Hi,

I just noticed a huge amount of wierd plant growth in my tank - the stuff sprang up about overnight. It is green, looks exactly like hair (except for being green) and is growing on my plastic plants. It is several inches long. Does anyone know what in the world it is?? Is it dangerous? I have two precious pets in there...

On the up side, if it is harmless, it is kind of pretty. I don't know where it could have come from, though.

Help?

TIA,
Desiree

It sounds just like green hair algae. If you have a high nutrient load in your tank that could explain why it is growing so quickly. It is harmless in itself because the fish will likely eat it, but it may suggest an imbalance of sorts in your tank. Test your water to see if your nitrates are excessive.

How old is your tank? Does it have live plants? This stuff seems to sprout up in the first week you set up a planted tank.

The tank is pretty old, years actually, we did move it in December but kept the cycle alive. No live plants (I got tired of Basil eating them and went to plastic. I will check the water, but I am betting it's the nitrates since they are rather overdue for a water change.

Thanks!!