What are these hairlike things on the gravel? Pictures!..?

Question

My gravel has hairlike thngs and I dont' know what it is How do I get it off and what does it mean? Help will be appreciated.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/lil_misfortune/DSC00886.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/lil_misfortune/DSC00885.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/lil_misfortune/DSC00884.jpg

I already have a pleco, two in fact. Also own an elodea plant (is that how it's spelled) and a small java fern plant. The fern also has hairs on it

Answer 1

Very nice photos! Nice and close and sharp, excellent job.

That looks like the beginnings of a bit of hair algae to me. I wouldn't worry about it too much, just do a little larger water change the next few times and that will must likely keep it in check.

MM

Answer 2

It is definitely some type of algae. I wouldn't use an algaecide as they can also harm your fish. I would do water changes, make sure the tank is not sitting in direct sunlight, turn off your lights except for feeding time and when you want to show off the fish. Adding a pleco is a good idea but might not be viable due to tank size. There are other algae eater available that stay small enough for most tanks, such as the ottocinclus (sp), or the Chinese algae eater. Aquarium salt in small doses can also help but it doesn't usually stop it completely.

Answer 3

looks like hair algae. Add a little bit of aquarium salt if you can and put in a pleco. Also do 30 percent water changes ever 3 days and see if it goes away. You can also try to buy medicine that removes algae

Answer 4

Do you have live plants in your tank? When I had plants from the pet store, one of the ones I bought was a java moss, and it made little pieces like that on some things in the tank.