Weird gooey white stuff?

[Seaninchicago]

Hi,

I re-entered the world of fish very recently after being away since childhood.

I set up a new tank a few weeks ago (and, I'll admit, didn't cycle... sorry, not one of things I remembered from the kiddy years... I'm taking steps, however) and introduced a few fish about 5 days ago.

Last night, I noticed what looks like a milky film/slime/gel along some of the gravel on the bottom. In some places, it looks thicker than others, and it seems to retain its shape despite water currents. The fish ignore it, but I think it's a bit creepy looking.

Any thoughts?

fyi: It's a 12 gallon with two live plants (bought from lfs), some driftwood, two plastic plants. Water test as of last night showed just barely visible ammonia levels and no nitrite. It's inhabited by 2 Dalmatian Molly and 3 Red Minor Tetras.

 

[juwel]

Are you sure you washed the gravel ect: out properly? sometimes when this is not washed correctly you get like a hew above the gravel

 

[Seaninchicago]

I suppose that's possible. I gave it a pretty good cleaning though. Maybe if not the gravel then in the driftwood or plants?

Additionally, this stuff "appeared" only in the last few days. I've had the tank sitting there with everything except fish for about two weeks.

 

[juwel]

Have you tried testing the water? does there seem to be any adverse affect to the fish.

 

[Seaninchicago]

Just the ammonia (up a bit... but still very low) and the nitrite (none.) I haven't taken it into the shop yet.

The fish seem fine with it, they just float above the stuff. I'd guess I've got about 3 square inches of it, and they just ignore it. I'm tempted to try and scoop it out, but I wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts before I potentially broke it up into the water.

Thanks for the thoughts, regardless.