some black hair stuff in my tank

Question
I have a 10 gallon with about 10 small fish and a few live plants and all of a sudden a few months ago this black stuff that kind of looks like sea urchins started growing in my tank on the plants, I figured if I cut it away it would stop growing put it has started growing on the heater, the moss, the rocks, other plants and I don't know what it is. It doesn't look like brown or green hair algae and I couldn't find any black hair algae. I've looked all over the internet and I haven't been able to figure out what this is. I'm worried it's going to take over the tank or make the fish sick.

Answer
Hi Korrissa!

According to your description, I believe it is Black Brush Algae. Sending a picture might help. Algae grows on spots like the ones you mentioned so the quickest way to stop it is to stop exposing the aquarium from sunlight to prevent photosynthesis. Second, try some Tetra Algae control or the Tetra No More Algae Tablets.

Hope this helps! :D
~Sam