Java moss or hair algae?

[devsi]

I've had a look at pictures online and this looks like hair algae to me. Is it, or is it something else like java moss?

Weirdly, I really like the look of it, even if it is algae, so I'm not looking for ways to get rid of it; just curious what it is

Edit: Added picture!

 

[SotaAquatics]

Hi, did you try sharing a picture with your post? I do not see it.

 

[devsi]

Hi, did you try sharing a picture with your post? I do not see it.

You need a picture to identify it?! Can't you just tell me what it is without a picture?

I am of course being sarcastic I stupidly forgot to upload the photo! I've added it to the OP

Thanks!

 

[PAcanis]

That's not like any java moss I've seen.

 

[CrackerboxPalace]

Definitely not java moss, looks like hair algae to me. Great snack for some fish and inverts

 

[Rye3434]

looks like cladaphora algae, maybe coming from the moss ball underneath

 

[devsi]

That's not like any java moss I've seen.

Definitely not java moss, looks like hair algae to me. Great snack for some fish and inverts

Thanks I know most people dislike it, but I think it looks great on the bog wood!

looks like cladaphora algae, maybe coming from the moss ball underneath

Ah nice, so the moss ball is expanding to other things haha!?

 

[SotaAquatics]

I get this algae too, grows on some of my sponge filters which I do like. If you decide to keep it, just make sure to clean it a bit when you vac, mine seems to trap a lot of debris in it.

 

[devsi]

I get this algae too, grows on some of my sponge filters which I do like. If you decide to keep it, just make sure to clean it a bit when you vac, mine seems to trap a lot of debris in it.

Awesome, thanks for the advice - I'll make sure I do that

 

[SamMe]

I have this in my tank as well. It spread from the moss balls. It does tend to trap a lot of debris, but cleans up easy enough. Is there a downside to letting it stay in the tank that we should know about?

 

[PAcanis]

My algae, which is covering all my java moss, reminds me of Spanish Moss.


Unfortunately I was told nothing will eat this kind

 

[devsi]

My algae, which is covering all my java moss, reminds me of Spanish Moss.

That looks awesome though! Why would you want something to eat it!

 

[SamMe]

Mine is darker green and shorter like the picture devsi posted. Rye3434 called the one I have cladaphora algae. Will fish eat this kind of algae?

 

[PAcanis]

That looks awesome though! Why would you want something to eat it!

Because it has gotten into the hairgrass, too. It doesn't looks so nice there

 

[devsi]

Because it has gotten into the hairgrass, too. It doesn't looks so nice there

Oh, ok

Not even an SAE, Nerite Snail or Amano will eat it? Those guys eat everything between them haha.

Edit: Mollies are also excellent algae eaters. I moved a castle into their tank, covered in algae, and within two days it was completely clean.

 

[PAcanis]

Oh, ok

Not even an SAE, Nerite Snail or Amano will eat it? Those guys eat everything between them haha.

Edit: Mollies are also excellent algae eaters. I moved a castle into their tank, covered in algae, and within two days it was completely clean.

I've got Nerites and Amano in there now. I never see them eating it.
I had asked about Otos or a small Pleco that could be moved to a larger tank when his work was done. I was told Plecos won't eat that kind of algae.

So beats me.

But if a nice Pleco turns up at the shop I may buy him and put him in there anyway. Then I will already have him when my 38g is done.

 

[devsi]

So beats me.

Just did a quick Google and it looks like SAE and Mollies are actually recommended for hair algae... Maybe I'll wrap some round a bit of decor, put it in their tank and see what they do to it....