearance, it may be too late!