Algae or hydra?

[Renee C.]

Could anyone help me identify this in my shrimp tank? Is it a type of algae or a type of hydra?

 

Thank you! 
 

crystal 

[Pepere]

If you see a stalk with tentacles on the end, bring a pair of planting tweezers up near to the tentacles. If it is Hydra it will draw itself away into a ball in response.  Algae will not.

[Renee C.]

It does not retract, could it be Ciliate Zoothamnium arbuscula? If so I’m pretty clueless how to treat? 

[Pepere]

Its beyond my knowledge base.

[TOtrees]

I've had this stuff in my tanks on occasion, and above is the first time I've seen a scientific name for it, so thanks @Renee C.!!

Here's a vid of it that I posted elsewhere, like 3-4 years ago I think. https://youtu.be/qymPEm_xxQY

Note the planaria also. Fun times. 

I've never seen it affect fish (or shrimp) directly, but it is something I usually associate with non-stable tanks. Eg recently set up, or some sort of major change. Never seen it in a stable balanced ("seasoned" 🤓) tank. 

 

[Renee C.]

This set up is only 3 months old, so that makes sense. It is spreading quite quickly, so I think I’ll spot treat a small area with peroxide and see it that helps, maybe slightly bigger water changes, and cut back food a little, hopefully it clears.  

I’m glad to hear you haven’t seen it affect fish or shrimp, that’s a relief! Thank you for sharing!