black algae?

Question
I heard that the black stuff on my plants-both live and plastic- was the start of hair algae. Is that true? I have 5 shrimp which are supposed to control the algae, but it is not working. How do I get rid of it? I am dreading the answer which says empty it all and soak everything in bleach? Is there another way?!

Answer
Hi Sharon,
Sounds like you have black hair/brush algae. Does it look similar to this?

http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/aquainfo/algae002.jpg

Unfortunately I don't have any experience with this algae but there is lots of info about it on the net. Here is one short article plus a picture-
http://aquamaniacs.net/forum/cms_view_article.php?aid=139

I hope this helps!
Karen~