What is this growing in my tank?

[slender]

I have a some little tree like things growing in my tank. There are two patches of about 5-10 "trees" that are less than a half in tall. One of my six snails has his shell covered with these too. They look like a twig going straight up with twigs branching out to the side. It's been like this for a few weeks. Doesn't seem to be growing or overtaking the tank at all. Anyone know what this is? Hair Algea? Is it bad? How do I get rid of it?

 

[mr . salty]

Sounds more like Aptaisia(anemone) than hair algae.These can be bad for a tank,as they reproduce very quicly and will take over the tank.They will also sting corals,and small fish.There are some fish and inverts that will clear them out for you.Try doing a search for APTAISIA...

 

[dburr]

could also be brown polyps. Aps grows quite fast and take over quickly. 1 may grow 1/4" in a week or two.
The polyps grow slow and when small look like aps.
I have some on my rock and are growing very slow.
If it is aps try a peppermint shrimp.
HTH

 

[karlas]

do these look like what you have if so they are harmless filter feeders (foraminiferans)
<a href="http://www.reefs.org/hhfaq/pages/picture_pages/faq_foramwhite.html" target="_blank">foramins</a>