Hair Algae?

Hi,

My first time of posting pics, so I hope they appear!

My 180l tank. Amm - 0, Nitrite - 0, Nitrate - 15(ish). pH normally around 7.3 and I'm in a hard water area.

If you need it, fish details are in my profile.



I think this is hair algae - the best photo I could manage:



Any suggestions on how to get rid? - it came in on the java moss (I really should have taken it back to the shop, but I was having a nightmare getting hold of it). My lights are on from 2pm through to 10 and reading articles on here, I've changed that to 12pm -> 3.30pm and 4.30pm to 10 (from today) to break up the light half way through.

I try not to overfeed, but don't know my phosphate levels unfortunately. I'm a bit of a newbie to this, so CO2 addition is something I'd like to avoid if possible.

Since my Java ferns went in, they've been sprouting additions on their leaves and my twisted vallis is growing quite quickly with new shoots appearing. The hair algae appears to be spreading.

Apologies for war and peace. I know this doesn't eliminate the root of the problem, but I've head amano shrimps can eat it?

Thanks,

BFG

Wont it brush off? With something like a toothbrush?

Have a look at this http/www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9

Guys,

Excellent stuff. I'd tried getting rid by pulling it off, but it's too fiddly. The toothbrush idea (in the link as well, so many thanks) is a great one - will give it a go!

Good luck, let us know how you get on.