Unusual threadlike growth on plants

[silverfox]

Hi all - I have an unusual growth on my plants (mostly on the grasses - but seems to be spreading upwards through the water column slowly). I thought it was java moss at first when it was smaller - even though I had removed most of it a while back.

It doesn't look like java moss now that's it's been in there for a few weeks maturing. It looks to be 'choking' the plants it is attached to. If I can't remove it naturally... then I may need to remove the plants it is attached to (or trim them back and hope for the best?).

Photo's are without/with flash.
Any suggestions on what it might be, and what I should do?
Thanks

[Gatorguy]

That is hair algae or sometimes called thread algae. Grab something to drink then use the search function on this forum for "hair algae". Sit back and read away...

[Marinemom]

That looks like hair algae to me. Usually something is out of balance when you see something like this. What kind of lighting do you have on the tank? Are you using any form of co2 for the plants? Are you dosing anything for the plants? What is your feeding schedule like? What is your water change schedule like for this tank? How often and how much? Sorry for all of the questions but more info. is needed in order for us to help you.

Marinemom

[epicfish]

Either hair or staghorn algae. Crank up your CO2 if you have it.

You can try an Excel overdose to get rid of it, but it'll come back if you don't fix something.

1) What's your lighting?
2) How big is your tank?
3) CO2 (DIY/pressurized)? Excel?
4) Do you dose fertilizers?

[Mgamer20o0]

well i would first pull it out of your tank. also what are your tank readings such as nitrate ammonia, nitrite.