Green hair algae in a freshwater planted aquarium
Algae Profile

Hair Algae

Filamentous green algae · Hair algae forms long green strands on plants, wood, rocks, filters, and equipment. It often shows up when light is strong but plant growth, carbon, and nutrients are not in balance.

Quick Answer

Hair algae forms long green strands on plants, wood, rocks, filters, and equipment. It often shows up when light is strong but plant growth, carbon, and nutrients are not in balance.

Care and Setup Notes

  • Pull out long strands by hand or with a toothbrush before water changes.
  • Shorten lighting and avoid direct sunlight if algae grows quickly.
  • Keep plants healthy with stable nutrients instead of making large sudden changes.

What to watch

Use this page as a planning profile, then match the advice to your exact tank size, livestock, temperature, filtration, and water test results. If livestock are already stressed, test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and temperature before making big changes.

Image: FishCare AI local planted aquarium reference