Mystery Moss/Algae Globule

[erbs]

Searched through threads looking for similar, but wondering if folks have any advice on what type of algae / moss this little blob might be?
IMG_20191015_142138861.jpg

Seems to have been a hitchhiker on the peacock moss also pictured, and perhaps stuck to the branch while floating. Was pretty unnoticeable since setting up scape (5 gal, going on 3 mos old), but realized it's starting to get a little bigger. Otherwise, plants seem to be doing okay and just encountering normal glass algae patches that are different than this blob.

I kinda like it as this little tree ornament for now, and weirdly has stayed in a globular shape for the most part and hasn't seemed to spread to other areas - but mostly wondering if it's something to remove now (before it becomes a menace to other plants) or is kinda benign? Thanks.

IMG_20191015_142219524.jpg

[stormvisions]

Searched through threads looking for similar, but wondering if folks have any advice on what type of algae / moss this little blob might be?
IMG_20191015_142138861.jpg

Seems to have been a hitchhiker on the peacock moss also pictured, and perhaps stuck to the branch while floating. Was pretty unnoticeable since setting up scape (5 gal, going on 3 mos old), but realized it's starting to get a little bigger. Otherwise, plants seem to be doing okay and just encountering normal glass algae patches that are different than this blob.

I kinda like it as this little tree ornament for now, and weirdly has stayed in a globular shape for the most part and hasn't seemed to spread to other areas - but mostly wondering if it's something to remove now (before it becomes a menace to other plants) or is kinda benign? Thanks.

IMG_20191015_142219524.jpg

Maybe it is Aegagropila linnaei*which is the algae in marimo balls?

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[erbs]

interesting, thanks! i just googled "Aegagropila linnaei growing on branch?" and first result is: "Global Decline of and Threats to Aegagropila linnaei" ha so maybe i should let it live

[Kyoni]

I also have that in my tank and I also left it on my hardscape. It is very similar to hair algae and I underestimated it's growth. It expanded and started growing into my moss. Now it's so tangled up in it that I cannot separate the moss from the algae. I took the whole mess and gave it a peroxide dunk and it bubbled up a lot but still did not kill it all. I suggest you get rid of it while it's small.

[SCas]

Looks like spirogyra, i had some in my tank and its a total nuisance, i got it under control by removing the stuff i culd by hand, then getting 3 amano shrimp, and turning off the co2 for a week or so

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[stormvisions]

I'm not sure myself but I fall in the "if you don't have a fish that can eat it, nuke it" camp with most algae I have encountered. I had some algae in the tank and controlled it but if I use a magnifying glass I can see these tiny bits on my moss ready to explode into growth if I get careless. Once it gets a foothold it can take drastic action to get rid of.

[erbs]

Yikes about the rapid expansion / taking over moss, and very helpful input - I'll do the prudent thing and remove it this weekend.

Thanks y'all!