is this java moss or hair algae???

[K_S_W_I_S_S]

i have never seen java moss besides in pics, and aquatic-store sent me some plants and i asked if he sent me some javamoss and he said it was either that or hair algae... this stuff is pretty fine (kind of like hair), and it has some light green strands that have little balls on them... does this sound like it is java moss or not?? also, does anyone have a good pic? thanks.... oh yeah, try not to make me feel stupid thanks

 

[Comet]

Go to this website and take a look at the java moss there. I suspect yours is hair algae.

Check it out!
http://www.nature-aquarium.com/home.htm

 

[carpguy]

Java moss looks like a very tiny fern, a messy collection of central stems with little leaves branching off tightly in rows. Algae doesn't. Algae just looks like tufts of fur.

Java Moss:

 

[K_S_W_I_S_S]

mine is algae...... it figures

 

[kveeti]

Here is a big picture of hair algae http://www.aquaticscape.com/articles/algae/hairalgae1.jpg

from this site:
http://www.aquaticscape.com/articles/algae.htm

which also has some info on it (quoting):

" Grows in bright green clumps in the gravel, around the base of plants like Echinodorus and around mechanical objects. It has a coarser texture than "beard algae". Beard algae will ripple in the water current, hair algae tends to form matted clumps. Individual strands can get to 5 cm or more. This is easy to remove mechanically by twirling a toothbrush in it. Can be troublesome if left unchecked. This is a popular food supplement for fish among European aquarists."

I guess compare yours to this pic and the beautiful one carpguy posted.