White crusty film

Question
QUESTION: 20 gallon marineland aquarium was set up and running for a week or so. I had to drain the whole aquarium and noticed everything had a white crusty thin film all over it. My tank was cloudy to look thru when empty. When water was in there there was 2 ph balancing fizz tabs that were used ( not recommended) what is this white film???? Why can I scrape it of the heater element, and is a fine powder???? Please help...

ANSWER: Justin,

 The tank needs to cycle for 3 weeks. The white film was most likely due to the Ph tabs. They do not work and are a waste of money. The tank will be cloudy until the second bacteria bloom has happened. The cloudy water is due to the first bacteria bloom that is the stuff. The second bacteria bloom is the healthy bacteria that the tank needs to keep the fish healthy. Just refill the tank and let it run with no fish for 3 to 4 weeks. At the beginning of week 2 test the water everyday. If all the readings are good you can start adding fish 2 at a time. If the reading are not good, do a 25% water change everyday until the readings are normal. Remember, never add a fish to the main tank until it has been quarantined in the hospital tank for 2 weeks. If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask

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QUESTION: I rated you as be very helpful. Anywho I already added 3 mollies and they are doing very well, they seem happy. Added fish before I read this. Since they are a hearty fish and my region has hard water and slightly high ph...my main question is what fish in 2 weeks will go best with my mollies? It is a semi brackish setup...some salt ...but not alot. Thank you soo much in advance;)

ANSWER: Justin,


 The best tank mates include Platies and Swordtails, Angel Fish, a single Plecostomus,guppies,  platies, Corydoras Catfish, or larger Tetras including Red Serpaes, Silver Tips and Black Skirts.
 
Be careful as not to over populate your tank. With it being 20 gallons it will not tank long. I would not put more that 5 fish in it for now and see how that goes. Let me know if you have any more questions

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QUESTION: So if I have all these live bearers, isnt my tank eventually have tons of fish? My mollies had fry the other day. The mom and dad ate all of them but 1. The 1 just swims around with them now

Answer
Justin,

 Not necessarily. The same ting will continue to happen. The fish in the tank will eat most of them. The one that is swimming with the rest might still become a snack for someone. I would make sure there are enough plants so the little one will have places to hide.